Tag Archives: Hong Kong

Cheung Chau Island Bun Festival – Reaching Higher for That Special Bun!

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Festivals are used as a tool to gather communities in a city, village, district or a country towards a common goal. Learning and being a part of festivals that are held around the world or even at your own village is both entertaining and educating. Among many festivals in the world the Cheung Chau Island Bun Festival is truly unique and is a definite attention grabber.

The festival which was originated in the 18th century was initially started when the Cheung Chau Island was destroyed by a plague and invaded by pirates. Following this the people of the island started parading the picture of God Pak Tai throughout the villages with the belief that the deity drove off evil spirits and bringing the locals protection from pirates and other disasters. Ever since then the islanders have continued to hold this festival on an annual basis.

Generally the dates of the festival coincide with the birthday of Lord Buddha and the festival lasts for seven days. On three of these days the islanders become vegetarians and even global restaurants such as McDonald’s on the island serves vegetarian food. The most exciting part of this festival is the bun snatching competition. A huge structure made from bamboo and covered with buns is erected in a common place, where men would race up the tower to grab the bun placed at the highest point; for it is believed that the higher they reach the better fortune is received by the family of the snatcher!

Reservation in a hotel in Kowloon will give you hassle-free access to all main attraction points in the city. In West Kowloon you find the Mongkok city a kind of miniature Hong Kong. Mongkok hotels Hong Kong will treat you to a mix of the contrasting extremes the city has to offer. Cosmo Hotel Mongkok is a contemporary hotel that has set high quality service standards, while offering elegant accommodation that comes with modern comforts and conveniences. It makes an ideal base from which to soak up the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis and discover the varying faces of Hong Kong which has something for everyone to enjoy.

Tin Hau Festival 2014, a vibrant celebration

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Hong Kong is very much a modern cosmopolitan city but its predominantly Chinese heritage means that a number of Chinese festivals are enthusiastically celebrated. Even in this modern age, the people of Hong Kong adhere to ancient customs, celebrating festivals by visiting temples, engaging in or watching lion and dragon dancing, and burning large amounts of incense.

One of the most popular and widely celebrated occasions for the people of this city is the distinctive Tin Hau Festival. Also known as the Birthday of Tin Hau, this festive occasion occurs on the third month’s 23rd day on the lunar calendar; its date on the Western calendar in 2014 is the 22nd April. Tin Hau is in fact the Goddess of the Seas and is also revered as the patron saint of the fisher folk. Since the city has a strong maritime legacy, it is not surprising that its residents celebrate this event with great reverence and devotion.
On this day, locals throng the many temples dedicated to the goddess, which number more than 70. On the day, fishermen traditionally visit the temples to pray to the deity for security, safety, calm weather and productive fishing in the year ahead. Such is the deity’s popularity in Hong Kong that even young people who have never set foot on a fishing trawler visit the temples to honour the goddess.

In certain parts of the city, parades of attractive floral wreaths are held, along with the vibrant lion dances. Musical bands made up of schoolchildren from many local schools join the procession on this festive occasion. Interestingly, the floral wreaths brought by the various participant villages are later raffled; the winner wins all the wreaths and is thought to gain good fortune. In the area of Sai Kung, a colourful procession of elaborately decorated fishing boats winds its steady way to the most ancient Tin Hau shrine in the city. Many thousands of devotees throng this shrine to pay their respects to the venerated deity. With so much to see and enjoy, there is no better time to visit the city.

If you are interested in visiting this cosmopolitan city and desire a Hong Kong hotel to host your time here, there is no better choice than the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This convenient Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong offers provides comfortable accommodations and courteous service.

New Year 2014 in Hong Kong – Celebrate New Year in the East

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The year is coming to a close and it is time to make plans for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. For those who want to welcome the New Year in a different and a unique way, one of the best options to do is to celebrate it in a different part of the world. For the enthusiastic traveller and the adventurer one of the finest places to celebrate the dawn of 2014 is in Hong Kong.
The city hosts some of the most spectacular fireworks and great parties to welcome the New Year and it is also one of the regions in the planet which will be first to welcome the New Year. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather at the Victoria Harbour to witness the spectacular firework shows that take place on New Year’s Eve. They make wishes, party, and take in the beauty of the setting while awaiting the new beginning or a novel year. Just like many other parts of the globe, there are diverse parties and celebrations take place at the finest of the hotels and restaurants and many other locations across the city.
What is more, it is also possible to double up a trip to Hong Kong to celebrate the New Year with a vacation in this part of the world. Since both the Island as well as Mainland China have a number of attractions for tourists who come from all over the globe to see in terms of culture, religion, scenery and more, it is an ideal place to go on holiday and wrap it up by celebrating the new year here.
For travelers looking for a hotel in Kowloon to stay at during this period, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance as the hotels are in great demand during the end of the year. For party people who want to stay at one of the Mongkok hotels Hong Kong to relax, enjoy, and explore the region and party, there is no better place to stay than the Cosmo Hotel Mongkok as it is centrally located and the friendly hotel staff will ensure that all its guests have a very pleasant stay.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Dongzhi Festival – arrival of winter

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Referred to as the Winter Solstice Festival, the Donghzi Festival is one the most spectacular events celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry by the Chinese. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on the 21st of December 2013 and choosing the luxury of a Hong Kong hotel would be a good way of planning your holiday during this time. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong which is a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has to offer would be a good option to consider.

The festival which is believed to have originated from the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony is a classic example of local culture and tradition. Observers in southern China would be able to witness families engaged in the making and eating of tangyuan or which are balls of glutinous rice, an act which symbolises reunion. However dumplings are favoured by those Chinese who live in northern China which is a practice that originated during the times of the Hang Dynasty. Tradition requires people to commune at their respective ancestral temples to offer prayers for the rich harvest and in the hope that the New Year would be more prosperous and joyous. Feast your eyes on the traditions and beliefs of the Chinese during the Dongzhi Festival.

Spring Lantern Festival – a joyous occasion

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The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities.

The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day.

As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, markets, hotels, restaurants and other places. In Hong Kong each year a spectacular lantern exhibition is held at the Cultural Centre. The beautiful creations are illuminated each evening and members of the public have the opportunity to examine these wondrous creations.

Unlike the ubiquitous simple red Chinese lanterns these painstakingly crafted masterworks are constructed in many different colours, shapes and forms. Many correspond to the current Chinese year; for example in the Year of the Tiger one may expect to find numerous tiger shaped lanterns. Additionally the central themes vary from one year to the next, with the various Chinese auspicious symbols also being highlighted. One of these is the pomegranate which signifies fertility and many offspring; another is the goldfish which symbolises wealth and prosperity.

At the same venue you will also find the Spring Lantern Carnival, another festive highlight which will enthral the visitor. This event features a number of performances and displays presented by different troupes, such as folk songs and dance, instrumental performances and acrobatic displays. You will also find a diverse selection of folk handicrafts displays which demonstrate arts such as lantern making, dragon making, paper cutting, traditional paintings and so on.

With all these festivities to look forward to the Spring Lantern Festival in Hong Kong is sure to be a delightful occasion for visitors to the city.

Visitors who desire convenient Hong Kong serviced apartments will be pleased by the Citadines Ashley Hong Kong. This appealing serviced accommodation Hong Kong offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

Part of the Crowd – New Year in Hong Kong

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In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying.

One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around.

The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates with New Years’ Eve in Hong Kong. Viewers are offered great pyrotechnics, a combination of fireworks and laser wizardry that is set off from boats in front of Victoria Harbour’s high rises to the accompaniment of funky music. According to many it is best viewed from the water, while enjoying a dinner cruise. Views from the great open space on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui are also said to be quite incredible.

Another way to celebrate the dawning of a New Year is to join the party at Lan Kwai Fong where some of the best restaurants and bars are. Most places will have big cover charges and others will have all inclusive deals. Again the place will be choked with people making movement impossible. Buying some drinks outside and enjoying it on the streets here may be a cheaper way of seeing in the New Year.

The city’s many luxury hotels also offer dinner and dance packages with free drinks. In this rarefied atmosphere there will be beautifully dressed people, fine meals, wonderful music, no crowds, Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight when champagne corks are popped and confetti and streamers fall down from the ceiling. The hotels will also offer some of the best views of the fireworks over the harbour. The events at the best known luxury hotels are the most in demand during this time.

Then there are other more cost effective and less raucous ways to see the New Year in. Climbing to the top of the 934 meter Lantau Peak, Hong Kong’s best look out to see the first rays of the sun on New Years’ day is a fantastic idea. Having a barbecue at one of the city’s 21 public barbecue sites in its parks is another.

When in Hong Kong for business or leisure a location that allows speedy access to destinations is an important factor. Cosmo Hotel in Wan Chai, a popular Hong Kong boutique hotel offers not only an ideal location but an impressive array of guest rooms in different configurations to accommodate individual guests and families in comfort. Take advantage of offers and promotions to stay at this 4 star hotel Hong Kong that offers a great location, much appreciated facilities and services for a great price.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

National Day of Hong Kong – Celebrate China’s nationhood in style!

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Celebrated every year on the 1st of October, the National day of Hong Kong and China was established in 1949 amidst grand festivities at the iconic Tiananmen Square. This signified the start of a golden era in the People’s Republic of China. Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau come alive with celebrations on this day, and public places like Tiananmen Square in Beijing and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong are treated to spectacular fireworks displays and animated festivities, along with colourful concerts for the public to enjoy.

If you are visiting Hong Kong around the time of the National Day, make sure you take part in the festivities and most of all, choose a good place from which you can see the sky line of the city ablaze with the colourful fireworks. Citizens take part in many parades usually displaying portraits of well-known leaders from the nation’s history, such as Mao Zedong, and the streets come alive with excitement and anticipation of this nation-defining day. Although it is a national day of importance, the people of Hong Kong celebrate this national holiday together with family and friends, much like the 4th of July celebrations in the US. Although the city’s restaurants with any view of the sky line are packed on this day, there are other places to catch a glimpse of the festivities, such as the roof top of the international financial center known as the IFC.

Plan your trip to Hong Kong early if you are visiting in October so as to avoid disappointment as this is one of the busiest times in this bustling cosmopolitan state. The holiday cheer is everywhere, while stores offer special discounts and the restaurants advertise exorbitant prices for a table on national day and people take to the streets in vibrant parades.

There are several options for a quality Hong Kong Hotel that provide great deals to travelers during the National Day holiday period. For an unforgettable stay in Hong Kong amidst the finest of luxuries, consider checking into the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This stellar choice of a Wan Chai Hotel Hong Kong will provide all its guests with an unforgettable hospitality experience.

.Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Hong Kong wine and dine festival

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Tourist destinations such as Hong Kong offer best of the best and being based at Hong Kong serviced apartments make it possible to enjoy your stay in the city to the fullest. Citadines Ashley Hongkong is a desirable option of serviced accommodation Hong Kong has to offer. If you are lucky, you will be visiting the city during the time of Hong Kong wine and dine festival. Bringing an excellent blend of culinary delights and fine wines amidst the enchanting backdrop of the harbor, the event also features fantastic live entertainment. This gourmet extravaganza brings the chance for you to taste some great wines from all around the world. Also be sure to sample some of the heavenly desserts featured at the event.

Hong Kong International Tea Fair – an industry conference

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The Hong Kong International Tea Fair will attract the attention of anyone in the business of buying or selling tea. This much-loved beverage is popular around the world and there is a naturally a ready market for tea in many countries around the world.

Hong Kong may be described as the focus of the tea-trading sphere. It is relatively close to the major tea-producing regions on the globe, and it possesses the modern infrastructure vital for a modern trade conference. Additionally, Hong Kong is a foremost consumer of tea, although it does not actually produce the hearty herb. The fair is the centrepiece of the city’s tea-trading activities, uniting major players in the industry from across the globe, creating a valuable forum for both buyers and vendors of the commodity. All related market niches such as processed tea as well as tea-related items are included in the expansive fair.

The fair typically attracts as many as 300 exhibitors representing 12 nations and regions, including mainland China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Iran. This abundant tea produce caught the attention of the almost 12,000 buyers present, representing 47 nations and regions. An array of attractive special events is organised at the fair, so as to create additional interest in the beverage and provide valuable information about the cultivation and consumption of tea. The International Tea Industry Conference features speeches delivered by veterans in the global market for the beverage, while there will also be seminars on marketing and branding with regard to this valuable commodity.

Creating a great deal of interest at the fair is the Tea Competition. Exhibitors may compete in the competition under five categories; namely green tea, black tea, aged tea, pu’er tea and oolong tea. The winners will receive prizes at the Tea Networking Reception, which also enables industry players to meet each other and exchange ideas. Tea tasting conferences are inseparable from the fair, as are promotions of tea culture featured at this event. To host their stay during this intriguing global forum, discerning visitors seeking a Hong Kong hotel will be pleased by the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. A quality option of a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong offers, this elegant property provides comfortable accommodation graced with a selection of modern amenities that expertly cater to business and leisure visitors.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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The Mid Autumn Festival – A celebration of the family bond

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Honk Kong in itself is a city of festivities. It is a nation where tradition merges with a modern touch giving you an outcome of pure wonder. In the middle of every autumn season, Hong Kong becomes more so alive in the vibrant and exotic Mid Autumn Festival. It is actually an ancient Chinese harvest festival but in Honk Kong it is given unique and a modern treatment. Fiery dragons dance through the neon lit streets that are adorned by the glowing lanterns on this festive season. As the moon shines in its fullest form, Honk Kong comes alive in a complete spectacle.

The Mid Autumn Festival falls every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Its grandeur is only second to the Grand Spring Festival celebrated in China, apart from that it is a season where the family bond is celebrated, treats are served and the city comes alive in colour and tradition. This year the festival will be falling on the 19th of September and already people are busy building lanterns and gearing up for the festivities. The Mid Autumn Festival is also known as the moon festival as it falls on the day in which the moon is at its roundest form in the entire year. Roundness for the Chinese, is a symbol of fulfillment, of unity and of family ties and this is exactly what is celebrated in this festival. Throughout the ages different customs have made its way into different areas in the city. However where ever you go you will always find the moon cakes. There is an interesting legend behind the moon cake which only seems to add to the delicious taste of the cake. It is actually a type of cookie that comes with different types of fillings and has designed on it special patterns that depict the legend behind this event. The moon cake is round symbolising family unity and is usually distributed among family members during the night of the festival.

When it comes to choosing a 4 star hotel Hong Kong, the finest Hong Kong boutique hotel is the Cosmo Hotel in the city.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+