With an abundance of exciting events and things to do, New Year in Hong Kong is as exciting as it gets! Known as “Asia’s World City” by many, the city is alive during this particular time of the year and there’s plenty of memorable ways to ring in 2019.
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From catching the fireworks to indulging in local fare, these 4 unforgettable ways will ensure your place at the heart of the festivities!
1. Catch the pyromusical
Any good celebration calls for fireworks, and Hong Kong offers the best one yet - above Victoria Harbour. And it’s not just any typical fireworks show, it’s a pyromusical! If you have no idea what that is, it’s actually a firework display choreographed to music. The 10-minute show will take stage against the Hong Kong’s iconic skyline once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Credit: @Michael Elleray on Flickr
The primary landmark Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will display the numerals “2019” and welcome in the new year in various languages on its facade. Don’t forget to witness the “Celestial Kaleidscope” as it decorates the city with fantastic flashes of technicolour hues. Pay attention to the mesmerising patterns and colours that will fill the hearts of audience with joy!
#HHWT Tip: Besides Victoria Harbour, the best places to check out the fireworks are from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the new Ocean Terminal Deck! Come as early as 11:00pm and you can catch some pyrotechnic shooting stars launched from rooftops of high-rising buildings at the harbour. Pretty magical, if you ask us.
2. Check out Hong Kong’s first ever light festival
It looks like catching the fireworks isn’t the only thing that you can look forward to on New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong! Take a stroll along the Victoria Harbour and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a light festival. The Pulse Light Festival is Hong Kong’s very first and you can bet that your New Year celebration will be lit ;)
Credit: @discoverhongkong on Instagram
Lose yourself amongst the 14 stunning artworks from local and international artists around the world. Our favourite is the “Talking Heads” by Hungarian artist, Victor Vicsek. Watch the artwork come to life with animated facial expressions that change colours at night. This calls for an Instagram post, no? ;)
3. Go on a shopping spree
What is Hong Kong without shopping? ;) Known as the haven for avid shopaholics, Hong Kong offers a range of malls and street markets that are suited for every budget. Those who are looking to shop for some authentic souvenirs and check out the latest fashion trends, you know you can count on Hong Kong!
One of the places that comes to mind is definitely Harbour City, Hong Kong’s biggest shopping mall with over 700 stores. Here, you’ll find international brands from the likes of Nike, Bobbi Brown and COACH! Besides, amid all that shopping, you can also check out the world’s largest video kaleidoscope on the 3rd floor of the Ocean Terminal.
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If you’re into street markets and would like to show off your haggling skills, then Ladies’ Market is the place for you. Though named Ladies Market due to the wide range of clothes and accessories catered to women, this market has an extensive range of men’s fashion too. Not buying any fashion-related stuff? No worries, there are cheap souvenirs, electronics and toys too! Though we have to warn you beforehand that prices might be a little higher but just remember to bargain with some Cantonese phrases ?
#HHWT Tip: Looking for the best shopping spots in Hong Kong? We’ve rounded up a list of these top 15 shopping spots in the city!
4. Indulge in halal local fare
With so many activities around Hong Kong during the New Year, you’d definitely spend a lot more time moving around and at times, fatigue consumes you. That’s when you need to refuel, and we know just the best eateries to keep you energised! HINT: Local Chinese food!
Islam Food
With 2 outlets in Kowloon, you can drop by Islam Food for a hearty meal! Order the Veal Goulash, a type of Chinese pie that’s served steaming hot and the juice from the patty immediately oozes out once you bite into it so satisfy your appetite at this humble eatery.
Halal status: Only Halal-certified ingredients and meat used
Opening Hours (Main branch): 11.00am to 11.00pm
Address: G/F, No. 1 Lung Kong Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon – Next to Chow Sang Sang Securities
Opening Hours (New Outlet): 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m
Address: G/F, No. 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Directions: Lok Fu MTR Station – Exit B. 17 min walk to Islam Food.
Islamic Centre Canteen
If there’s one thing you should not miss out on when in Hong Kong is the authentic halal dim sum! Lucky for you, there’s one perfect place to savour that and it’s the iconic Islamic Centre Canteen! Whether you’re craving for Har Gao or fried radish, the canteen whips up dishes that are suited for every palate. Our recommendations? The Steamed Siu Mai and Deep Fried Shrimp Wanton! Make sure to arrive before 3pm as they only serve dim sum till then.
#HHWT Tip: Looking for more halal food in Hong Kong? Check out our list of the top 10 halal eateries you need to try near major attractions!
Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm (dim sum), 6pm to 9pm (only Cantonese dishes)
Address: 5th floor, Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Directions: MTR Causeway Bay – Exit A. A 10 min walk to Islamic Centre Canteen
Happy Cow
Conveniently located right next to the Observation Wheel, you can find Happy Cow, a popular ice-cream parlour! Choose from their wide variety of flavours – from Ying Yang Sesame (a signature local flavour) to Pina Colada (alcohol-free!).
Enjoy your ice cream on the lawn in front of the shop, as you take in the gorgeous view of Hong Kong around you!
Address: Outlets in Harbour City, Langham Place, Fashion Walk, Sogo.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 11pm
Contact Number: +852 2897 1118
With these 4 exciting ways, you’re absolutely ready to welcome the New Year with open hands! If you ever thought of experiencing the festivities in a different country, we think Hong Kong is definitely a good start.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.