Hong Kong putting on a show for New Year
Print Edition
Long lines formed at a border station yesterday as tourists from China’s mainland traveled south to celebrate Spring Festival in Hong Kong.
“We are here not just for shopping, but mainly for experiencing Hong Kong’s unique culture,” said Chen Yu, a 33-year-old teacher who came from Beijing with his wife.
He says Hong Kong is not just a place for luxury stores.
“We’re extremely looking forward to the upcoming Lunar New Year activities, such as night parade and giant fireworks. I’m sure we’ll have fun here,” he said.
According to Hong Kong’s Immigration Department, around 7.88 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong’s control points during the festive week which begins tomorrow, up 7.7 percent year on year.
Around 5.7 million are expected to pass through land boundary control points.
In order to woo more tourists, Hong Kong is to hold a series of festival activities during the Lunar New Year.
Tourists may squeeze into crowded temples to pray for good fortune, browse festive markets selling auspicious foods and flowers, and photograph the red lanterns that adorn the city.
They may also watch a fabulous parade of international and local performers, a stunning fireworks show over Victoria Harbor, and heart-pounding action at the race track.
“I’ll definitely go to the horse races. I’m already feeling excited,” said Alex Wong, a college student who traveled from Shanghai with his parents.
Horse racing is one of the best-loved events of the entire New Year’s celebrations. Some 100,000 excited fans will crowd into Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of the holiday.
There will be a grand opening show, a lion dance, and a variety of cultural performances and entertainment.
“The Lunar New Year here gets a makeover that is uniquely Hong Kong. A blend of modern fun and ancient customs will present visitors an unforgettable experience,” said Becky Ip, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations were recently listed by Forbes as one of the world’s 10 best festival extravaganzas, along with Germany’s Oktoberfest and Brazil’s Carnival.
“Hong Kong is not just a shopping Mecca. It has many sides to its complex personality. We hope that tourists could explore them and get a taste of local life,” Ip said.
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