Snowbeing

I am planning to be in Hong Kong for a few days over 2011 Chinese New Year. Will it be best (more festivities) to stay on the Kowloon side or the HK Island side ? Will we be able to travel easily around Hong Kong over these days ie will the transport system to be working ?

Any help is appreciated !

rkkwan

Main things happening in HK over Chinese New Year are:

- Flower markets at evening to late night, leading up to CNY Eve. Largest one at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay on HK Island.

- Parade on CNY night in Tsimshatsui on the Kowloon side.

- Fireworks on 2nd night of CNY. Over the harbor.

Other things include:

- CNY Horse Race on Sat, Feb 5. Shatin in the New Territories.

- Visiting Che Kung Temple to have your fortune "turned", on 3rd day of CNY. Tai Wa (near Shatin) in the NT.

So, as you can see there's no extra reason to stay on side of the harbor or the other for CNY. And there are already hundreds of posts in this forum with people arguing which side is best.

Transportation should run on regular Sunday schedule for Feb 3-5, which for most routes aren't that much different from weekdays anyways.

Snowbeing

Thank you That was very helpful.

rkkwan

I should add that there will be road closures in the southern part of Tsimshatsui on the night of the parade, as well as the night of the fireworks. So, if you stay in Tsimshatsui, you will need to take the MTR back to your hotel, or walk.

janetjam

CNY in Hong Kong is normally quite quiet, isn't it?

mohan

if you mean quiet because there are no fire crackers, the answer is yes.

rkkwan

CNY is pretty quiet in Hong Kong because many locals leave the city to travel. No business as it's long holiday. And many restaurants and shops closed on first two days of new year. Definitely quieter than a "regular" day in HK in the city, though some of the temples may be crowded.