The Third Day of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
The third day of Lunar New Year is both a general holiday in Hong Kong and a statutory holiday for employees. A local custom advises against New Year visits because the day is associated with quarrels; Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin is especially busy around this part of the festival.[1][2][5]
A holiday in Hong Kong law
Hong Kong lists the third day of Lunar New Year as a general holiday under the General Holidays Ordinance. General holidays are days when banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open.[1][2]
The Employment Ordinance also includes the third day among statutory holidays. Employees are entitled to statutory holidays regardless of their length of service, although an employer may require an employee to work on one if it gives the required notice and arranges an alternative holiday.[3]
If any of the first three Lunar New Year days falls on a Sunday, the fourth day is designated as the substitute general and statutory holiday. If a statutory holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must grant a holiday on the next eligible day under the Labour Department’s guidance.[4][3]
Customs and the Che Kung Temple
People are considered prone to quarrels on the third day, so paying New Year calls is not recommended.[5]
Che Kung Festival falls on the second day of the first lunar month. The Chinese Temples Committee says that is the busiest time at Che Kung Temple, where worshippers pray, turn the fan-bladed wheel of fortune and beat a drum for good luck in the coming year. A Hong Kong government district guide says many people visit the temple on both the second and third days, linking the third-day custom with the nearby festival observance.[5][2]
What to expect on the day
The day falls on the third day of the first lunar month, so its Gregorian date changes each year. It is part of the broader Chinese New Year period, which the Hong Kong Tourism Board describes as lasting through the first 15 days of the lunar month.[6]
Government offices, banks and educational establishments need not open because it is a general holiday. The holiday rules cited here do not set a general opening schedule for shops or public transport, so check individual businesses and transport operators before travelling.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is the third day of Lunar New Year a public holiday in Hong Kong?
When does the holiday fall?
It is the third day of the first lunar month, so the Gregorian date changes each year. If one of the first three Lunar New Year days falls on a Sunday, the fourth day is the substitute holiday.[4]
Do people avoid visiting relatives on this day?
A Hong Kong government guide says New Year calls are not recommended because people are traditionally considered prone to quarrels on the third day.[2]
Is Che Kung Temple’s main festival on the third day?
People visit Che Kung Temple on the second and third days of Chinese New Year.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for The third day of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong SAR China:
- General holidays for 2027 published- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- LCQ1: Statutory holidays- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- The Employment Ordinance, Cap. 57- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- General Holidays and Employment Legislation (Substitution of Holidays)(Amendment) Ordinance 2011- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Hong Kong Fun in 18 Districts - Sha Tin Che Kung Temple- Home Affairs Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Celebrate With These Time-Honoured Chinese Festivities- Hong Kong Tourism Board