From Lai See etiquette to auspicious dinner menus, here's the ultimate guide to celebrating the biggest Chinese festival of the year
Preparation
New year, new space
Take inspiration from feng shui tips from Thierry Chow, Hong Kong based feng shui master and fashion stylist to create the space you want for the new decade.
Read morE: Thierry Chow’s 8 Lucky Feng Shui Tips For 2020: Year Of The Rat
See also: Chinese New Year 2020: Astrology Tips For The Year Of The Rat
Chinese New Year home decor
In addition to traditional door couplets, Chinese knots and paper cuttings, modern designs with a festive touch that double as home decor, from candy trays to floral arrangements, can add style while bringing fortune to your home in the new year.
Read morE: 7 Luxurious Chinese New Year Decorations For Your Home In 2020
Festive nails
Red and pink are considered lucky in Chinese culture, so transform your nails for Chinese New Year with these festive designs at Hong Kong's top nail salons—and who know, your beautiful nails may get you extra red packets!
Read morE: 6 Beautiful Manicure Ideas That Are Perfect For Chinese New Year 2020
Shop for new clothes
Buying new clothes is a Chinese New Year tradition and the perfect excuse to wear red. Whether you’re planning to honour the tradition or rock a different look with subtle auspicious motifs, these streetwear items will keep you looking fresh and on theme for the festivities.
Read morE: The Coolest Streetwear Items For Chinese New Year 2020
See also: Where To Find The Best Cheongsams, Or Qipaos In Hong Kong
Lai see dos and don'ts
If you're new to Chinese culture, read our guide to lai see etiquette to make sure that you breeze through Chinese New Year gaffe-free.
Read morE: Lai See Etiquette: The Dos And Don'ts
The celebration
*Chinese New Year Puddings *
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without pudding—whether you’re after classic flavours or innovative varieties, there’s something to suit every taste.
Read morE: Hong Kong’s Best Chinese New Year Puddings 2020
Auspicious menus
Chinese New Year is the time for family unions, so take your family out this holiday for a festive feast with dishes that symbolise good fortune, prosperity and a healthy, fulfilling year ahead.
Read morE: Chinese New Year 2020: Auspicious Menus To Enjoy In Hong Kong
Give your blessings
It's not just about what's inside—the envelopes you give out say a lot about you, so why not go all out with unique and bespoke designs to make sure they don’t get lost in the pile?
Read morE: Unique Red Packets To Give Your Blessings In Hong Kong
A blissful staycation
Still thinking about how to spend your Chinese New Year holiday? Let these luxury hotels take care of you with their exclusive Chinese New Year staycation packages which include plenty of perks, from dining and spa credits to champagne on arrival—as well as festive treats to help you get into the holiday spirit.
Read morE: 5 Chinese New Year 2020 Staycation Packages In Hong Kong
A quick getaway
If you’re thinking about booking a last-minute getaway, there are plenty of places within a five-hour direct flight that will allow you to make the most of your holiday. From seaside cities to island escapes, a four-day weekend can feel like a proper escape when it's done right.
Read morE: 5 Chinese New Year Getaways Within 5 Hours Of Hong Kong
Festive activities around town
While the four-day holiday is very much about reunion dinners and family visits, you’ll find festivities around the city—from flower markets to lion dances—to soak up the festive mood and good fortune for the year ahead.
Read morE: Chinese New Year 2020: A Hong Kong Itinerary
See also: Chinese New Year 2020 Decorations To Catch In Hong Kong Shopping Malls