Embrace Local Festivities: A Guide to Lunar New Year Customs and Etiquette in Hong Kong

As an international metropolis of diverse cultures, Hong Kong is home to a variety of Chinese and Western festivities, fostering a welcoming community for talent settling in the city. One of the most anticipated local celebrations, Lunar New Year (also known as “Spring Festival”) represents a time of reuniting with loved ones and embracing new beginnings, much like Christmas and Thanksgiving. By understanding cultural essentials such as workplace culture, social etiquette, and traditions during Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, you can immerse yourself in the season’s auspicious spirit with ease. 

Workplace culture during Lunar New Year

According to tradition, Lunar New Year refers to the period starting on Lunar New Year’s Eve and ending on the 15th day of the lunar month. Alongside 3 days of statutory holidays (spanning the 1st to 3rd day of Lunar New Year), some companies in Hong Kong offer adjusted office hours on Lunar New Year’s Eve for employees to attend reunion dinners with family. After the Lunar New Year holidays, typically on the first day of resuming work, companies may also invite employees and partners to partake in a spring reception (known as chun ming) to offer blessings between colleagues. Additionally, employees may receive red envelopes (lai see) from their companies as a token of success for future business endeavours. 

To further incorporate festive spirit at work, consider adorning the office with red and gold-themed decorations. You can also participate in celebrations arranged by your office building, such as lion dance performances and fortune-seeking ceremonies (“receiving the God of Wealth”). 

Social etiquette during Lunar New Year

As part of the Lunar New Year tradition, it is common for people to visit the homes of family members, friends, and colleagues to convey blessings, a practice known as bai nin. When making these visits, it is customary to bring gifts and to wear clothing that incorporates red elements, as this colour is associated with good luck, positive energy, and prosperity.

Before your visits, you can learn a few auspicious sayings for conveying goodwill. Some examples include Kung Hei Fat Choy (“May you be happy and prosperous”), San Tai Gin Hong (“Wishing you good health”), and Coi Wan Hang Tong (“Wishing you great wealth”).

During meal gatherings, you may also try poon choi, a traditional Lunar New Year dish unique to Hong Kong, served in a large iron basin. Representing abundance, the dish should be consumed in proper order from its upper to lower layers as a sign of etiquette.

Festive traditions to note

When it comes to embracing Lunar New Year culture in Hong Kong, understanding and adapting to local traditions is key: 

• Spring cleaning: Typically performed on the 28th day of the 12th lunar calendar month, the act of cleaning your home and workplace helps to remove negative energy, ushering in good luck for the coming year.
• Prepare a Chinese candy box (chuen hup): A snack box filled with traditional Chinese sweets, a Chuen Hup symbolises the “gathering” of good luck for a successful year ahead. Be sure to prepare one at home in advance for family and friends who are visiting. 
• Hanging Red Banners (fai chun): Use an ink brush to write auspicious sayings on red paper. Then, paste them on doors and walls to welcome joy and the arrival of new beginnings.
• Enjoy Prosperity Toss (lo hei): Another popular Lunar New Year dish in Hong Kong, lo hei is a raw fish salad that originates from Malaysia and Singapore. It is usually enjoyed with family, friends, or colleagues on the 7th day of Lunar New Year. As part of the tradition, remember to hold your chopsticks while saying “Lo hei, lo hei, may our fortunes soar!” before the meal.
• Refrain from opening lai see immediately: Different from some foreign countries, where the custom is to open gifts immediately, it is considered impolite to open red envelopes in front of the giver.
• Avoid New Year visits on the 3rd Day: On the 3rd Day of Lunar New Year, it is customary not to visit others. Instead, consider going on a hike or visiting the temple to pay respect to deities. For many Hong Kong residents, praying for blessings in Sha Tin’s Che Kung Temple is a popular alternative.
• Celebrate Lantern Festival: Falling on the 15th day of Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations and the first full moon of the year. On this day, families gather to eat glutinous rice balls as a token of reunion and togetherness. 

Lunar New Year Attractions and Transportation Arrangements 

For an immersive experience of Hong Kong’s vibrant festive ambience, don’t miss the Flower Market Night Gala at Victoria Park (before Lunar New Year Day), the Chinese New Year Night Parade (Lunar New Year Day), and the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display (2nd Day of Lunar New Year). 

Additionally, be aware of special transportation arrangements during the holidays. Due to various celebrations in each district, partial road closures may occur. Furthermore, public transport may also be rerouted with increased or extended service hours. Stay tuned to the radio, television, or the Transport Department’s “HKeMobility” mobile app for the latest traffic updates. We wish you an unforgettable and joyous Lunar New Year in Hong Kong!

The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.