Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. Asia
  3. China
  4. Hong Kong

Visiting Lunar New Year?

I was wondering if this is a good or bad time to visit? I know in some places shops etc shut down so I avoided visiting at that time. But do most shops and restaurants stay open in HK? Also is it a lot more busy than normal?

Visiting Hong Kong during Lunar New Year can be both exciting and challenging. It is one of the busiest times of the year, with vibrant celebrations, parades, and fireworks, but also higher crowds and some disruptions to normal services.

What to expect:

  • Festivities: Hong Kong is lively during Lunar New Year, with flower markets, traditional performances, lion dances, and fireworks displays. This is a great time to experience local culture and celebrations.
  • Crowds: The city sees a significant increase in visitors, both locals and tourists. Popular areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Victoria Peak, and Temple Street can be very crowded.
  • Transport: Public transport runs normally but can be crowded. Expect longer wait times and limited seating on MTR, buses, and ferries.

Shops and restaurants:

  • Most major shopping malls, supermarkets, and chain restaurants remain open, although some smaller shops, local eateries, and traditional markets may close on the first day of Lunar New Year.
  • Luxury hotels, international chain hotels, and tourist attractions usually operate normally, sometimes with special holiday schedules.
  • It’s advisable to check opening hours in advance and make reservations for dining, as restaurants can be fully booked during this period.

Tips:

  • Plan your sightseeing early in the day to avoid peak crowds in popular spots.
  • Book accommodations well in advance, as this is a peak travel period.
  • Use public transport whenever possible to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Enjoy cultural experiences such as the flower markets and fireworks, but be prepared for crowded conditions.

In summary, Lunar New Year in Hong Kong offers unique cultural experiences and festivities, but expect higher crowds and plan ahead. Most shops and restaurants will stay open, particularly in central tourist areas, but some local shops may close for the first day.

More Hong Kong Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Victoria Peak
Vic
New
Tsim Sha Tsui
Victoria Peak
Central
Victoria
Street

Popular Destinations

Qianming Temple
Kamisato
Pizhi Pagoda
Xishuangbanna Mengle Cultural Tourism Area

Popular Travel Questions