Hong Kong Tourism Board hops on to unpredictable experiences for Year of the Rabbit

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has unveiled five of Hong Kong’s most fortuitous experiences, to fill visitors’ year with good luck, health and prosperity, in honour of the Year of the Rabbit.

“It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in true Hong Kong style now that Asia's World City is ready to welcome visitors from around the world again,” according to HKTB in a statement.

Among others, the harbourfront has been transformed by a series of dazzling Chinese New Year checkpoints, brought by HKTB. To begin with, a giant Lucky Rabbit is making its debut on the roof of the Central Pier.

Visitors will also discover more hoppin’ displays, each with mesmerising themes, lights, music and interactive elements at Admiralty’s Tamar Park, the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

On the first day of Chinese New Year, it is customary to usher in luck and prosperity by spending time outdoors, whereby visitors can embrace the tradition with a scenic Victoria Harbour cruise aboard a historic Star Ferry while trying to catch the Lucky Rabbit hiding on the ferry.

The Year of the Rabbit marks the return of many authentic Hong Kong Chinese New Year customs for visitors to enjoy, which include visiting the Chinese New Year flower markets for festive shopping and take in good fortune as blooms signify wealth in Chinese culture.

Visitors can also experience another age-old Chinese New Year tradition at the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen by simply jotting down wishes on a notecard, tie it to a mandarin and toss it into a legendary tree. If the fruit catches a branch, the wishes may come true.

In addition, visitors will be able to indulge in classic dishes with modern twists over delicious meals symbolising longevity, fortune and wealth as Chinese New Year brings families together in restaurants that serve traditional dishes year after year.

Putting a spin on tradition, Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel has crafted mochi buns in the shape of mandarins, a symbol of good fortune alongside a gift box brimming with sweet delicacies, which features a centrepiece decoration of cute rabbit.

On the other hand, The Cakery is whipping up adorable rabbit-themed fondant cookies that are perfect for Chinese New Year.

-- BERNAMA