BIG DAY OUT

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY

Eight festive things to do this Chinese New Year

This year’s celebrations may look a little different but there is still plenty going on, here is our roundup of festive things to do over the holiday period.

8Spruce up your home

Since we are all spending more time at home, brighten it up with a bunch of flowers or a Mandarin tree - these are believed to bring good luck around the new year. Visit the popular Victoria Park flower market to witness one of the city’s biggest flower displays. 24 | SOUTHSIDE

7Have a picnic on Lamma Island

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan and enjoy some peace and tranquility away from the city. On a sunny day walk over to turtle beach and enjoy the beach before it closes for the turtle breeding season. (June-October)

6Pay your respects at Tin Hau temple

Located next to Repulse Bay beach, Tin Hau temple is rumoured to be one of the oldest in Hong Kong. Pay your respects to the Goddess of the sea by burning an incense stick in her honour.

5Visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

With 431 steps to climb, this trip will surely get your heart rate up. Lined with 500 life size Buddha statues the trail leads up to one of Hong Kong’s quirkiest temples.

2Celebrate in style

Just because you can’t travel, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy five star treatment. JW Marriott has recently launched an Eatcation package which includes a one-night stay, buffet breakfast for two and an in-room dinner for two from its three restaurants Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, Fish Bar and Flint, valued at $1,388. The package is available for $2,180 until March 31. marriott.com

JW Marriott

4Sample fusion dim sum

One of Hong Kong’s most popular meals is Dim Sum. Traditionally it eaten for breakfast, the minture buns are now served throughout the day. While there are many restaurants dedicated to the dishes, Dim Sum Library offers a unique east meets west take on the cuisine.

dimsumlibrary.com.hk

3Explore an abandoned village

Located in a coastal inlet between Sai Kung West country Park and Ma On Shan, Three Fathoms Cove is a relaxing trail leading to the abandoned Sham Chung Village. The village is now surrounded by remote grassland and lush mangroves as well as original structures including The Epiphany of Our Lord Chapel, one of the historic churches of Sai Kung peninsula. During weekends and public holidays some villagers return to serve cold colds and noodles for a relaxing afternoon snack.