China Travel Forum

[Robert]

I have been to HKG for Chinese New Year before and am going again next month. As you all know, on CNY day and for at least two days afterwards, everything is closed (museums, restaraunts, etc.), This year, CNY day is on a Wednesday.
I need to know what to do on that Wednesday and Thursday when everything is closed. Stuff like the Lam Tsuen wishing tree which is incredible on New Years day... what else is there? I'll be going to Macau beforehand. From what I understand Guangzhou attractions/shops are even MORE "closed" on those days.
And how busy are the Macau-HKG ferries during CNY? Does Macau have any CNY festiviites?
There has got to be something.... TELL ME WHAT IT IS!!!!
THanks and happy new year!

[Oscar]

9/2-11/2 will be our public holidays here! yup, almost everything will be closed in these few days. However, some Chinese restaurants will still open. but the service charge will be triple than normal days. (we usually need to pay 10% service charge, in these few days maybe 20-30%).
Do not miss the flower market on 8/2 (new year's eve). the biggest flower market will be held at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.
Macau will also celebrate cny for sure.
on 11/2, you may visit che kung temple in Shatin.
I'm not sure how much will actually be closed - some western restaurants will be open, and bars in areas such as lan Kwai fong. Also some shops in the main tourist areas will remain open.
For other activities, visit the 10000 Buddas temple in Shatin (try nearby Lung Wah Hotel for pigeon), Signal Hill tower in TST (have a curry in Chungking), as well as Repulse Bay and Stanley on the south side of HK island. Kowloon City park (where the walled city used to be) is also worth a visit. Thai food after!
Macau ferries run as normal, but hotels in that week are VERY expensive. Restaurants such as Fernandos are open as normal, although unless you get there before opening you might be waiting an hour or so for a table.