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Chinese New Year Parade

Chinese New Year Parade is typically arranged on the first day of Chinese New Year.  In the past the parade was taken place in day time but in 2009 it started at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui East.

Cathay Pacific Airways has sponsored the parade for many years now.  It features brightly decorated floats accompanied by local and international marching bands.  In 2009, there were 13 international performing teams.  Japan, South Africa, USA, China and Russia will have cultural performances while Samba dancers from Denmark and cheerleaders from the USA and Australia contrasts with the cultural shows.  Locally, we have Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ngong Ping 360 and the floats expert HK Disneyland.

The parade route in 2009 was to start at the HK Cultural Centre plaza.  It passed the bus terminus outside Star Ferry, went along Salisbury Road passing the Salisbury YMCA, the Peninsula hotel, Sheraton hotel and Wing On Plaza.  Then it turned around and came back to New World Centre along the promenade. 

To see the new year parade, the easiest way is to buy the tickets from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre.  In 2009, the tickets cost HK$180, $240 or $300.  Children aged 3-11 and seniors aged 65 or above get 50% discount.  Alternatively, you just have to find out the route of procession of that year and find a spot and watch it free.  Though big crowd is expected and you may have to arrive a hour or two before the parade in order to get a good location.

Starting the second day of the lunar new year, the floats will stay at somewhere for people to get a closer look for about a week and it's free.

Other Chinese New Year Activities

•  See lunar new year fireworks
•  Visit flower market

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