quitecontrary

We will be in HK over the CNY - I'm just a little worried about what will be open and the crowds on say the Peak, Lamma, Lantau etc.
Would it be madness to go over to Macau on one of the holiday days -we would just want to wander around the town, go to Coloane for lunch at Fernando's and then have a look at the new gambling strip on the way back.
Will Stanley be closed up? What about the places like Pacific Place -will it be business as normal? What about Shenzen -closed or business as usual or too crowded?
Thanks in advance.

msb0b

A lot of HK residents will be going to Macau during Chinese New Year and other long holidays in general. The one time I tried, got to the TurboJet ferry pier at 8am, and the tickets are all sold out 3 hours in advance. The earliest I could get on the ferry was 11am and get to Macau by noon. The only available same-day returns are early, around 6pm. This is with ferries running at a departure every 5 minute. So I said screw it and find alternate entertainment.

It is possible to book ferry tickets in advance. I think China Travel Service is an agent for TurboJet tickets.

Practically all the retail businesses--especially malls--were open for business during Chinese New Year.

HKTraveler

With the opening of several new casinos, Macau will be a nightmare. Crowded with mainland tourists. If you really want to go, book a turbojet ticket online ahead of time.

HK should be fine. Crowded but nothing to the same extent as Macau. Most HK residents will be out of town.

rkkwan

Locally owned, and non-chain, stores may close for CNY day and the next. Same with restaurants.

Lantau, particular the Po Lin Monastery can be crowded. Expect lines for the NP360 cable car.

The border crossings between Hong Kong and Shenzhen will be very busy. Not recommended unless you have a real good reason to go to Shenzhen.

rjh

When would you avoid travel to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam other than, say, 7-8 Feb 2008? Assume something less than the full 1-15 Feb period, but I'd still like to avoid the worst and medium-worst.
Thanks.

msb0b

The Chinese New Year is typically celebrated from the Eve to the 3rd. This year it would be from the 6th through the 9th of February.

The HK long holidays are Chinese New Year, Easter and Christmas/New Year.
China has three Golden Weeks: Chinese New Year, Labor Day (May 1) and National Day (Oct 1).

Travelling in these regions during these time is not a problem. Do keep in mind the transportation infrastructure will be heavily utilized and plan accordingly.

fluegelwesen

are the any fireworks on Feb 6/7 or is there anything else to see that night? If fireworks, where is a good place to be/stay?

There is a big firework on Feb 8. Do we see it from the Conrad or from the Sheraton?

Anything else typically CNY we should see/avoid between Feb 5 and Feb 10 at HKG???

Thanks for all insights....

rkkwan

No fireworks on 2/6 or 2/7, but the regular Symphony of Lights should be running, and there's the parade in Tsimshatsui on the night of 2/7. 2/6 is the last night of the CNY night markets, the biggest one at Victoria Park.

2/9, if you don't mind the crowds, you can go to Che Kung Temple to spin the bronze windmills and change your luck for the year.

If you have a harborview room at the Sheraton, you can definitely see the big fireworks. Conrad should be okay, but at a angle (no 1st hand experience). Island Shangri-La next door will have a better straight-on view.

fluegelwesen

thanks for the valuable information. are there any private fireworks in the streets on cny in hkg???

thanks again...

christep

No. Private fireworks are illegal in Hong Kong. The only fireworks are the big displays over the harbour.

MegatopLover

And then there were the ill-timed snowstorms that ground transportation networks in the mainland to a halt right as CNY was getting started. Who knew?

msb0b

It really is not that much different from travelling in America over Thanksgiving or Christmas. If a storm system hits, there will be many travellers that get stranded in airports for days.

The difference in China being rail instead of planes as primary mode of transportation and 1.3 billion vs 300 million population.

Travellers should follow the same routines for peak time: book tickets well in advance, get to stations/airports early and limit unnecessary travel.

rkkwan

This thread is about Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau. These places are not directly affected by the snow, and the train is running fine between among Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou-East.

What may be a side effect is that many CNY period tours from Hong Kong to central China are being canceled, as many areas aren't ready to take it visitors. With no place to go for the holiday, many will make shorter trips to southern Guangdong province and Macau.

For those going to Shenzhen, really consider using the new Lok Ma Chau rail crossing, as it's under-utilized compared to Lowu. And if going by car/bus, pick a service that uses the new Shenzhen Bay/Western Crossing, rather than Huanggong.

Going to Macau, consider using the Cotaijet instead of Turbojet. The immigration lines at the Macau pier can be horrendous. An hour wait for those who are not Macau residents is not uncommon.

HKtraveller

As for Macau, take the Police Concert at the Venetian on Feb 7th into consideration. That will surely add to the crowds.

quitecontrary

Update for anyone considering a trip to HK over CNY in future years.
Firstly the weather was cold as it often is at this time of year!
Went to Shenzhen a couple of days before the NY with no problems - no queue for visa, not crowded etc although we did see enormous crowds camping out by the train station obviously unable to get their trains home. Shopholders in LoWu said it would be closed over the NY period.
Most of the 'big name' shops were only closed on CNY day but all smaller shops e.g. the outlets in the Peddar Building and small local shops were closed for 3 days or more. Most restaurants were closed on CNY day and some were closed fo 3 days e.g Yung Kee - so we didn't manage to get a booking there - Rainbow on Lamma closed on CNY day. Ladies Market and Stanley mostly open all the time. Buses etc running normally. No crowds out and about as most people were visiting family.
We didn't venture over to Macau so can't comment on the situation there.
Great fireworks!
All in all I wouldn't plan to be there at CNY again.