Celebrating the Chinese Festivals of Hong Kong

Chinese New Year - The primary Chinese festival in and out of Hong Kong, characterized by its famous night parade eventually becomes a full-blown giant street party. Be sure not to miss the beautiful stunning fireworks display as it lights up the night sky and if you are a betting man try your luck on a Chinese New Race day that is held every Jan 25.

Che Kung's Birthday - A general of the Sung Dynasty, Che Kung was elevated to divine status and now has his own shrine. Che Kung is a good luck god and on his birthday lots of people, including gamblers visits the temple to consult fortunetellers and turn the wheel of fortune. Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse is located nearby, convenient.

Spring Lantern Festival - Marking the end of Chinese New Year celebrations, this festival is also a romantic occasion and colorful lanterns adorn every park and homes.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival - What started as a ritual ceremonial parade to banish the plague that afflicted the island of Cheung Chau, has now become a festival thanking the god Pak Tai who supposedly ended the plague? The main attraction is the Bun Mountain, a group of tower studded with burns and where athletes scramble up the tower when the midnight comes.

Dragon Boat Festival - This ancient held in remembrance of the popular Chinese hero, Qu Yuan who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River as a form of protest against the corruption of the rulers. The Deities Parade in the fishing village of Tai O and the famous Dragon Boat racing marks the festival.

Hungry Ghost Festival - Held during the seventh moon of the lunar calendar where it is believed that the spirits of the dead roam the earth. The festival's purpose is to appease the ghosts roaming around, believer's burn fake money and offer food to ghosts. They also perform Chinese operas and burn Joss papers and incense to further placate the spirits.

The birthday of Confucius - Celebrating one of China's most influential philosophers his birthday is commemorated with great reverence due to his legacy teaching that stresses the virtues of chastity, justice, propriety, wisdom and loyalty. It has been 2,500 years and yet his teaching still endures.

Dong Zhi Festival - This is the Chinese calendar's second most important festival, the Winter Solstice. This is the time when the night is longest Families celebrate this festival by visiting families with gifts, putting on new clothes and drinking liquors.

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