Chinese New Year – A celebration of colour and glamour

The origins of Chinese New Year are unclear but there are myths and legends that surround how it all began. A mythical beast named ‘Nian’ awakens on New Year’s Eve to cause harm and destruction.

Chinese New Year | Image Credit - Mutante, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikipedia Commons

Chinese New Year | Image Credit – Mutante, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikipedia Commons

Preparing for New Year

The preparations for New Year begin several days before the actual event. It is important not to clean once the New Year has begun as you will be ‘cleaning away’ the good luck that has begun to gather inside the home. The New Year is also a time for shopping. Be sure to visit the street markets that crop up in the vicinity of 4 star hotels in Hong Kong the likes of Park Hotel Hong Kong in the days leading up to the festival.

NYE celebrations

New Year’s Eve is when most people put up their decorations. The decorations must be red in colour, which signifies good luck. The traditional New Year’s Eve Feast brings together family, travelling great distances to be reunited and dine on sumptuous traditional food such as dumplings and sticky rice cakes.

New Year’s Day celebrations

Loud fireworks are a key part of ushering in the New Year. Rockets and chains of firecrackers pierce the night to mark the dawning of the New Year and families look forward to this joyous time.

Following New Year’s Day

It is customary to visit relatives in the days following New Year’s Day. Most businesses will reopen on the 8th day of the New Year as eight is considered a lucky number.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Hung Shing Festival – Celebrating culture in festive comfort

Another bash of colour, the Hung Shing Festival is yet another festival that takes center stage in the well respected History of the Chinese people. Celebrating Hung Shing, a historical figure who prior to being deified was one man of skill and wisdom regarded to have been the guiding light of fishermen and merchants alike. Hung Shing Festival is celebrated on the 13th day of the second lunar month of every year. It is one festival of high regard which draws in a considerable number of tourists in witnessing this grand galore of cultural festivity.

This festival cannot simply be enjoyed without the companionship of the very best Hotel in town. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong today is the proud patron of supreme hospitality within the city. Located within close proximity to the famous attractions of the city Cosmopolitan Hotel is not just any Hong Kong Hotel but it is the very Hotel you are looking for. With a wide range of suites to pick from you sure are going to be in very big trouble trying to choose from the best of luxury. With loads of promotions to avail, you are undoubtedly in the best of hands. Cosmopolitan also offers you the convenience of bringing with you your work where you still hold the opportunity of overlooking your responsibilities and that too with assured comfort. Guaranteeing you of memories to take back home and never want to cut short on the delightful indulges of Cosmo Hotel where you are made to feel free as bird sauntering through the fine delicacies on offer. What this magnificent Hotel offers to its valued visitors is truly beyond words; wait no more, pick up the phone and make your vacation to Hong Kong one to last.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Diving and Resort Travel Expo

The big blue sea is filled with both mystery and beauty…If you are staying in a Wan Chai Hotel Hong Kong like the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong here’s the perfect opportunity for you to glimpse into the world underneath the waves. Be there at the biggest diving exhibition in Asia, the Diving and Resort Travel Expo. Held from the 12th to the 14th December this year at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the DRT Expo has several VIP speakers such as Photographer/Writer, Mr. Jun V Lao from the Philippines and Mr. Jasper Wan, SEA&SEA Brand Manager/Photographer from Hong Kong. Diving & Resort Travel Expo is China’s only dedicated international trade conference networking and consumer dive event. CDEX showcases a wide range of international brands, technical developments and market opportunities within the dive industry.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Natural & Organic Products Asia

An annual event dedicated to highlighting healthy lifestyles, Natural & Organic Products Asia took place from August 27 to 29, bringing together the entirety of health, organic and natural products industry. Noted for being the only Asian event of its kind, the inaugural event helps local and international companies reach their potential in becoming the best market for healthy and natural products in the world. Focusing on promoting sustainability, ethical business, good health and fair trade in Asia, the event is the ideal platform for retailers, manufacturers, trading companies, service providers, food industry executives and healthcare professionals to discuss business opportunities and industry trends. Those planning to attend the event next year can make their reservations at a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong such as Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Hong Kong Halloween Treats – Most extravagant Halloween celebrations in Asia

Hong Kong is known world over for their over the top, fancy Halloween celebrations, with crumbling walled villages, creaky Victorian mansions, and thousands of years of folklore populated with ghosts, ghouls and demons. The city’s unique history where East meets West means that European festivals, including all Halloween’s eve are deeply enriched in its cultural fabric. The Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong at Wan Chai Hong Kong is a fabulous four-star hotel which is conveniently located midway between causeway Bay’s major entertainment and shopping Attractions. This hotel also provides a convenient place for everyone who is visiting Hong Kong to have a truly Hong Kong style Halloween experience with decorated shopping malls, themed menus, raucous street parties. There are widely howling street blowouts, parades and shows to fun sugar trick and treat antics for the kids, where there is a spooky cheer for all to enjoy.

Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the best parades in Asia, with a headless horseman and trick or treating with Mickey and the gang. There are many haunted mansions or rather hotels and creepy surprises all around the land. Ocean Park has one of the biggest parades with over 400 costumed characters, 20 haunted attractions as well as street shows and entertainment. The star attraction is the 3D haunted house at Ocean Park. The decorations are quite beautiful when set against the central’s skyscraper city. There are many food stalls for everyone to enjoy just street food and many other themed menus. There will be ghosts, as well as games , so that the kids will be coming out to try their trick or treat skills.

Asian Glassware Trends Show

A four day event scheduled to take place from the 20th to the 23rd of October 2014, Asian Glassware Trends Show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The products that will be showcased at the event include Glass Arts and Crafts, Decorative and Functional Glassware, Glass Vases and Containers, Glass Tableware and Wine Glasses, Glass Ornaments and Accessories and much more. It is truly a must visit event for glassware enthusiasts all over the world. Those heading to Wan Chai to visit this trends show can base themselves at Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Asian Festive, Christmas and Seasonal Show

Set to take place from the 20th to 23rd of October 2014 in Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, Asian Festive, Christmas and Seasonal Show will feature 8 dedicated product shows. The event allows buyers to easily locate the exhibits they are seeking, letting them connect with the exhibitors that will serve their requirements. A place where buyers can source their target products under one roof, it is one of the eight thematic shows that come under MEGA SHOW Part 1 Series. With a vibrant setting, the event is expected to lure in hordes of visitors who can browse its wide range of seasonal decorations, firework items, party articles and much more. Those planning to head to the region to visit this event will find Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong to be an ideal base.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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The Hungry Ghost Festival – worshipping the ancestors

Falling on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, the Hungry Ghost Festival which is referred to as ‘Yu Lan’ by the locals involves one thrilling spectacle. It’s certainly not your local rendition of Halloween but this festival is closely associated with ancestor worship. Should you be holidaying at a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong such as Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong during this time, consider taking in the sights and sounds of this festival.

Also held to appease the spirits, locals can be seen busily engaged in burning faux money, tending fires by the road and making offerings to their ancestors who have long since passed into the after world. Amongst the charitable deeds, visitors will also have the opportunity to watch Chinese operas being performed on bamboo stages. This colourful celebration should be included on your travel itinerary if you are visiting or staying in Hong Kong.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Dragon Boat Carnival – A vibrant celebration of rich traditions!

The dragon boat festival is a unique celebration of tradition. Lively and full of fun, it is a festival worth taking part in. It has the combination of the thrill of competition, colorful decoration and plenty of beer. From the beginning to the end you will be immersed in a party atmosphere like never before. Choose an accommodation site such as the exceptional Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong and you won’t miss out on the festivities.

The Hong Kong Dragon boat festival takes place every year sometime between the month of June and August. There is interesting history behind the event for the festival is actually a unique transformation of an ancient Chinese tradition where Dragon boats were used for various symbolic purposes. Today it is a mad competition or rather one wild and spirited sport that is filled with plenty of fun and endless excitement.

The highlight of the carnival is the dragon boat race. During the event, the Victoria harbor is adorned with dozens of painted boats with large dragon heads on each end. The boats all race to the finish line in one heart stopping challenge that warrants plenty of cheers and intense drumming. The ambience and the spirit of the festival only make the event all the more exciting. So pick your favorite boat and get into the groove, the excitement really is unmatched. The cherry on the top of all this festivity is delicious ice cold beer courtesy of the wild and crazy beer fest; pitchers and pitchers of beer to keep you in the mood all night long. Beer, cheer and boats are the perfect three words that describe this fantastic carnival. If you are planning a holiday to Hong Kong this year make sure that you are part of all this endless fun.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a vibrant celebration

The enthusiastically celebrated Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong’s most joyously celebrated festivals. As its name indicates the event is centred in the island of Cheung Chau and many people of the island who work elsewhere return to the island for this celebration. The origin of this occasion is rooted in Taoist tradition and it is considered to be one of the customary Taoist Da Jiu celebrations.

The Bun Festival draws many thousands of tourists from local areas as well as overseas to the island. The event is dated according to the traditional Chinese calendar and usually falls in the early part of May. This date coincides with the celebrations for the birthday of the Buddha. The Bun Festival originated as a ritual performed by the local fisher folk intended to pray to the heavenly powers for protection from seafaring pirates. Today however this religious aspect of the celebrations has for the most part been phased out and instead the fiesta has become a vibrant display of Chinese cultural traditions.

Many interesting customs and observances are associated with this unique event. The festivities extend for an entire week and for three days of this period the whole island practices vegetarianism. Even the local McDonald’s prepares vegetarian burgers at this time.

Numerous dragon dances as well as lion dances are organized, and there are also parades in which young children attired as modern and legendary heroes take to the streets. A number of local deities are venerated in the festivities including Pak Tai, the god of seafarers; Tin Hau, the goddess of the oceans; Hung Hsing, the God of the Southern regions; and Kuan Yin, the deity of mercy.

The focus of the festivities is the Pak Tai shrine, where the well-known mountains of buns are set up. Thousands of buns are used for this custom and in former years a race was organized where young men would rush to grab buns from the mountains of buns. Visitors will be able to witness these colourful traditions.

Selective visitors desiring a quality Hong Kong hotel will be pleased by Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This attractive Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong offers provides comfortable interiors and attentive hospitality.