Many families come together during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong to eat, drink and exchange red envelopes (lai see). Children especially enjoy joining in these festive, family-friendly traditions, making it a wonderful time to explore seasonal activities across the city.
Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Take a moment to slow down at Chi Lin Nunnery, a peaceful Buddhist complex in Diamond Hill. Founded in the 1930s and rebuilt in the 1990s in traditional Tang Dynasty architectural style, the structure is crafted entirely from cypress wood and assembled without nails. It is widely regarded as the world’s largest handmade wooden building.After exploring the nunnery, wander through the neighbouring Nan Lian Garden, where more than 3.5 hectares of landscaped grounds, ponds and classical pavilions offer a calm escape during the festive season.
Climb to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
For a more active outing, visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin. The site comprises five temples, four pavilions and a pagoda, reached by climbing more than 400 hillside steps.
The ascent is lined with hundreds of distinctive golden Buddha statues, each unique, making the journey itself part of the experience. It is a memorable cultural excursion for families visiting Hong Kong during Chinese New Year, though sensible footwear is advised.
Volunteer at an animal shelter
Give back to the community by volunteering at an animal shelter. Hong Kong Dog Rescue, founded in 2003, operates locations in Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po and regularly welcomes volunteers to help walk and care for rescued dogs.
It is a meaningful family activity that teaches children compassion and responsibility, and occasionally results in a new furry addition to the household.
Enjoy festive Chinese New Year treats
Celebrate the season by sampling Chinese New Year foods across Hong Kong, from traditional puddings to luxury gifting hampers. If a full festive banquet feels excessive, opt for a themed afternoon tea featuring symbolic ingredients such as tangerines and abalone, both associated with prosperity and good fortune.
Buy a Mandarin tree or festive blooms
Decorate your home with a Mandarin tree, whose fruit symbolises wealth and prosperity during Lunar New Year. Hong Kong’s seasonal flower markets are a highlight, with Victoria Park Market offering a lively display and Prince Edward Flower Market providing plentiful options for plants and decorations.
Markets typically operate with crowd-management measures and adjusted hours, so planning ahead is advisable.
Make Chinese New Year lantern crafts
For a creative morning at home, encourage children to make their own Chinese New Year lanterns. Traditional red and gold balloon lanterns are especially popular and are believed to bring luck while warding off negative energy.
Craft activities like this are simple ways to engage younger family members with Lunar New Year traditions.
