The Chinese New Year is a time of much celebration in Hong Kong. During the festivities, one spectacular event that shouldn’t be missed is the Chinese New Year Parade. Tens of thousands of visitors flow into the city attracted by revelry in a city dressed up in bright lights and incredible decorations.

One of Hong Kong’s most important and beloved holidays is the Lunar New Year. In accordance with the animals of the Chinese zodiac, each year is symbolized by one of those animals. For the holiday, much of the city is decked out in bedazzling lights. New Year’s celebrations extend well beyond one day. A weeklong Chinese New Year Fiesta and colorfully clad dancers perform dragon and lion dances in the streets, hotel lobbies and malls. Traditionally, small, red envelopes (lai see) with money are given as gifts for luck. Flower displays are everywhere and flower markets spring up around the city. The flower markets sell flowers and plants that have special significance in their culture. Restaurants and stores have flowers on display that bring good luck and immortality.

Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebration is compromised of several events of which the parade is the biggest. Televised to millions and seen live by hundreds of thousands, the parade is now taking place in the evening making the light displays all the more vivid.

The upcoming celebration (2010) is for the Year of the Tiger. Dragons and lions play such a large role in Chinese culture that they are well represented in the parade regardless of the zodiac animal being celebrated. Lively dancers wearing heads representing giant lions perform as long dragons snake through the air as they are held up and manipulated by the more than 20 people needed to enchant the massive throng of parade watchers.

Hong Kong’s incredible Victoria Harbor waterfront serves as a backdrop for the parade route. Lavishly decorated, colorful floats, street entertainers, dancers and international performers entertain and amaze the crowed along the route. Music is an integral part of Chinese celebrations and the parade is no exception. The air is filled with songs from several marching bands and colorful costumes dazzle the spectators.

The night after the Chinese New Year Parade, an absolutely incredible fireworks display lights up the evening sky over Victoria Harbor to welcome the incoming year. Spectators vie for prime viewing positions along the waterfront or watch from one of the many boats that cruise around the harbor. Sha Tin racetrack hosts an impressive horseracing event on day three of the celebration.

Depending on when the first day of the lunar New Year starts, the celebrations can begin as early as January 21 and run to as late as February 19. Officially lasting fifteen days, in Hong Kong the main parts of the celebration is held over three days with the parade leading it off on February 14, 2010. Bleacher seating costs HK180 – HK300 however standing along the parade route is free.

With everything that Hong Kong has to offer, the perfect time to arrive is in time to participate in the Lunar New Year celebration. The fusion of East and West, old and new create unforgettable memories for those that immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and customs of this vibrant city.

Reclaimed from Hung Hom Bay in southern Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui boasts many tourist attractions. Because it has so much to offer visitors, it has become a major destination for visitors. Among its attractions along the Victoria Harbor waterfront is the impressive Avenue of the Stars.

Designed along the line of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, this promenade was developed into this attraction at a staggering cost of $40 million Hong Kong dollars by a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New World Development Company Limited. Although the promenade itself was constructed in 1982, the Avenue of Stars component was unveiled to the public in 2004. During the ceremonies, the Avenue was handed over to the government to be used as public space.

During the day, the promenade provides impressive views of Victoria Harbor. In the evening, it is a popular place to see spectacular A Symphony of Lights display. With the addition of the Avenue of Stars, there is also an opportunity to glimpse the human stars of Hong Kong.

As you enter the promenade from Salisbury Garden, There is a towering 4.5-meter high replica of the Hong Kong Film Awards winner’s statuette. Hong Kong’s cinematic history spanning 100 years is revealed on nine bright red pillars as well as a Bruce Lee life-size statue are set along the 440-meters promenade.

As a tribute to those that have made significant contributions to territory’s filmmaking, there are decorative concrete plaques inset in the bricks of the promenade. The majority of the plaques honor deceased contributors and therefore just the name is inscribed. Plaques honoring those that are alive often feature an autograph and handprints.

The first year saw 73 people inducted and the list keeps growing. Such notables as Jackie Chan, the late Bruce Lee, and John Woo all have stars along the promenade. Take a stroll among the stars and, who knows; you might see a celebrity doing the same.

Formerly Wong Nai Chung Valley, Happy Valley has many activities for visitors. The name Happy Valley came about because of the high number of deaths that occurred in both the British military camp set up in that area and among the first settlers. The valley is marshland so malaria ran rampant through the population. There are five cemeteries in the valley.

Horseracing is a huge attraction in Happy Valley and Happy Valley Racecourse is the center of it all. Originally built in 1845, a devastating fire broke out in 1918 causing 576 deaths. Rebuilt in 1995, the racecourse was turned into a world-class facility. At night, the wall of skyscrapers behind it forms a spectacular neon backdrop for the races. The course offers only flat races and most races are held in the evenings.

Very much a social event, attendance at the track is a “must do” activity for any visitor to Hong Kong. Since racing enthusiasm is fueled by the obsession with racing and gambling, the racetrack is a noisy place. The crowd is brought to a fevered pitch during the race and are extremely vocal in their support of their chosen horse. If you are used to the more sedate crowds of the western world, prepare yourself to be amidst a maniacal Hong Kong crowds. Let yourself get swept away on the wave of excitement that runs through the massive crowd of people.

There are hotdog stands and beer tents to keep everyone well watered and fed. With an attendance of around 40,000; the area becomes a massive bar with races and gambling. People mingle and socialize making the most of the night out.

In the Happy Valley Stand, on the second floor, resides the Hong Kong Racing Museum. The museum was opened to the public in 1996 and attracts many tourists. The museum outlines the history of horseracing in Hong Kong and has four galleries, with each gallery dedicated to a specific topic. In addition to the galleries, the museum also houses a souvenir shop and a cinema.

For a night of excitement and delight, immerse yourself in the Happy Valley experience.

After visiting Happy Valley and getting caught up in the enthusiasm and excitement, you want to explore further afield. The gambling and tourism mecca of Macau will surely beckons you.

Just 60 km from Hong Kong, ferries operate around the clock shuttling people between the two cities. The Portuguese turned Macau over to the Chinese government in 1999 and part of the agreement was that, for fifty years after the transfer, Macau must be able to operate with a high degree of independence. The Chinese government is responsible for foreign affairs and defense while Macau is responsible for almost everything else.

Unlike many governments around the world, Macau operates with very solid fiscal responsibility. Budgets are formed with expenses falling within the range of revenue. So solid are their finances, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded them to A1 in 2007. Decisions made are soundly based on their fiscal principles.

This bustling city is the world’s most densely populated area with some 18,500 people per square kilometer. Aside from the Las Vegas style casinos, there is a lot to see and do in Macau. Much of the architecture reflects the Portuguese influence on the city in its quaint cobblestone streets, Art Deco buildings, stone fortresses, and baroque churches. In 2005, Unesco designated the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site as a collective group of 30 buildings and squares.

The entry of the world’s largest casino based on gaming tables, Sands Macau, in 2004 brought the gambling in Macau to a new level. Although the hotel no longer can lay claim to that title, it is still an impressive place to see. This also marked the first Las Vegas operated hotel and casino. The mega-casino was upon them and with that type of casino; the visitor level went up dramatically. Wynn Macau followed in 2006 and a landmark was set. Macau’s gambling revenue exceeded that of the Las Vegas Strip for the first time and making it the world’s highest volume gaming center. Other Las Vegas casinos have since opened.

The casino to visit in Macau is the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel located in Taipa. There is a convenient shuttle between the Sands and the Venetian casinos every 15 minutes so getting there is easy since the Sands is a short 15-minute walk from the ferry. A larger and more opulent version of its Las Vegas sister hotel, the Venetian Macau features incredibly detailed replicas of some of Venice’s most notable landmarks. This hotel resort has the distinction of being Asia’s largest building.

This amazing complex has some 20 restaurants, 3000 suites of 750 square feet or more, 3 floors designed to house some 350 shops, several bars, an arena that seats 15,000, a theatre, and the magnificent casino. Laying claim to the title of the world’s largest casino with its 600,000 square feet of gaming area, the casino will leave you awestruck. If you are used to the Las Vegas casinos, the Venetian Macau is about five times as large and much busier.

Plan on staying in Macau for a few days in order to be able to explore the casinos. Longer stays will be needed if you intend to roam the city taking in the sights.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Opened in 1977 and located on 870,000 square meters in the Southern District, Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is extremely easy to access by public transportation. Accessibility to the park will become even more convenient with opening of the MTR Ocean Park Station. Ocean Park is a more popular park than Hong Kong Disneyland and that is reflected in its attendance. Although the park has had its struggles, it seems to have emerged with a solid plan that should serve it well into the future.

The second largest outdoor escalator in the world and a cable car system connect the park’s different areas. In 2006, Forbes ranked Ocean Park Hong Kong the 100th most popular theme park in the world. This is quite a statement of the quality of the park and its attractions. Ocean Park’s expansion of the park will see new rides to thrill visitors, incredible new state-of-the-art exhibits, three hotels and improved dining added to wow visitors.

Ocean Park is far more than just a theme park. It also has very developed laboratories, observatories, and a very well used an education department. Success with their bottlenose dolphin artificial insemination program resulted in Ocean Park becoming a world leader. They have also had a great deal of success in producing new goldfish breeds.

As you arrive at the Main Entrance of Ocean Park, there is a free shuttle that will take you to the Tai Shue Wan Entrance. As you enter Ocean Park Hong Kong at the Tai Shue Wan Entrance, the Flamingo Pond will stop you in your tracks as you admire the colorful birds in the well-designed habitat. A stop at the aviary will truly amaze you as you get a glimpse here and there of some of the most rare birds in the world. In fact there are 33 species of endangered birds housed here.

Ocean Park has rides that will thrill you and your children. A longer roller coaster than Disneyland’s Space Mountain, The Dragon, hurtles along its track and hits a maximum speed of 77km/h speeds evoking screams and gasps from the riders. A relatively common style of ride at many theme parks around the world, the Abyss Turbo Drop allows visitors that choose to venture on it a thrill that never becomes stale, the sensation of plummeting to the earth at incredible speeds. Many other rides like the head-spinning Eagle and the dizzying Crazy Galleon await you when you visit Headland Rides in the Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Marine Land is an amazing place. There are seals and California sea lions playing on the replicated California coast at the Pacific Pier. Seals and sea lions are always a hit with the public. A huge four-story aquarium that simulates the atoll reef with approximately 250 species fish are represented among the more than 2000 fish that dart, flash and laze in the tank. Goldfish, sturgeon, and jellyfish are among the marine exhibits that fascinate and enchant visitors. Once your visit with the aquatic life is done, you can unwind in the serene Japanese Garden.

There is so much to do and see at Ocean Park Hong Kong it will boggle your mind. The park is open from 10AM to 7PM and you will need every minute if you hope to take in the entire park. The Lowland Gardens give visitors the carnival setting of SkyFair, bungee trampoline jumping (not just for kids) and Giant Panda Habitat. Your children will spend hours in Whiskers Harbor. This excellent children’s area with rides, activities, games and a stimulating and fun educational component will keep the children entertained, and give you a little reprieve. Goldfish, Red Pandas, alligators and Panda Village that, despite the name, offers visitors the chance to watch amazing birds and the smallest otter in Asia all serve to lure visitors to the Amazing Asian Animals.

One of the most amazing of the offerings in the park is the ability to meet the dolphins. This truly interactive program will leave you with memories that fill your heart and heart. There is an application process for this program so apply no less than 5 days before you arrive at Ocean Park. The application and criteria are available on the Ocean Park website.

Not surprisingly, Disney has made a foray into Hong Kong with their theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland, in 2005. Already home to Hong Kong Ocean Park, the introduction of Disneyland gave visitors and locals a choice of entertainment.

Owned jointly by the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and is about 30 minutes from the MTR Hong Kong station. The 310-acre resort houses Hong Kong Disneyland and two hotels.

As with the other Disneyland parks, the Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into themed areas. The park currently has four themed areas; Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Main Street USA. Each area has restaurants providing quick service and snack carts. Expansion plans to expand the current park are underway which means that there is construction in areas of the park.

If you have children from 5 – 9 years old, you will find that the majority of the park is geared to that age group. Although the park is the smallest of the Disneyland parks and is not completed, you will find that you can keep young children entertained all day long with the rides and sights. The price is a bit expensive but the memories that a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland will create for you child are priceless.

Fantasyland brings the world of Disney fantasy to life. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto are joined by Chip and Dale, Cinderella, Woody, Tigger, Dumbo and many other Disney characters. In the lush Fantasy Garden, you can have your child’s picture taken with the Disney characters. The settings and interaction with the Disney characters will solidify your child’s belief in their favorite character. With Storybook Theatre, Fantasy Gardens, the entertainment and the amazing rides will leave your child hungry for more.

The futuristic Tomorrowland offers up Space Mountain, Autaia, interactive rides will make your child a believer in the future. This area is probably more suitable for children that love Stitch and Buzz Lightyear and will not be frightened by the rides. Younger children will love the interactive Stitch Encounter show.

A riverboat cruise down a jungle river will keep your children enthralled. The jungle cruise includes scenes that will transport your child to the jungle and its inhabitants. At the end of the cruise, there is a war between the fire god and water god that will enthrall young and old alike. The cruise, entertainment at Theater in the Wild, exploring Tarzan’s Treehouse and more will give your child memories of a lifetime.

Main Street USA simulates an American town at the turn of the century. Quaint streets, day parades, vintage vehicles, and nightly fireworks will provide older children with an endless source of fun.

Within Hong Kong Disneyland there are three themed shops selling exclusive Disney keepsakes. The keepsakes include: clothing, accessories, plush toys, stationery, and a wide assortment of headwear. Your child’s love of princesses, Pooh and friends, Sorcerer Mickey & PhilHarmonic Donald should be fulfilled by the offerings.

When you decide on the length of your visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, there are two hotels from which to choose. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, the flagship hotel, is the place to stay if you have young children that believe in the magic of Disney characters. Featuring a spa, indoor and outdoor pool, Mickey Maze, entertainment and a lot of kid friendly activities; this hotel gets rave reviews for the amount of time children get to spend with Disney characters.

If your children are older, you might want to choose the less expensive Hollywood Hotel. The Hollywood Hotel features a piano shaped pool, vintage car displays, gardens, scavenger hunts and lots of green space. There are lots of activities to keep the children entertained but less elaborate than at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.