Lunar New Yr in Hong Kong
On this large metropolis with deep cultural ties and traditions, photographer Nicole Claringbold shares methods to take advantage of celebrating and photographing Chinese language Close to Yr in Hong Kong. From the very best locations to {photograph}, to which angles might work finest 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 12 months excessive on the agenda, there are countless actions to do and see right now of the 12 months.
RED symbolises luck – pleasure & celebration
Beneficial for its reference to prosperity, purple 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 town in a lavish show of purple. The festivities see the Hong Kong streets and skyline rework, 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 Highway 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 12 months.
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 straightforward show of their many works hold on the encompassing partitions, making for a traditional Hong Kong portrait background.
Perception – On the way in which, cease by and see the various effigie outlets scattered alongside Queens Rd West simply exterior the Sai Ying Pun MTR Exit A1. See the spectacular show of symbolic purple good luck trinkets on show which make for attention-grabbing 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 lots of of lanterns that seem like magically suspended in entrance of this timeless heritage resort.
Seize the Star ferry from Wan Chai and marvel on the stunning web site of the resort as you cross the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui. Stroll round 8-10 minutes to Salisbury Highway by way of the Harbour entrance promenade to the resort.
Perception – Be sure to view from the harbour facet of the street, a traditional reflection pool sits simply exterior the Hong Kong Area museum making for a fantastic seize on a nonetheless night.
Lee Tung Avenue -a sea of purple lanterns
One of many latest points of interest on the town could be discovered on the Lee Tung Avenue advanced in Wan Chai. Simply accessed by way of the MTR Island Line to Wan Chai, take Exit D and optimistically, a sprinkle of rain could heighten the magical expertise with wonderful reflections.
Perception – Go low and be sure to get these reflections taking place. 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 floor could make the distinction, rigorously positioned beneath your lens.
Flower Market in Victoria Park
Sometimes, individuals go to the Victoria Park Chinese language New Yr Flower Market to embellish their properties and workplaces with a floral providing. Markets and flower shops throughout the territory seem like bursting on the seams with an array of specialized auspicious vegetation 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 – Probably the most immersive expertise of the Chinese language New Yr Flower Market is to attend on the final evening of the occasion. Go late within the night to not solely bag a cut price as distributors feverishly clear their inventory, however for the fantastic ‘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 via a packed bus, practice or tram carriage within the problem to get them residence and beautify 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 12 months for luck and prosperity – firecrackers, fireworks and purple garments are additionally rituals. On the primary day of Chinese language New Yr, Hong Kong is about ablaze in one of many world’s biggest shows of fireworks.
Working for 20 plus minutes and with over twenty thousand fireworks launched from barges anchored in Victoria Harbour, the previous 12 months is ushered out with a spectacular bang in a to not be missed extravaganza show of pyrotechnics. Greatest seen 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 vantage level. It is usually a fantastic alternative to strive your hand at a hyperlapse video. Take within the sundown and expertise the blue hour as town lights come up over the busy Hong Kong Island skyline, whereas the busy ferries observe forwards and backwards throughout Victoria Harbour.
Kung Hei Fats Choi! 恭喜发财
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An expat photographer with a ardour for individuals, 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 beneath going an enormous change of identification, I’m continuously in search of the unseen to share.
Comply with Nicole by way of Instagram @forevernc