In 2024, the Chinese zodiac designates it as the Year of the Dragon. The dragon, a legendary creature with the incredible ability to navigate both the sky and sea, holds a significant position as the foremost entity among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The “Ultimate Guide to Getting the Most Out of the Year of the Dragon” has been curated by Feng Shui master Mak Ling Ling. This guide not only promises good fortune but also invites individuals to immerse themselves in the vibrant Chinese New Year festivities of Hong Kong.
For those aspiring towards career and educational achievements, a visit to historical temples is a must during the Chinese New Year trip to Hong Kong. Among them is the renowned Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, recognized as a shrine for seeking success in career and education. Positioned conveniently in the bustling tourist hub of Central and Sheung Wan, this declared monument remains a highly popular attraction.
To attract wealth and good fortune in 2024, devotees can visit Kwun Yum, the Goddess of Mercy. The Kwun Yum temple in Hung Hom, the largest and most famous in Kowloon, witnesses an influx of visitors during the “Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival” on March 6. On this occasion, hopeful individuals seek prosperity symbolized by the “money” they can borrow from the Goddess.
For those prioritizing health and happiness in the new year, the nearly 300-year-old Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City is a favored destination. Particularly during the Hau Wong Festival, visitors seek blessings for good health. The temple houses not only the main deity, Hau Wong, but also Tai Sui, the 60 deities associated with the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and the five elements of Chinese astrology. Certain Chinese zodiac signs are considered “fan Tai Sui” each year, and individuals born under these signs, including Dragon, Dog, Rabbit, and Ox for the Year of the Dragon, can perform a “sip Tai Sui” ritual to appease the ruling deity and protect themselves from misfortune in 2024.
The renowned Wong Tai Sin Temple, known for fulfilling visitors’ wishes, becomes a focal point for those seeking an auspicious Year of the Dragon. During Chinese New Year, the temple hosts the first incense offering tradition, with locals believing that the first entrants who burn incense sticks will receive good fortune. A midnight race on Chinese New Year’s Day determines who claims this coveted spot of good luck.
For an extra dose of luck during a Chinese New Year trip to Hong Kong, a visit to Che Kung Temple is recommended. Upon entering, visitors can enhance their luck by beating the drum three times before spinning the fan-bladed wheel of fortune. Depending on the fortune experienced in 2023, individuals can either spin the wheel clockwise to maintain luck or spin it counterclockwise to dispel bad luck.
In the realm of feng shui, the connection between good fortune and the natural environment is acknowledged. Therefore, embarking on a nature hike is considered a lucky way to start the new year. To appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong’s landscape, one can take the Peak Tram at Central for a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour or visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, followed by a stroll in Tai O fishing village, often referred to as the “Venice of Hong Kong,” just a 30-minute ride away.
Tai Tam Reservoirs offer another opportunity to tap into Hong Kong’s natural energy, featuring magnificent dams and hundred-year-old masonry bridges along an easy hiking trail with picturesque Instagram spots. Hong Kong, with its abundance of attractions, invites visitors to explore and add a touch of luck to their travels through temple visits during the Chinese New Year.