This year, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has taken an interestingly unique spin to promoting Hong Kong to welcome the year of the rooster. From 22 January to 12 February 2017, visitors to Hong Kong can experience the festive Chinese New Year celebrations that are commonly found in Hong Kong and Spring. 2017 is also 20 years since Hong Kong was handed over to China.
Besides enjoying the festivities such as heading to the temples to pray for good fortune or visiting the festive markets, Hong Kong ‘s Chinese New Year festivities also feature float parades, performances, fireworks over the harbour and fun at the race track. Whilst government offices, banks and public utilities are closed for the Chinese New Year public holiday, most shops and restaurants remain open. Some malls even extend their service hours. Major attractions, theme parks and public transport will operate as usual. Do note that Street markets and stalls usually close on the first and second day of Chinese New Year which falls on 28 and 29 January this year.
HKTB has picked 20 lucky scenic spots which will bring good fortune for the year according to feng shui experts including Kevin Lau. 12 of these spots are matched with the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs while the remaining eight are lucky locales.
Hong Kong Fortune Hotspots Based on Chinese Horoscope
鸡
Lucky locale for Roosters: The Peak
Birth Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Being the same zodiac sign as the current year is never a good thing because metaphysically, you’d be bullied by the reigning sign. Ease the sense of dominance by rising to Hong Kong Island’s highest vantage point and taking in the commanding vistas from Victoria Peak. Broaden your horizons by soaking up the view of the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island skyline. Feel your worries dissolve and yourself prepped to overcome any challenges in the year to come.
狗
Lucky locale for Dogs:
Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Fanling
Birth Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Those who were born in Year of the Dog are affected by unlucky stars this year and are therefore susceptible to insecurity and anxieties. Alleviate the negative energy by heading to the northeast: take a trip in the rural clan of the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, where it takes you on a scenic journey into the history of the Tang Clan, one of the five largest clans in the New Territories. It is said that a dragon could once be seen leaping in the mountains there, which is how the area got its name. You can pick up on the wisdom of Hong Kong’s ancestors evident in the exquisite architecture while unwinding in the serene surroundings. This will be beneficial to your career in 2017.
猪
Lucky locales for Pigs: The Big Buddha, Wisdom Path
Birth Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
As the star of Yi Ma, which represents travel, is affecting your zodiac in 2017, those who were born in the Year of the Pig are likely to find themselves on the move more frequently. Head to the Big Buddha and the Wisdom Path. Climb the steps for a closer look of the remarkable statue, take a step back and appreciate the zen of the large woodcut Heart Sutra scriptures. This should temper the speed of change and maximise the energy of movement for the year to come.
鼠
Lucky locales for Rats: Flower Market, Bird Garden
Birth Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Congratulations! This is a great year for those who were born in the Year of the Rat, especially for those in search of love! Visit the Flower Market and Bird Garden in Mongkok – being embraced by fragrant flowers and birds’ song could boost this romantic power to the max, and enhance things for those already in a relationship.
牛
Lucky locale for Oxen:
Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Birth Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Being born in the year of Ox, you have three lucky stars shining on you this coming year. Up the good luck game by being as close to stars as possible on the observation deck – on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Soak up in the 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s beauty and get ready for a year of bumper opportunities and good tidings.
虎
Lucky locales for Tigers:
Murray House, Stanley, Repulse Bay
Birth Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
2016 was a year of instability for Tigers and 2017 is the best time to go to the seaside located in the southern part of Hong Kong – Repulse Bay for some calming sea breeze. According to Chinese tradition, spending money can stave off bad luck, as such sensible shopping at the many shops in Murray House, Stanley Plaza and the surrounding streets can help you do just that. You can browse the stores while enjoying fresh air, which is good for your health.
兔
Lucky locale for Rabbits: Chi Lin Nunnery
Birth Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
This is a year of change for those who were born in the Year of the Rabbit. Various aspects in your life including relationships, career and accommodation, may have yet to settle, but in the end it will all work out for the best. An ideal place to visit when things get tough is the Chi Lin Nunnery, where you can enjoy the serenity of the environs alongside Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture. The nunnery is also a good spot for meditation, so when times are troubling, put your palms together, close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel your troubles dissipate.
龙
Lucky locale for Dragons: Dragon’s Back
Birth Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon and the phoenix are symbols of a match made in heaven, so the Year of the Rooster, which is in the same family as the phoenix, is perfect for those born in the Year of the Dragon. If you want to take your luck with wealth to the next level, head to one of Asia’s best hiking trails – Dragon’s Back. Enjoy the spectacular views of the South China Sea, Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Stanley and Tai Tam along the rolling hills while upping your luck with work, wealth and all your other stars.
蛇
Lucky locale for Snakes: Lamma Island
Birth Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Lamma Island is where those born in the Year of the Snake should congregate, as it’s in the auspicious south-west
direction. Take a half-hour ferry ride to enjoy the sea breeze and the exotic experience. You can really sit back and take it easy here – the green mountains and natural rivers surrounding the island can help you relax and amplify all areas of lucks in your life including work and wealth.
马
Lucky locale for Horses: Happy Valley Racecourse
Birth Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
You have the best luck in terms of money among the 12 zodiacs in 2017, so why don’t you pop into Happy Valley Racecourse and try your luck? Get your adrenaline pumping, and feel the excitement as you hear the hooves thunder down the track. Stake some money on your favourite horse, and it could be your day!
羊
Lucky locale for Goats: Touring Victoria Harbour
Birth Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Right in the centre of Hong Kong is where good luck pools for those born in Year of the Goat. Take an evening harbour cruise to enjoy the views on both sides of the harbour and the reflection of buildings lining the harbour as Hong Kong transitions from day to night. Touring Victoria Harbour is always on the list.
猴
Lucky locale for Monkeys: Lan Kwai Fong
Birth Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
If you’re a single Monkey, then Lan Kwai Fong is the place for you. No longer just a night club hub, Lan Kwai Fong is now synonymous with fine food, drinks and all things celebratory. Your romance factor is through the roof this year. While tasting refreshing wines and delicacies in the festive atmosphere, you might find your significant other at the epicentre of Hong Kong nightlife.
The Eight Other Locales To Visit In The Year of the Rooster
2017 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Soak in the positive energy of this year’s Chinese New Year Parade. Held on 28 January 2017 the night parade takes you from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui for ticket holders, to Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers via Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road. If you don’t have a ticket, you can still enjoy the parade for free along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road. Tickets for spectator seats at the Hong Kong Cultural Piazza are priced from HK$300 per person and can be purchased from 14 January 2017 at the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre at Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui from 8am to 8pm daily.
Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin
Located on the wealth quadrant on the feng shui grid, this temple is reputed to turn around bad luck. It is one of the most popular destination during Chinese New Year. When you are here, turn the fan-bladed wheel of fortune thrice to boost good fortune. Wear cool colours like black, gold, silver, white, grey or blue to amplify the auspicious atmosphere if you are born in spring or summer. And if you were born in Autumn or Winter, wear warm colours such as green, red, orange or purple.
Tap Mun
The northeast is the direction for those seeking good luck with studies, literary insights or clerical work. Tap Mun is located on the northeastern park of Hong Kong. Enjoy nature and relax here to prepare yourself for the examinations or any work challenges ahead.
Sai Kung
East is associated with wealth in 2017 and that is exactly where Sai Kung is located. Known as the city’s back garden, Sai Kung is a quiet town that offers relaxing scenery, lots of seafood and local cuisine. Shop at the local stores at Sai Kung Town Centre or visit one of the floating markets. You can also get hold of some Japan’s famous Tokyo Milk Cheese from the store at Sai Kung.
Shek O
Southeast is the direction for celebrations in 2017. Take a walk on the sands of Shek O with your lover, friends and family if there is any call for celebration such as weddings, anniversaries or promotions. Enjoy a great day out by the sea.
Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market at Tuen Mun
If you are in retail sales or the entertainment business, visit Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market in the New Territories for seafood and help boost your luck with people.
Tai O
Southeast is where the fortune star faces this year. If you are in the finance industry or investment business, visit the charming Tai O Fishing Village in Lantau and send good luck your way. Tai O features stilt houses and authentic local snacks. The Tai O Heritage Hotel , a Grade II historic building was once the Tai O Police Station, built in 1902. It has been revitalised and converted into a hotel which opened for business in February 2012.
Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan
Man Mo Temple worships the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), who are symbols of academics and physical strength respectively. Apart from appreciating the historical landmark with its unique decor, this place offers blessings from these deities for all things work and studies related.
Pingback: DFS Group launches the new DFS Circle loyalty programme | SUPERADRIANME.com