Official data shows that on Chinese New Year's Eve, December 31, 2023, more than 223,000 tourists visited Hong Kong as of 10 p.m. on the same day, setting a new record for single-day visitor arrivals in 2023.
In the run-up to the Spring Festival holiday, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is inviting visitors to Hong Kong to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. During the Chinese New Year, a variety of colorful celebrations will be held in the local area, which will not only satisfy the warm atmosphere of family reunion, but also bring a unique and wonderful travel experience. This year's Lunar New Year 5th coincides with Valentine's Day in the West, and there is also Chinese Valentine's Day (Lantern Festival).
Recommended play 1: Go to a Chinese romance together
Image source: Photographer Chen Yuanlong
Image source: Photographer Chen Yuanlong
When you arrive in Hong Kong during the Double Festival, it is recommended to take a set of national style photos with your loved ones to experience a Chinese romance. In the stylish streets and alleys of Hong Kong, wearing handmade cheongsams that inherit intangible cultural heritage skills, you can feel the time lapse and traditional romantic feelings, and the elegance of oriental culture and the sweetness of western culture are perfectly integrated at this moment.
The classic photo location can be selected in the crowded Hong Kong-style food stalls to recreate "In the Mood for Love" Climb aboard the 100-year-old double-decker Hong Kong Tram and travel back in time in a retro-inspired carriage, or take a photo in front of the terrazzo staircase at the revitalised Central Market, then stroll to Hollywood Road, or walk along the steep stone staircase of Pottinger Street, or walk to Tai Kwun, a Victorian heritage complex with a view of the stone courtyard and leave an exclusive eternity of love.
Recommended play 2: Create sweet memories with your own hands
HANDMADE CONFECTIONERY WORKSHOP (IMAGE SOURCE: PAPABUBBLE)
HANDMADE CONFECTIONERY WORKSHOP (IMAGE SOURCE: PAPABUBBLE)
Sai Kung Pearl Jewellery Workshop (Photo source: Hong Kong Pearl Farming Association)
Sai Kung Pearl Jewellery Workshop (Photo source: Hong Kong Pearl Farming Association)
In addition to taking photos, make a unique gift for your loved one on Valentine's Day, making love more ritualistic. Hong Kong's wide range of handmade experiences, including exclusive perfume blending workshops, neon craft workshops and handmade confectionery workshops, is sure to cater to every need. For example, PAPABUBBLE, a candy shop in Tai Hang, has launched an elaborate candy-making experience where two people can make their own delicious food and double the sweetness by hand.
Couples who love to explore nature should not miss the pearl jewelry workshop in Saigon. In this urban oasis just a 45-minute drive from Central, it's a romantic experience to visit a pearl farm, learn about the pearl farming process, and then make your own sparkling jewellery from freshly harvested pearls.
Recommended play 3: Enjoy top food and delicacies
Avoca (Image source: Monderian Hongkong Hotel)
If food is your way of expressing your love, look no further than Hong Kong – enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day feast at one of the city's hottest restaurants and savour Hong Kong's world-class dining experience.
Sabatini Italian Restaurant, located at The Royal Garden, has just opened its second outlet in the International Finance Centre in Central, Hong Kong, and continues to offer authentic Italian cuisine. Set against the backdrop of an elegant atmosphere, live music and stunning views of Victoria Harbour, indulge in signature dishes such as homemade shell noodles with Sicilian red prawns.
Located on the 44th floor of The Landmark in Central, the heart of Hong Kong, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic sets a new paradigm for the city's finest coastal dining experience. Celebrity Chef Anne-Sophie Pic's exquisite French cuisine is complemented by Baccarat chandeliers, crystal tiles, mirrors and crystal utensils to create an unforgettable dining experience.
At the newly built Mondrian Hong Kong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, you can enjoy the sunset while sipping local cocktails such as Clay Pot Negroni at Avoca Bar. As night falls, head upstairs to Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary Italian dining room for dinner, where the chef has created a "start-to-finish" menu that makes the most of all the ingredients against a backdrop of a magnificent setting and a spectacular view of the sea.
Recommended play 4: Reap the blessings of Hong Kong Disneyland's "Wonderful Year".
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will hold the "Magical Year" Chinese New Year Celebration from January 25 to February 25, 2024. On January 27, 2024, world-renowned pianist Lang Lang will make his debut at the Castle of Magical Dreams to present "Disney Classics Live – Lang Lang Leads".
According to the park, Lang Lang will work with the string quartet orchestra performing on the same stage in this year's "Disney Classic Music Live", with breathtaking stage visual effects including stereoscopic projection mapping, as well as Disney's unique storytelling method, combining classical music with Disney magic to perform a number of classic Disney songs, including "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" from Walt Disney Animation Studio's "The Lion King" and "Frozen's Let It Go" and "The World is So Small", etc.
Written by: Nandu reporter Xiao Yang
Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Disneyland