m2uk

Hi Guys...

Looking at coming to Hong Kong for this Chinese New Year (Feb 07). I have been several times before but not at CNY. I am getting mixed messages about what is open and how much "disturbance" there will be.

I understand that hotels will go on as normal and no doubt the Indian gentlemen trying to sell me a suit will still be there, but what else?

And what days have the best entertainment ? Had planned for 10 to 14 days and am flexible on the fly in and fly out date, but obviously don't want to arrive on NY Eve.

Thanks in advance

dtsm

Great fireworks in Victoria Harbor.

HK residents leave town, Chinese non-residents come into town (eg Taiwan, China, SE Asia).

m2uk

Thanks. Although would other restaurants and things like mtr be running (just very busy). Eating the same hotel food each day could be tiresome. What would the best times be for the visit (i.e. how long into CNY are there worthwhle things to see for a Non Chinese person).

christep

The MTR will be reasonably quiet - most local people stay at home with family. There will be plenty of restaurants open all the days - particualrly those focussed more on the tourist/expat market. It is only the smaller, locally-focussed ones which tend to shut, and then only for one or at most 2 days.

The big fireworks are on the second day of the New Year. You're probably too late to reserve a table with a view at any of the obvious restaurants.

rkkwan

This was what happened last year:

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/...yc/index.jhtml

The flower markets and the large fireworks will definitely be there. Flower markets end on New Year's Eve (Feb 17, 2007), and fireworks for 2007 will be on Feb 19 (i.e. 2nd night of New Year). The New Year Night parade was new, and I don't know if it'll be held again this year or next.

One other thing that's kind of a tradition for some locals is to go to Che Kung Temple on Feb 21st (3rd day of New Year).

Otherwise, CNY is a quiet time in Hong Kong. Many local non-chain restaurants and shops are closed on New Year's Day (Feb 18), and then they gradually reopen over the next few days. You won't find many crowds, even on the MTR.

Many major commercial highrises will have decorations on the exterior, and the regular nightly Symphony of Lights will be there.

m2uk

Thank you very much. I appreciate the leads.

thursday

don't forget it's the coldest time of the year. bring some scarves.

KenJohn

There might be more life if you take a day trip or overnight trip to Macau where all there casinos are.

Personally, if you want to get the most out of a trip to Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan, I would avoid Chinese New Year. However, if you know a local family, then it is worthwhile visiting and observe the unique local customs and traditions.

m2uk

Heh. I've been to HK so many times but CNY (and over the Christian Christmas) are about the only two times of the year that I've avoided. The current idea is to come out a few days prior and go maybe a few days after so one sees a bit of both.

stimpy

I was there for the last couple of days of the holiday last year and the fireworks/laser show was pretty darn good. I was at the Intercontinental which is probably one of the best places to watch it. As mentioned, getting a table is near impossible. So I "snuck" around to the other side of the windows and had the whole area to myself. Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone!