Lunar New Year’s Day in Hong Kong SAR China

A holiday with two legal protections

Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance lists Lunar New Year’s Day and the second and third days of Lunar New Year as statutory holidays. Employees are entitled to these holidays regardless of their length of service; holiday pay is due to employees who have worked under a continuous contract for at least three months. Employers may require an employee to work on a statutory holiday with at least 48 hours’ notice, but must arrange an alternative holiday within the period set by the Labour Department.[1]

Hong Kong also designates general holidays, which apply separately from statutory holidays. If any of the first three Lunar New Year holidays falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year is designated as a general and statutory holiday in substitution. This rule was changed by an amendment that took effect in 2012.[2]

A festival across the city

Hong Kong Tourism Board describes Chinese New Year as the city’s most important festival. The celebrations span the first 15 days of the first lunar month, with red clothing, festive decorations, auspicious foods and greetings of good wishes among the visible traditions.[3]

Before the new year, residents visit flower markets to choose plants and decorations believed to carry auspicious meanings. Families commonly gather for a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve; the Hong Kong Tourism Board highlights poon choi, a layered communal dish associated with New Territories village communities, and describes the custom of giving lai see, or red envelopes containing lucky money.[3]

Food, worship and public festivities

Festive foods carry wishes for prosperity and togetherness. Hong Kong Tourism Board notes that whole fish is associated with having a surplus, while nin gou, a glutinous rice cake, is popular in Hong Kong in a sweet version often made with brown sugar and red dates. Poon choi is another local feature, prepared in layers and shared from a large bowl.[4]

Temple visits are part of the season for many celebrants. Wong Tai Sin Temple is associated with the custom of offering the first incense stick for peace and prosperity, while visitors to Che Kung Temple pray and turn a copper windmill clockwise for good luck. The city’s festivities also include a night parade through Tsim Sha Tsui and flower markets at places such as Victoria Park and Prince Edward.[3][5]

What to expect as a visitor

The official holiday status means statutory holiday entitlements apply. Private businesses do not all follow the same opening schedule, so check directly with shops, restaurants and attractions before visiting. The Tourism Board describes the parade, markets and temple visits as popular public activities; event arrangements can vary, so check current local information before making plans.[1][3][5]