Lunar New Yr in Hong Kong
On this large metropolis with deep cultural ties and traditions, photographer Nicole Claringbold shares learn how to profit from celebrating and photographing Chinese language Close to Yr in Hong Kong. From the perfect locations to {photograph}, to which angles might work greatest and insights into the cultural traditions. The festive atmosphere and visible delights of Hong Kong at Lunar New Yr make it a really worthwhile vacation spot or stopover if you’re travelling within the area.
When is Chinese language New Yr Celebrated?
Decided by the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21, Chinese language New Yr sometimes falls someday between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Chinese language New Yr is well known from February tenth – thirteenth, and can fall between January Twenty ninth-Thirty first in 2025.
Lunar New Yr is well known over 3 or 4 days if it coincides with a Sunday. With household gatherings and temple rituals to usher in good luck, well being and wealth for the brand new yr excessive on the agenda, there are infinite actions to do and see right now of the yr.
RED symbolises luck – pleasure & celebration
Beneficial for its reference to prosperity, crimson is the important thing component of probably the most auspicious event on the Chinese language Lunar Calendar – Chinese language New Yr.
In Hong Kong, the event is marked by the dressing of the town in a lavish show of crimson. The festivities see the Hong Kong streets and skyline remodel, awash with a surprising show of festive lights, lanterns and auspicious symbolism.
Chinese language New Yr Pictures Places
The Fai Chun Masters of Ladder Avenue
Climb the steps of Ladder Avenue from Queens Street West heading to the Cat Avenue flea market. Right here you’ll wander in awe of the Fai Chun Masters as they hand paint messages of well being – wealth – prosperity as items for the approaching new yr.
Get a personalised Fai Chun hand painted with the Masters. Some will even invite you to color the intricate Chinese language characters your self with their skilled steering! Their deft hand-strokes will mesmerise you, whereas the easy show of their many works hold on the encircling partitions, making for a basic Hong Kong portrait background.
Perception – On the best way, cease by and see the numerous effigie outlets scattered alongside Queens Rd West simply exterior the Sai Ying Pun MTR Exit A1. See the spectacular show of symbolic crimson good luck trinkets on show which make for fascinating captures.
Peninsula Resort – Kowloon
For probably the most iconic Chinese language New Yr captures, the lantern show on the Peninsula Resort in Tsim Sha Tsui can’t be missed. A shocking show of a whole bunch of lanterns that look like magically suspended in entrance of this timeless heritage resort.
Seize the Star ferry from Wan Chai and marvel on the lovely web site of the resort as you cross the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui. Stroll round 8-10 minutes to Salisbury Street by way of the Harbour entrance promenade to the resort.
Perception – Be sure to view from the harbour aspect of the highway, a basic reflection pool sits simply exterior the Hong Kong Area museum making for an excellent seize on a nonetheless night.
Lee Tung Avenue -a sea of crimson lanterns
One of many latest points of interest on the town may be discovered on the Lee Tung Avenue complicated in Wan Chai. Simply accessed by way of the MTR Island Line to Wan Chai, take Exit D and with a bit of luck, a sprinkle of rain could heighten the magical expertise with superb reflections.
Perception – Go low and be sure to get these reflections occurring. No rain? Take your personal water bottle alongside and make a grand splash or hunt down the reflective surfaces of glass – even your cell phone / pill display screen floor could make the distinction, rigorously positioned below your lens.
Flower Market in Victoria Park
Usually, folks go to the Victoria Park Chinese language New Yr Flower Market to embellish their houses and workplaces with a floral providing. Markets and flower shops throughout the territory look like bursting on the seams with an array of specialized auspicious crops and flowers.
Fortunate cherry blossoms (new beginnings, freshness, innocence), bonsai Kumquat bushes (prosperity), orchids (perfection, abundance, purity), pussy willows (progress, prosperity), and small daffodils in ornate china dishes (wealth, fortune) are all fervently traded.
Perception – Essentially the most immersive expertise of the Chinese language New Yr Flower Market is to attend on the final night time of the occasion. Go late within the night to not solely bag a discount as distributors feverishly clear their inventory, however for the great ‘solely in Hong Kong’ expertise… Nothing will make you smile greater than to see an array of cherry blossom bushes taking to the general public transport system. The intoxicating odor wafting by means of a packed bus, practice or tram carriage within the problem to get them residence and enhance the home is all a part of the magic of the celebrations.
To not be missed…..
Chinese language New Yr Fireworks
To embrace the brand new yr for luck and prosperity – firecrackers, fireworks and crimson garments are additionally rituals. On the primary day of Chinese language New Yr, Hong Kong is about ablaze in one of many world’s best shows of fireworks.
Operating for 20 plus minutes and with over twenty thousand fireworks launched from barges anchored in Victoria Harbour, the outdated yr is ushered out with a spectacular bang in a to not be missed extravaganza show of pyrotechnics. Finest considered harbourside, the waterfront promenade in Tsim Tau Shui or the newly developed waterfront promenade that extends from Sheung Wan to Tin Hau.
Perception – Go early and stake your declare on a great vantage level. Additionally it is an excellent alternative to attempt your hand at a hyperlapse video. Take within the sundown and expertise the blue hour as the town lights come up over the busy Hong Kong Island skyline, whereas the busy ferries monitor backwards and forwards throughout Victoria Harbour.
Kung Hei Fats Choi! 恭喜发财
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An expat photographer with a ardour for folks, their tradition and notably Asia. Since settling in Hong Kong, I’ve revelled in discovering Asia’s mystical hidden magnificence, color & artistry of the extremely numerous diaspora of individuals within the area. On this ever evolving decade of change, being an observer to a rustic below going an enormous change of id, I’m always searching for the unseen to share.
Comply with Nicole by way of Instagram @forevernc
