What is Cheung Chau Bun Festival?

Cheung Chau Bun Festival or Cheung Chau Da Jiu Festival, occurring on May 3-6, 2025, is a holiday celebrating the safeguarding of a particular island community in Hong Kong. During this time, parades, lion dances, and a penultimate bun tower competition are held.

One of the most popular Taoist celebrations in Hong Kong, every year it happens on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. May 5 is the highlight, when the bun snatching event takes place; on May 6, the scrambling final and awards ceremony will be held.

The festival began over a century ago when the people of Cheung Chau encountered a plague in 1894 that was detrimental to the well-being and longevity of the community. The villagers prayed at Pak Tai Temple which is devoted to Pak Tai, the god of the sea, for protection. They also carried statues of deities on the streets, which eventually drove away evil spirits and the plague altogether.

Today, the festival is a grand cultural spectacle filled with parades and more activities running for four days, with the celebration reaching climatic heights on the third day. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is unrelated to Buddha’s Birthday even though they’re celebrated on the same day.

How did Cheung Chau Bun Festival start?

The beginnings of Cheung Chau Bun Festival was one of pain and suffering. A plague was running wild in the village of Cheung Chau and those who were out at sea were constantly met with pirates that ate at their livelihoods. In this turbulent wave of unfortunate events, the villagers sought protection by praying to Pak Tai, the god of the sea, and carrying statues of Taoist deities wherever they went to bring in good luck and protection. Some villagers would go the extra mile and dress up as a deity.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed, luckily. Soon enough, the plague wore off, evil spirits were driven away and the villagers lived a happy and harmonious life. The boisterous and lively celebrations that gradually took place over the years are a great mark to the ending of tough times, leaving the past behind and observing the ongoing blessed period.

How to celebrate Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a major attraction that draws in crowds from all over Hong Kong with a number of activities occurring over the multi-day celebration.

As the festival name suggests, buns are involved in the grand spectacle. Loads of white-coloured steamed buns made from flour, sugar, and water are produced from scratch. They’re sometimes filled with sweet condiments, like red bean, lotus and sesame paste, and marked with a red Chinese character that means peace.

The Bun Scrambling Competition (搶包山 – cheung bao saan in Cantonese / qiang bao shan in Mandarin) is the highlight of Cheung Chau Bun Festival that happens at midnight on May 5 (which is a public holiday for celebrating the Birthday of the Buddha), so many spectators visit Cheung Chau to watch and even participate! Towers as high as 90 feet are covered with up to 9,000 buns – participants compete to climb up and collect as many buns as possible. The higher the buns are located, the more points they’re worth. The towers are traditionally made using bamboo frames, but are now made from sturdier steel frames for safety reasons.

Adding to the rambunctious spirit of the festival is the parade that starts and ends at Pak Tai Temple, led by an image of Pak Tai himself. Performers dress as Taoist deities alongside a marching band, lion dance performances, and Flying Colour dancers. One may also witness children seemingly “floating” in the mass procession. Each float made of a metal rod carries two children dressed in costumes doing a balancing act, hence, they appear to be floating.

During the festival, only vegetarian food is consumed. Though it’s not related to Buddha’s Birthday, recognising him is observed by eating plant-based foods since both holidays share the same dates.

Other festivities include a Chinese opera performance at a makeshift theatre built near the Pak Tai Temple. Paper gods are also erected and part of the mass display honouring the deities. Burning incense and prayers of gratitude surround the area, too!

Where is Cheung Chau?

Cheung Chau is an island located 10km southwest of Hong Kong island. It is home to about 22,000 residents. The literal translation of Cheung Chau is “long island” and its nickname is “dumbbell island” (啞鈴島, a ling dou) for its shape. The island is known for a string of colourful fishing boats that line the pier, giving a glimpse into the island’s fishing roots. The Hakka, Hoklo and Chiu Chow villagers used to live out on sampans and junk boats around Cheung Chau, selling fish to earn a living.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: 三座大包山 via Wikimedia Commons

What is the lion dance?

The lion dance is a traditional performance in Hong Kong and many Asian countries, and is popular during Lunar New Year and events like business openings. With the global spread of the Chinese diaspora, lion dances are now a common sight in Chinatowns worldwide, celebrating culture and tradition with vibrant performances.

It features highly skilled performers who are typically martial arts practitioners dancing to the beat of drums, cymbals, and gongs. Nothing short of a spectacle, each move builds suspense with its jaw-dropping, bewildering, and grandiose effects. The trained dancers’ movements mimic the lion’s fierceness and power, including how a lion walks and kung fu elements. The flamboyant lion costume features two parts – the head and the rest of the body – sported by two people on each end.

The head is normally oversized, sometimes weighing 5kg, and constructed using a bamboo frame or wood. The front portion is plastered with sandpaper, gauze, and artificial fur. The rest of the costume is dressed in coloured cloth and synthetic fur. Dancers wear complementing pants to blend in and finish the fully covered look. Overall, the look is shaggy, like the king of the jungle, yet vibrant and texture.

The lion dance has different styles that stem from the northern and southern regions of Asia.

The Northern style popular in Beijing, Hebei, and Shanxi boasts a more playful and relaxed performance that displays a strong bond of family unity. Oftentimes, this style features two adult lions and two cubs that playfully tease each other to highlight happiness.

The Southern style originating from Guangdong Province features more energized and acrobatic movements that are a testament to the strength and boldness of a lion. This style is more notable in Hong Kong.

Lion dance VS dragon dance : what are the differences?

The lion dance features specialized dancers with expertise in martial arts dressing in a roaring costume, physically and energetically. On the contrary, the dragon dance has a more suave and relaxed appearance; it’s also done with more than two performers.

These performers don’t need to dress as dragons themselves as the dragon body is perched atop poles that they lift up in the air. This particular dance stresses smooth footwork more than anything. Given the length a dragon costume can go, a string of dancers and their coordination are required for this dance.

How did the lion dance originate?

The origins of the lion dance have been widely debated. Multiple stories have emerged in common discourse, one being about an emperor who dreamt of a creature saving his life; when describing its appearance, the emperor said that the creature resembled a lion. And from then on, the lion became known to spearhead good luck.

Nonetheless, there is a common denominator in the various narratives. Dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), lions were considered to be mythical creatures, as there was no known evidence of their existence at the time. It wasn’t until the great trades from the establishment of the Silk Road that lions were discovered in the Western regions of China and brought to the Central Plains as gifts to emperors.

From then on, lions became a significant part in the molding of Chinese culture. People began mimicking the appearance and nature of lions in performances, which then carried forward into the Three Kingdoms Period, the Northern and Southern dynasties when the rise of Buddhism took place, and into the Tang Dynasty when the lion dance was used as a court dance.

Since then, the lion dance evolved into a lavish performance fit for big celebrations and holidays.

What does the lion dance symbolise?

The lion itself symbolises power, strength, stability, and superiority. Its majestic nature warrants these enduring adjectives which only makes sense that people see it as a creature of good luck and blessings. This paves the way for the lion dance. The lion dance symbolises good luck, abundance and prosperity while the loud and boisterous clanging noise is believed to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

Within the dance performance, the audience may observe the lion being fed lettuce. The notable feature is part of the Southern style and is symbolic because the word for lettuce, saang choi (生菜) in Cantonese and sheng cai (生菜) in Mandarin, sounds similar to the word for wealth. The dancers then spit the lettuce out as a way to shower people with good luck.

Where to see lion dances in Hong Kong?

The lion dance is most prominent during Chinese New Year. Given the widely spread holiday spanning two weeks, the lion dance is seen almost everywhere – at homes, offices, malls, parks, temples, and even on the streets. And good thing, we have listed where to see lion dances in Hong Kong for you.

The lion dance is also commonly seen at new business openings. Store owners invite a team of lion dancers to perform at the opening to bring in good luck, prosperity, and more business. Though not the same thing as the lion dance, the similar Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is worth mentioning. This annual event occurs during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with origins borne out of tumultuous times in 19th-century Hong Kong.

Lion dances around the world

The lion dance grew in popularity since its aforementioned origins, spreading to other parts of Asia and even worldwide through the Asian diaspora.

In Korea, the lion dance (a.k.a. Bukcheong lion dance) is less a dance and more a folk play. It hails from the Bukcheong region in North Korea featuring two people dressed in a brownish costume with a lion mask conducting the powerful moves of a lion. The dance is performed alongside music played from a bamboo recorder and is followed by other dance performances by adults and children.

In Vietnam, the lion dance bears similar, if not the same, resemblance to the Chinese version of the lion dance.

In Tibet, the performance features a snow lion being a mythical creature as it’s represented on the Tibetan flag. The dance is playful and simple compared to the Chinese version.

All the lion dances across the different countries hold the symbolic meaning of ridding the community of bad luck and evil spirits, and bringing in good luck and prosperity.

Header image credits: Kurayba via Flickr

Who was Che Kung?

Che Kung was a revered military commander in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). He protected the kingdom from Mongol invaders, thus proving his loyalty to the emperor. Che Kung prevented uprisings, doing his best to instil peace during turbulent times. He even escorted the last Song emperor to Hong Kong and settled in the area we know as Sai Kung today.

His impressive list of skills grew and served as accomplishments that made his life famous, as he became more than just a military general. It is said he had the power to stop plagues and keep the kingdom’s people healthy and happy.

Why do people celebrate Che Kung’s birthday?

Che Kung’s birthday falls on the second day of Chinese New Year, which in 2025 will be January 30. Revered by his followers as a very honourable man, Che Kung’s birthday has been commemorated over the centuries. Over his lifetime, he turned from a military commander at his emperor’s service to a much more powerful man who protected everyone, including commoners. As a result of his services, Che Kung became known as the god of protection, physical and spiritual, from a mere respected historical figure.

That’s why his birthday is celebrated to this day — many believe that without Che Kung, people, places and things might not be as they are now. People celebrate this man as a god of protection to remember his services that hold moral, ethical, loyal and of course, protective grounds.

It’s in hopes that by celebrating Che Kung’s birthday, people will continually be blessed and protected through their life endeavours and succeed at what they do because both harm and illness will stay at a distance with his presence. Celebrating Che Kung’s birthday is also believed to bring luck and change your fortune.

How do people celebrate Che Kung’s birthday?

Many activities take place during the celebrations for Che Kung’s birthday. First and foremost, on the second and third days of Chinese New Year, people visit temples to pay respect to him by burning incense sticks and making offerings in the form of food, paper money, fresh flowers and any gifts associated with Chinese New Year.

The significance of burning incense sticks comes from the rising smoke — the higher the smoke rises, the more appreciation shown. As worshippers burn the incense sticks and bow in front of his statue, they mindfully communicate to Che Kung their personal wishes and gratefulness for being protected and guided in the right direction.

Another activity people partake in is beating the Drum of Heaven in temples dedicated to Che Kung to let the deity know that his worshippers have arrived. A popular practice during this festive time is spinning a colourful pin-wheel, which is also known as the wheel of fortune. If one had good luck in the previous year and wants this luck to continue into the next, they use the left hand to spin the wheel clockwise. On the contrary, if one had bad luck in the previous year but yearns for good luck in the new year, they spin the wheel counter-clockwise using the left hand.

Temples dedicated to Che Kung

To honour the god of protection, two temples dedicated to Che Kung have been erected. There are other temples in Hong Kong that are partly dedicated to him.

Because the commander settled in Sai Kung upon his arrival to Hong Kong, it only makes sense that his first temple was built in Sai Kung in the mid-16th century. This is the Che Kung Temple (車公廟, pronounced Che Kung Miu in Cantonese) in Ho Chung village.

The second temple in Sha Tin, was originally built at the end of the Ming Dynasty and is occasionally open to the public. Villagers in Sha Tin wanted to bring Che Kung and his protective energy to the area because it was suffering from an onslaught of plagues. Highly protective, the Sai Kung villagers wanted Che Kung to stay in Sai Kung. However, they allowed Che Kung’s grandson to ‘visit’ Sha Tin (more directly, he was invited to be worshipped there). Thus, the Sha Tin Che Kung Temple (marked by the ‘Che Kung Temple’ MTR station) was built.

The current temple was built in 1993.

It is said that after the construction of the temple, the plagues stopped running rampant. From these two temples, Che Kung has reigned on, and the temples have become places where even government figures go to ask for fortune.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Wpcpey, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lunar New Year (農曆新年) — January 29, 2025

Easily the most celebrated holiday, Chinese New Year (a.k.a. Lunar New Year) marks the beginning of the new year in the lunar calendar. It’s a time for fresh beginnings as it welcomes spring. Usually falling in late January or early February, the date is associated with auspicious beliefs. For instance, eating customary leen go, a sweet glutinous rice cake, represents obtaining a higher position in life in the new year. At this time, there are dragon dances in the street and families reunite, feast, and follow the tradition that married couples gift red pockets filled with money to those who are younger than them or not married.

Birthday of Che Kung (車公誕) — January 30, 2025

Che Kung was a revered military commander from the Song dynasty. He protected the last emperor of the Song Dynasty from Mongol invaders as they escaped to Hong Kong; hence, he was proven loyal to those high up on the hierarchy. People visit Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin to celebrate Che Kung’s birthday and worship him on the second day of the first lunar month. There’s a wheel of fortune inside the temple, which when spun three times blesses the spinner with good fortune. Worshippers also light incense sticks, burn paper money, and offer fruit as a token of respect.

Chinese Lantern Festival (元宵節) — February 12, 2025

Celebrated on the last day of the two-week Chinese New Year holiday, Chinese or Spring Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the year and welcomes spring. Red lanterns are lit up across the city as people delight in tong yuen, sweet glutinous rice balls with sweet fillings like red bean and sesame paste. This practice came from the Han Dynasty when one emperor wanted to pay respect to Buddha, ordering lanterns to be lit throughout the palace. This Hong Kong festival is celebrated synonymously with Chinese Valentine’s Day as young men woo the hearts of a special someone.

Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival (觀音開庫) — February 23, 2025

Towards the end of the first month of the lunar year, masses gather at temples to worship the goddess Kwun Yum, seeking good fortune. This is a time when people believe Kwun Yum, also known as Guan Yin, opens her treasury. Thus, people pay HK$45 for a blessed red packet with a lucky charm inside to carry for the rest of the year. Some people also walk away with nuts and candies inside the packets to eat. The Kwun Yum Temple in Hung Hom is the most prominent spot where hundreds of people gather to ‘borrow’ a sum of money from the divine goddess. Although you can start lining up the night before, the auspicious hour to visit is said to be between 3pm to 5pm.

Hung Shing Festival (洪聖誕) — March 12, 2025

A recognized governor from the Tang Dynasty, Hung Shing was a scholar distinguished in the fields of astronomy, geography, and mathematics. He founded an observatory to forecast weather, which helped those whose livelihoods depended on weather conditions; most notably, fishermen and sea traders. Hung Shing would bless these tradesmen with safe travels and a good harvesting season. It’s also believed he saved many lives from nature’s treacherous storms through his innovations. Nowadays, people visit temples to honour him, with Ap Lei Chau’s Hung Shing Temple being the liveliest. Festivities include traditional dragon and lion dances, Chinese opera, and small games.

Ching Ming Festival (清明節) — April 5, 2025

Known as tomb sweeping day, Ching Ming Festival is a day when families visit grave sites to commemorate passed loved ones and ancestors. Out of respect, families would clean away any weeds that have grown around the tombstone, lay fresh flowers, light incense sticks, and make offerings in the form of fresh fruit and buns. The family members also eat at the tomb, eating only cold foods. This Hong Kong holiday goes back roughly 2,500 years and occurs in early April. Taking advantage of this late spring day, many people would stay outdoors or venture off to parks to embrace the new season and fresh beginnings that come with it.

Tin Hau Festival (天后誕) — April 20, 2025

Tin Hau Festival is celebrated to honour the birthday of the goddess of the sea. Perhaps the most colourful and rambunctious of the holidays, this day includes throngs of people parading down streets beating and dancing to the sound of drums and cymbals. Hong Kong boasts over 60 temples dedicated to Tin Hau, so it’d be hard to miss the spectacle. Lion and dragon dances take place and towering floral arrangements are created as tribute to the goddess. Tin Hau is cherished among fishing villages especially, as the maritime industry has played a huge factor in Hong Kong people’s livelihood.

Buddha’s Birthday (佛誕) — May 5, 2025

A Buddhist tradition, this day pays respect to the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who founded Buddhism. Buddhist temples and monasteries across the city celebrate by lighting candles and lanterns and making offerings. The most important traditional practice on this day involves a cleansing ritual that’s symbolic of purifying one’s soul. People take a ladle of water and pour it over a statue of Buddha, along with lighting incense sticks and bowing to him. The prime spot to celebrate this day is at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island where the grand Big Buddha statue sits.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival (長洲太平清醮) — May 3-6, 2025

A Taoist holiday celebrated at roughly the same time as Buddha’s birthday, Cheung Chau Bun Festival is a holiday celebrated at, as you may have guessed, Cheung Chau island. Celebrations last for a few days, marking the end of a plague in historical times, with buns and vegetarian food being shared and eaten. On the third day of festivities, a boisterous parade is held and bun towers are built using bamboo that gets enwrapped with steamed buns. During this peak of the festival, a separate tower built using a metal frame with artificial buns is made for the Bun Tower Climbing competition to see who can climb to the top the fastest.

Birthday of Tam Kung (譚公誕) — May 5, 2025

Sharing the same birthday as Buddha, Tam Kung is a revered deity for his gifts as a young boy. Hailing from the Guangdong Province, he had the power to control winds and storms at the age of 12, earning him the name Lord Tam the Sea God and being worshipped among fishermen. He also aced the secret of remaining young forever, which is why any statue of depicts an old man with the face of a boy. On this day, people march down the streets performing martial arts and even the lion dance in honour of Tam Kung.

Dragon Boat Festival (端午節) — May 31, 2025

A festival fuming with competition, the Dragon Boat Festival highlights the life of Qu Yuan, who was a patriotic poet and loyal subject to the king of the Chu state. His poems showcase his love and devotion to his country. He lived in trialling times, with his state’s military defeat prompting him to commit suicide via drowning. Upon his devastating death, locals paddled boats in the river to the beat of drums to ward off evil spirits. This paved the way for the dragon boat races we have today. Eating sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves is also a custom on this day.

Birthday of Kwan Tai (關帝誕) — July 18, 2025

Kwan Tai, the God of War, was a well-respected general back in the Three Kingdoms period known for his loyalty, courage, and righteousness. Today, he is recognized as a patron representing a form of brotherhood. He’s typically worshipped alongside Man Cheong, the god of culture and literature, at Man Mo temples as both gods are symbolic of success, be it in academia or civil duty. During this Hong Kong festival, people visit temples to worship him, light incense sticks, and make offerings in the form of roast meats and wine. As long as one keeps their sense of honour and brotherhood, Kwan Tai will surely send his blessings.

Qixi Festival (七夕) — August 29, 2025

Also known as a second, informal Chinese Valentine’s Day, Qixi Festival, also called Double Seventh Festival or Seven Sisters Festival, is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The festival derives from a Romeo and Juliet-like love story of a mortal cowherd falling in love with a divine weaver girl. The girl’s mother, who happened to be the Heavenly Queen Mother, wasn’t happy with their union and took measures to divide the two. However, love prevailed and the lovers meet in the sky in the form of the Summer Triangle constellation on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. On this day, women make offerings to the divine girl and participate in needlework competitions as needle working was seen as a major pastime activity for women. Some people also head to Lovers’ Rock in Wan Chai to make wishes and offerings in hopes of soon finding their significant other.

Hungry Ghost Festival (盂蘭節) — September 6, 2025

Hungry Ghost Festival is a month-long festivity in which the gates of hell open and spirits are believed to lurk around town. Many locals burn incense paper as offerings to the dead outside their homes to safeguard themselves and their families from misfortune. Following superstition, locals who believe in the existence of the ‘other side’ tend to stay home on this night to avoid any bad luck. An important point to take note of is to prevent bad luck by keeping your vibration high and positive during this month, as ghosts are attracted to negative energy.

Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節) — October 6, 2025

Also known as the Lantern or Moon Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival originated from the Tang Dynasty when emperors would celebrate the end of a harvest season by hosting a feast in their palace. Legend also has it that Chang’e, goddess of the moon, lives on the bright heavenly body, and that those who worship her may have their wishes fulfilled. Similar to Thanksgiving in the western world, people reunite with families over a feast and give thanks for their blessings. Eating mooncakes with a lucky egg yolk in the centre and lighting paper lanterns under the beautifully lit moon are Mid-Autumn’s most significant traditions.

Monkey King Festival (齊天大聖誕) — October 7, 2025

A popular character in Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels in the Chinese canon, the monkey king, named Sun Wukong, was a mischievous, yet loveable, creature getting into all sorts of trouble. However, it was the powerful monkey’s travels to India escorting Buddha that earned him immortality and a spot in the Buddhist world. It’s the monkey god’s cleverness, drive to succeed, and mindset to push through life’s obstacles that make him widely praised during Monkey King Festival. People, especially those from Hong Kong’s Chiu Chow community, gather at his temple in Kowloon to burn incense and make offerings. It’s also said that some people, notably monks, walk on hot coal to honour the Monkey King.

Birthday of Confucius (孔子誕) — October 18, 2025

Confucius’ birthday is also known as Teacher’s Day in Taiwan and China. A revered Chinese social philosopher and scholar, Confucius devoted his life to teaching students no matter what background they came from. He taught the values of harmony, peace, and simplicity, and the importance of having a set of morals and compassion for others. The Five Virtues he instilled are Jen (goodwill), Yi (righteousness), Li (conduct), Chih (wisdom), and Hsin (faithfulness). On this day, teachers are honoured by their students with special notes or small gifts that represent a token of their appreciation. There is no temple in Hong Kong dedicated to Confucius, so the Confucian Academy usually rents a venue to hold a ceremony in honour of his birthday.

Chung Yeung Festival (重陽節) — October 29, 2025

Also known as Double Ninth Festival, Chung Yeung Festival honours those who’ve passed before us. Legend has it that a villager received a message from a divine being telling him to take his family to the highest ground to escape chaos that was to come his village’s way. He heeded the message and also used chrysanthemum tea to kill the demon, saving his family. Nowadays, families climb to cemeteries (which are mostly set on hills in Hong Kong) to pay respect to ancestors and drive away danger, eat cakes (the Cantonese word for ‘cake’, gou, is pronounced the same as the word for ‘high’), and drink chrysanthemum tea. It’s believed that the higher families climb, the more good luck they’ll have.

Winter Solstice Festival (冬至) — December 21, 2025

The Winter Solstice Festival dates back to the Han Dynasty. It marks the first day of winter and celebrates the rebirth of the sun. This rebirth signifies the end of past pain and tumultuous times and the beginning of something bright and new. It’s the shortest day (or longest night) of the year, but after this day, positivity is expected to come into people’s lives. Traditions that take place on this day include cozying up to family gatherings over a home-cooked meal (i.e. dumplings and sweet glutinous rice balls in ginger soup), lighting lanterns, setting new intentions, and worshipping ancestors.

Header image credits: Laurentiu Morariu via Flickr

What is Winter Solstice Festival?

Falling on December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice Festival marks the arrival of extreme winter weather. It’s one of the more popular days celebrated in Hong Kong, just as it’s widely recognized across other parts of Asia. People are let out of work early to make it home for a nice and toasty dinner with family and friends.

The Winter Solstice Festival originates from the Chinese belief that when days are short, there’s not enough of the masculine and fiery yang energy in the yin-yang concept. By celebrating this day with close-knit family over hot foods, yang energy would be restored. The holiday has a strong connection to family and food, similar to most Chinese holidays, seeing families reunite over a happy, harmonious meal.

Another origination of this festival comes from a wise man who used a sundial to observe Earth’s shadows, leading to the conclusion that the Winter Solstice Festival is the shortest day and longest night of the year. On this occasion, the full moon appears higher in the sky than at any other time of the year. (In contrast, the full moon appears the lowest in the sky during the Summer Solstice.) Days get longer after the Winter Solstice and in auspicious terms, any unhappiness and negativity from the past are released to make way for a new beginning.

How do you celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival?

The festivities of this day emphasize warmth, harmony, and a sense of togetherness. In turn, this translates into particular foods eaten to represent these meanings. Families make glutinous rice balls, better known as tong yuen, for two big reasons — these goodies, come in sweet and savoury versions, are round, and in Chinese, tong yuen means reunion (the coming back together of things that were separate, like the lines of a circle). This traditional meal also recalls the shape of the full moon.

While the Winter Solstice Festival is not a public holiday, people leave work early to head home and prepare a nice family meal. For the traditional, this day marks a time to worship ancestors with sacrificial honouring. Families can visit tombstones or simply light incense candles at home.

Counting nines, called shujiu in Putonghua (數九), is another traditional pastime activity where people count down the days to spring. Popular in Northern China, this involves counting down nine days in nine cycles (81 days following Winter Solstice, after which spring should have arrived), with each cycle representing various occurrences, as told in a traditional rhyme. For example, in the first two cycles, people keep their hands warm in their pockets; in the third and fourth cycles, they walk on ice; in the eighth cycle, swallows appear; in the ninth and last cycle, cattle start roaming outdoors as the weather truly warms. In the cities like Hong Kong, the most commonly practised celebrations during the festival involve reuniting families and cooking a warm and hearty meal to relish.

What do you eat during Winter Solstice Festival?

Hot foods that restore yang energy are eaten to bring warmth to the body and spirit. As mentioned, the most common dish is tong yuen, with fillings like black sesame paste and crushed peanuts. Sometimes, they are made in bright pink and green to represent prosperous new beginnings. Wontons and dumplings, stuffed with different condiments, are also a biggie as they’re known to keep people warm and, according to ancient times, prevent frostbite.

Hot pot is another significant winter pleasure, as people bond over one large pot to cook foods together while having fun and quality conversations. The pot is packed with delicacies like abalone, oysters and mushrooms, to name a few. With all the food must come a beverage, in this case, rice wine fermented with osmanthus flowers is downed to wash away anything that didn’t serve us in the past and remind us that spring is just around the corner.

Winter Solstice Festivals in other cultures

Winter Solstice Festival is celebrated in other Asian countries, like Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Shared commonalities revolve around reunion of family and sharing a feast. Despite similarities, there are small, unique differences between the methods of celebration.

In Japan, people eat winter squash, called kabocha, as a way to pray for luck in financial abundance. The Japanese would also take hot baths infused with yuzu citrus fruits to refresh the mind and body, ward off illness and soothe dry winter skin.

In South Korea, people eat red bean porridge to drive away evil. The colour red is believed to keep bad spirits away while bringing in good luck. This is the day people wish for snow and gift calendars to represent a passage in time or socks to stay cosy.

Western cultures also commemorate the Winter Solstice, notably in England (Cornwall and Brighton), with the lighting of lanterns and candles to signify a return of spring and that the symbolic light will keep burning. At Stonehenge, observers gather to watch the sun set on the shortest day of the year.

Other traditional Chinese festivals:

• Lunar New Year
• Birthday of Che Kung
• Chinese Lantern Festival
• Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival
• Ching Ming Festival
• Tin Hau Festival
• Cheung Chau Bun Festival
• Buddha’s Birthday
• Birthday of Tam Kung
• Dragon Boat Festival
• Birthday of Kwan Tai
• Qixi Festival
• Hung Shing Festival
• Hungry Ghost Festival
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Monkey King Festival
• Birthday of Confucius
• Chung Yeung Festival

Header image credits: Lilywy via Pixabay

What is Buddha’s Birthday celebration?

Celebrated on May 5, 2025 in Hong Kong and other Asian countries, Buddha’s Birthday celebrates the birthday of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism in the fifth century BCE. His birthday was contested by different groups of followers, but it’s now recognised to fall on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar.

Legend says that he was born as the son of the monarch of present-day Nepal, who brought great blessings to India and then beyond. Growing up, he saw how the destitute lived, which shed light on the suffering in life. He soon realised money and fame can’t provide happiness. Thus, he renounced his fortune and royal title to live humbly with the bare minimum. It was through a quiet period of meditation that he reached enlightenment, hence his name Buddha meaning ‘Enlightened One’.

During his time spent travelling alone and living life as a beggar, he sat perched under the Bodhi tree, or tree of awakening, deep in meditation where he reflected on his life experiences and reached “nirvana,” or awakening. This meditative state propelled him forward in life as a guide to help others reach spiritual awakening.

Buddha’s Birthday is sometimes referred to as the Bathing of Buddha Festival because the main ritual on his birthday is for people to pour water over a statue of Buddha, symbolising the purification of one’s soul.

Why do people in Hong Kong observe Buddha’s birthday?

Hong Kong is made up of approximately 21% devout Buddhist followers. Buddhism sprouted in Hong Kong as more schools, organisations, and elderly homes operated under the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, which has roughly 10,000 members. Though devout Buddhists celebrated Gautama Buddha’s birthday for many years, it only became a holiday in 1998, a year after the British ceded control of Hong Kong to China. It falls on the same day as Tam Kung’s Birthday (the young sea god) and Cheung Chau Bun Festival, but is not related to them.

How to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday?

Hong Kong hosts celebrations across town, particularly at Buddhist monasteries, to honour Buddha on his special day. Lighting of lanterns to symbolise enlightenment, making offerings, group chanting and meditating, as well as bathing a statue of Buddha with water, are notable acts that occur to pay Buddha with respect. One might spot monks holding cultural performances, too. A vegetarian diet is followed on this day to uphold one of Buddha’s teachings that the flesh of consciously living beings shouldn’t be consumed.

Famous Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong

Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is perhaps the most recognised place to visit the grand Tian Tan Buddha statue after climbing 268 steps. Buddha’s sat in the purest form, representing the wisdom he spreads to people. It’s a tourist hub, but it’s still a sacred place. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Shatin has thousands of Buddha statues, 13,000 statues despite its name, lined up along a paved path ascending roughly 430 steps and also found in five temples, four pavilions and one nine-story pagoda.

Tsz Shan Monastery in Tai Po is a tranquil place known for its whopping 76m-tall statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. It’s home to a Buddhist art museum, but it’s also a place to educate and practice Buddhism.

Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill is a lovely little sanctuary that brings peace and serenity to visitors. It was built as a retreat for Buddhist nuns where one will see Tang Dynasty influences, a beautiful courtyard, and lotus ponds.

Celebrations of Buddha’s Birthday throughout Asia

Countries in Southeast and East Asia celebrate Buddha’s Birthday in slightly different ways given the various branches of Buddhism.

Vesak Day, another name for Buddha’s Birthday, is observed by Buddhists throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia, including mainland China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, and Tibet. Adding to the list of aforementioned celebrations in Hong Kong, people in these places gather to light lanterns at home or temples and wear simple white clothes.

In South Korea, Buddhists would hold parades with lanterns of a magnificent dragon on display. Lanterns would also fill homes and temples with wishes sometimes written on them.

In India, closest to Buddha’s birthplace, Buddhists light candles, offer prayers, and express their gratitude at temples. In Taiwan, thousands of people would gather at the temples to watch a monk decorate Buddha’s shrine with flowers, as well as chant prayers.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Nejron/Piu99 via Canva

The festival has carried forward centuries with time-honoured practices, which proudly showcase filial piety above all else. As the festival takes place at the start of spring, it makes celebrations all the more heartwarming and fun. Though sharing the practice of cleaning the tombs of ancestors, Ching Ming Festival is not to be confused with Chung Yeung Festival, celebrated in the autumn.

What is Ching Ming Festival?

Falling on April 4, 2025, Ching Ming Festival (Ching ming jie in Mandarin, 清明節), also known as Tomb Sweeping Day (Sao fen jie in Mandarin, 掃墳節), is a holiday originating in China to welcome the new spring season and respect ancestors by cleaning their resting places. Literally translated, Ching ming jie means “pure bright festival.” Celebrated 15 days after the Spring Equinox which marks the day that daylight hours start to get longer than nighttime hours, it is the perfect gateway into spring, which is symbolic of fresh, new beginnings.

Hong Kong families take this time to remember and pay respect to relatives who have passed away by visiting and cleaning their graves. They also burn incense and leave flowers, fruit and other food offerings, and items their deceased loved ones enjoyed in life, like cigarettes. Finally, families often eat packed cold dishes together at the grave, as if sharing a meal with the deceased.

Ching Ming Festival and Chung Yeung Festival, which is observed in later in the year in the autumn, share similar practices of cleaning ancestors’ graves and flying kites; however, they are not related. The latter festival is celebrated to ward evil and bad luck away from the living realm.

How did Ching Ming Festival start?

Every Asian festival originates with a combination of myth and tale and Ching Ming Festival is no exception. There are multiple myths associated with the festival’s origins, and one of the main stories goes as follows. Dating back to 6th century BC, a loyal servant by the name of Jie Zitui served outcasted Duke Wen of Jin, who was facing a period of hardship. He was almost starved to the brink of death after being exiled, until Jie stepped in to cut a piece of his flesh off and cook a broth out of it to save the dying duke. This gesture moved the duke, who promised to reward the loyal follower one day.

It wasn’t until years later when Duke Wen of Jin returned to his kingdom and regained power that he tried to summon Jie to reward him. It’s said that Jie had retreated to the mountains with his mother as he had no interest in having anything to do with a government he thought corrupt. Because of this, the duke set the mountain on fire to lure Jie out.

Here is where history starts to become myth: Chinese mythology says the fire caused the accidental death of Jie and his mother. (The historical version goes that Jie didn’t die in the fire, and resented the duke for failing to reward him as he had promised.) To commemorate Jie’s loyalty, the duke forbade the use of fire for three days to mourn his death, leaving people to eat only cold foods. Thus, the Hanshi Festival (寒食節), han shi meaning “cold food”, was born, the predecessor of Ching Ming Festival.

The traditions we still practice for present day Ching Ming Festival was born from of the combination of Hanshi Festival, when people eat cold food, and Shangshi Festival (上巳節), when Chinese people bathe to rid themselves of evil spirits.

How to celebrate Ching Ming Festival

This festival for cleaning ancestor’s tombs and paying respect to them with offerings is celebrated in various parts of Asia — China, Taiwan, Macau, the ethnic Chinese parts of Malaysia and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and of course, Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, as Tomb Sweeping Day highlights ancestral worship, families visit the graves of passed loved ones, leave offerings, and pray for blessings. They clean their tombstones in a show of respect by sweeping away dust and debris, pulling weeds from around them, refreshing the markings of their loved ones’ name engravings in the stone, and planting fresh soil which aligns with the start of spring. Sweeping off dust and debris also holds the auspicious meaning of getting rid of bad luck and negative energy. Once cleared, families burn joss paper (i.e. paper money) and make offerings of tea, wine, and the ancestor’s favourite foods to send to them in the afterlife.

They light incense sticks as a way to let their ancestors know that they’ve arrived, then give blessings and thanks. Living relatives pray to ancestors for their own protection in the world of the living, and also pray to deities for protection of their ancestors in the afterlife. Some people also hang or scatter paper of five colours on or around the grave, which represents five elements and five directions (north, south, east, west, and centre) to protect their ancestors from malicious spirits.

Families also take this day to spend quality time together. Some picnic at the cemetery or just have a leisure day enjoying the warm weather to further emphasize the importance of family. Kite-flying is another important activity to do on Ching Ming Festival. Kites can be seen against the sky from day to night, and auspiciously, it signifies making bad luck fly away. Another way to ward off bad luck and spirits is by placing willow branches at gates and entrances to buildings.

What to eat for Ching Ming Festival

As legend goes, during Ching Ming Festival people ate cold foods for three days to honour Jie Zitui’s act of service to the duke who accidentally killed him in a mountain fire. Therefore, cooking without fire and eating anything cold is a token of respect for Jie. But on a more cheery note, eating cold foods is a nice way to stay cool as warm spring weather arrives.

Traditional foods on Tomb Sweeping Day vary between Chinese cities, with some of the most common including green-coloured balls called qingtuan (青團), which are made with glutinous rice and mugwort paste (also called wormwood) and stuffed with a sweet condiment like red or black bean paste, deep fried twisted dough called sanzi (饊子), snails, eggs, cold rice, and wine.

These foods are normally cooked a day or so in advance so they can be eaten cold on the day. However, these are not commonly eaten during Ching Ming Festival in Hong Kong. In the SAR, families usually just share a cold meal of various items loved by the ancestor and other picnic foods at the cemetery.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: istolethetv via Flickr

Zuma — Central

For a modern rendition of Japanese izakaya, look no further than the glamorous dining that Zuma offers. The two-storey setting and spacious floor plan features a variety of seating areas, private dining rooms, lounge, garden terrace, and a lit spiral staircase that’s perfect for a bougie night out with friends. Expect a hybrid Japanese fine dining experience in the heart of Central with chefs concocting flavourful dishes, like the signature miso marinated black cod going at HK$380. A stellar brunch starting at HK$858 per head is offered on the weekends, filling tables with an assortment of sushi, sashimi, and a choice of meats to name a few. And, might we add, the cocktails are not to be missed!

Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Miso Marinated Black Cod, Roasted Lobster, Spicy Beef Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass
Location: Level 5 & 6 Landmark Atrium, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3657 6388

Shugetsu Ramen — Causeway Bay, Central, Quarry Bay

Tucked in a quaint street of Central, with other locations in Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay, Shugetsu Ramen is a Michelin-starred ramen joint that’s known for its handmade noodles, slow-cooked fish, and soy sauce-based broth that helms the dining experience. It originates from Shikoku, Japan and is famed for tsukemen, which is a cold noodle dipped into a concentrated broth, at a nicely priced HK$111. Traditional ramen is also served, as well as complementing side dishes, like fried chicken and gyoza dumplings. The restaurant boasts an intimate setting with warm hues and a woody interior for the solo foodie or when you want to take a plus one for something authentic yet simple. Queues start early, but the wait is worth every second.

Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Shugetsu Tsukemen, Shugetsu Ramen, Spicy Tsukemen
Locations: Central, 5 Gough St, Central | +852 2850 6009 or Quarry Bay: G/F, 30 Hoi Kwong St, Quarry Bay | +852 2336 7888
Contact: Instagram | Facebook 

Sushi Saito — Central

One can’t get any fresher seafood than at two-Michelin-star Sushi Saito. Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, fresh seafood is imported daily to this Hong Kong Japanese restaurant from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market that’s carefully selected every morning by chef Takashi Saito. Did we say imported daily? Yes. The Edomae-style sushi is what distinguishes Sushi Saito from other sushi restaurants in the city. It’s famed for its immaculate presentation of tastes and textures and the perfectly timed execution of each sushi piece. Seating just 16 people in a light woody interior, getting a reservation in advance is vital. Lunch sets start at HK$1,480 and dinner omakase menu start at HK$3,480.

Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Wild blue eel, Akami Tuna, Chu-Toro, Kuruma-Ebi
Location:  45/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 2527 0811

Kyoto Oden Masa — Causeway Bay

With just three tables each seating four people and five bar seats, Kyoto Oden Masa is a small eatery that’s as cozy as the dishes it serves. Oden is a popularised winter one-pot staple in Japan that’s a simmered broth with ingredients like daikon radish, tofu, fish cake, and an assortment of vegetables. Here, it’s a given to order the oden pot that features the said ingredients on top of other condiments, like broiled tofu, dashimaki egg, and shirataki noodles, ranging from HK$28 to HK$158. Brace yourself for food that warms your soul.

Price Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Broiled Tofu, Dashimaki Egg, Shirataki Noodles
Location:  Shop 1103, 11/F, United Success Commercial Centre, 508 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 2891 1530

Yakiniku Great — Central, Sheung Wan

Yakiniku is Japanese BBQ serving up premium grade meats and at Yakiniku Great, you get this on top of a luxe experience featuring an open dining concept and sleek interiors. A trip to the hipster Soho location or buzzing Sheung Wan branch brings you to every beef aficionado’s dream. Cuts start from HK$198 with the Tourgarashi and Kurisankaku to HK$598 for the superior rare cut of the Chateau Briand. Opt for the omakase tasting sets that start at HK$680 for specially rare cuts handpicked by the chef. Complete your dining experience by going strong with a whisky highball!

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Chateau Briand, Misuji Briand, Ultimate Sirloin
Locations:  Sheung Wan,G/F, Manhattan Ave, 255 Queen’s Rd Central, Sheung Wan | +852 3565 6129 or Central, 1/F, Lower H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central | +852 2758 8688
Contact: Instagram | Facebook

Sagano — Tsim Sha Tsui

Transport yourself to the tranquil part of Kyoto where simple meets elegance at Sagano. At this Hong Kong Japanese restaurant, diners get the complete Japanese cultural experience from the food to the bamboo and wood aesthetics. Dine in one of the six VIP rooms, one being tatami style. The menu offers a wide assortment of Japanese dishes, like sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, and cutlets. Favourites include the stewed meat, seafood dishes, and grilled kamo eggplant with miso paste. A bevy of lunch sets are offered that start at HK$480, alongside dinner sets that start at HK$1,180.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Stewed Meat, Seafood Dishes, Grilled Kamo Eggplant with Miso Paste
Location: 1/F, New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2313 4222

Nadaman — Central

Situated in the Shangri-La Hotel, Nadaman is a spacious and delightful venue that boasts harmony and is just simply elegant. It offers traditional Japanese cuisine of every kind, from teppanyaki and assorted sashimi to sushi omakase and chef’s recommendations that start at HK$450. Itamae Takatsugu Koyama, hailing from Tokyo, is meticulous when it comes to serving dishes that preserve authenticity without spoiling them with cloyingly rich flavours. Nadaman is perfect for a work gathering or rounding up the family together over a palatable meal that’s worth every pretty penny.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Teppanyaki, Sashimi and Sushi Omakase
Location: Level 7, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Rd, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2820 8570

Fukuro — Central

For a fun night out with a small group and impeccable service, Fukuro is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong that just hits the spot! Part of Black Sheep Restaurants Group, Fukuro pays tribute to the late nights of the working class in Tokyo who need a place to let loose while enjoying delectable food and drinks. Fukuro‘s dimly lit Soho venue whips up small sharing plates, like the tasty Agedashi Tofu (HK$98), Spicy Chicken Karaage (HK$138), Saikyo Miso Black Cod (HK$278), and platters of market fish (HK$198-338).

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Agedashi Tofu, Spicy Chicken Karaage, Saikyo Miso Black Cod
Location: G/F, Winly Building, 1-5 Elgin St, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2333 8841

Shikon by Yoshitake — Central

Holding three Michelin stars since 2014, Shikon by Yoshitake delivers a sterling culinary experience with lunch (HK$2,250) and dinner (HK$4,000) omakase sets featuring seasonal appetisers, eight to ten pieces of Edomae-style sushi, soup, and dessert. Fresh seafood is flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market daily to ensure quality ingredients meet the Japanese fine dining concept. Executive chef Yoshiharu Kakinuma was apprentice to Chef Yoshitake who opened the flagship branch in Ginza, Tokyo, and the two closely work together to deliver exemplary food and service. Dine in a lit and wooded interior with a hinoki counter imported straight from Japan, as well as Japanese art and antiques.

Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Abalone, Octopus Braised in Soy Sauce, Mullet roes (Karasumi)
Location: 7/F, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2643 6800

RŌNIN — Sheung Wan

Listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in Asia in 2018, RŌNIN is a 14-seater izakaya dining bar that drills in on the best in class seafood. The cosy nook offers bar and wall seating where diners can relish in a fine selection of whiskies, umeshu, or sake while waiting for dishes to be served. RŌNIN prizes itself on the freshest seafood that are in season, so be sure to make your rounds throughout the year. Favourites of this well-loved Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong include the unagi chirashi, pickled cucumber, kinome (HK$320), and flower crab, uni (HK$520). A market tasting menu is offered at HK$1,180 that’s subject to change based on market seasonality. End your meal with the scrumptious sweet potato donut, maple, kinako (HK$80).

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Unagi Chirashi, Pickled Cucumber, Kinome, Flower Crab, Uni
Location: 8 On Wo Ln, Sheung Wan
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 2547 5263

Honjo — Sheung Wan

Honjo, a sophisticated Japanese fusion restaurant nestled in Sheung Wan, offers a remarkable dining experience. Among Honjo’s standout dishes is the Wagyu (HK$150) , a heavenly combination of seared beef fillets, crispy toasted rice, and shishito peppers, all bathed in a tantalizing tosazu sauce – a true culinary masterpiece. And for dessert enthusiasts, the Matcha Lava (HK$130) is a must-try, featuring a delightful combination of roasted white chocolate, cookies, and creamy vanilla ice cream.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Wagyu Beef, Kani Kamameshi, Tempura Soft Crab, Matcha Lava
Location: 1/F, 77-91 Queen’s Rd West, Sheung Wan
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2663 3772

Kushiro — Tsim Sha Tsui

At Kushiro, the moon-themed Japanese garden decor immerses you in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing the freshest seasonal seafood, carefully selected from Japanese markets, which their talented chefs skillfully transform into imaginative dishes. For a truly immersive dining experience, explore their Omakase sets, starting at just HK$980 for lunch and HK$1980 for dinner. The lunch set includes 3 appetizers and a delightful selection of 10 sushi and Maki, while the dinner set features 2 appetizers, a main course, and an array of 10 sushi and Maki.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Hokkaido Shirako, Live Green Sea Urchin (Bafun Uni)
Location: Shop BW1, BW3 & BW5, B1/F, The Peninsula Hotel,, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2957 8838

Sushiyoshi — Tsim Sha Tsui

Sushiyoshi, where passion meets perfection. Chef Owner Hiroki, hailing from a non-sushi background, turned his father’s restaurant into a Michelin 2-Star gem. Here, traditional Edo-Mae sushi and inventive appetizers coexist harmoniously. Don’t miss Chef Hiroki’s signature Hairy Crab Omakase (HK$3,480), a culinary journey that artfully combines crab, sea urchin, conger eel, tuna, and more in a delightful dance of flavors.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Hairy Crab Omakase, Unagi Handroll, Uni Gunkan, Chu-Toro Sushi
Location: 1/F, The Otto Hotel, 8 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2657 0280

Header image credits: Sushi Shikon by Yoshitake

What is a confinement nanny? 

A confinement nanny, also known as péi yue in Mandarin, is a postpartum caregiver who provides support and assistance to new mothers during the first few weeks after giving birth. The role of a pui yuet is deeply ingrained in Chinese tradition and culture, with the aim of ensuring the mother and baby’s health and well-being are cared for during the confinement period. The term “pui yuet” translates to “postnatal confinement.”

The tasks of a pui yuet vary, but generally include preparing special confinement meals, assisting the breastfeeding process and taking care of the baby. A pui yuet also offers guidance to new mothers on how to care for their newborn and adapt to their new role as a parent. The confinement period can last anywhere from one month to 100 days, during which the mother is encouraged to rest and recuperate, and avoid strenuous activities. 

What is Chinese postpartum confinement? 

The Chinese postpartum confinement is to help mothers transition into motherhood, as well as ensure a proper recovery process. During this time, they’re expected to rest and follow a strict set of dietary and lifestyle rules for the following purposes:

Promoting physical recovery

To help new mothers heal, a strict regimen of rest, herbal baths, teas, and nourishing foods, like chicken and ginger, are advocated. Activities that may cause strain and stress (talked about more below) must be avoided, too.

Preventing illness

To protect new mothers from illness, they are advised to stay indoors and avoid exposure to wind and other environmental factors that could lead to illness. New mothers are most vulnerable at this time as exposure to external factors can disrupt the body’s natural balance.

Promoting breastfeeding

To provide an adequate supply of breast milk and nurse their baby, mothers are encouraged to eat a diet that’s rich in milk-producing foods, like fish and papaya, and to rest as much as possible.

What not to do during confinement

While most mothers don’t necessarily follow stringent rules of Chinese confinement, the following practices are recommended:

• Don’t go outside
• Don’t shower
• Don’t do any strenuous activities or house chores
• Avoid air conditioning
• Avoid sexual intercourse
• Avoid spicy, salty, and raw foods

What to eat during postpartum confinement

Having a healthy, nourishing diet is vital to the new mom’s recovery process. The confinement nanny helps to cook dishes conducive to mom’s physical healing such as:

• Dishes featuring ginger and sesame oil to keep the body warm;
• Leafy greens to boost vitamin C levels in the breast milk to help the newborn grow and develop well;
• Iron-rich foods for protein, like chicken and pork, as lots of blood has been lost during delivery.

How did the night nanny tradition start? 

The tradition of the night nanny is said to have originated in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). It was a common practice among wealthy families to hire a skilled caregiver to take care of the mother and newborn during the first month after birth as it’s a critical time for the mother’s recovery and the newborn’s health. The night time nanny would provide support to the mother in the ways aforementioned, like providing massages and caring for the baby at night, allowing the mother to rest. 

Overtime, the practice of hiring a night nurse for newborns became more widespread, and is now common in many Chinese communities, both in China and abroad. In recent years, the tradition has gained popularity among non-Chinese families as well, as more people recognize the benefits of having an experienced caregiver during the postpartum period. 

How much does a night nurse cost? 

The cost of hiring a night nanny can vary depending on the location, experience and services required. On average, the cost can range from HK$24,000 to HK$30,000 for a live-in, full-time nanny, for a month.

The cost may also depend on the length of the contract and the level of expertise required of the confinement lady. While the cost of hiring a night nurse may seem high, it can provide valuable support for new mothers.

Header image credits: Szefei via Getty Images

What is Qixi Festival? 

Qixi Festival is Chinese Valentine’s Day, falling on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which is August 29, 2025 on the international Gregorian calendar. Also known as the Double Seventh Festival and Seven Sisters Festival, Qixi celebrates none other than love. Couples get together on this special occasion to savour each other’s company and do cutesy things, like exchanging gifts, strolling hand-in-hand and sharing a sweet bite of a dessert, to say the least.

Much of the Qixi Festival traditions are no longer followed, but couples still honour this day with the same intent as how the festival was once celebrated.

The ideas and practices of Seven Sisters Festival have spread to other Asian countries, inspiring Tanabata or the Star Festival in Japan (July 7 every year) and the Chilseok festival or Korean Valentine’s Day in Korea (also observed on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month).

How did Qixi Festival start?

The origin of Qixi Festival sprouts from the tale of a romance between a divine weaver girl and a cowherd. This tale is based on the astronomical meeting of the Vega and Altair stars in the seventh lunar month, Vega representing Zhinü (織女), the seventh and youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor (the ruler of Heaven in Chinese mythology) and Altair representing Niulang (牛郎), a common cowherd. The story bears similar semblance to the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, but with a more sympathetic ending.

Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Niulang, the cowherd, crossed paths with Zhinü, the weaver girl. Zhinü was the daughter of a powerful goddess known as the Heavenly Queen Mother, whereas Niulang came from humble beginnings. When the two lovers met, they fell in love with each other, got married, and birthed two children.

However, this happily ever after got cut short when Zhinü’s mother discovered that her daughter married a mortal being. Her mother created a river, called the Milky Way, to divide the two, bringing Zhinü back to Heaven. A flock of magpies heard of the situation and decided to build a bridge for the lovers to reunite. Touched by the gesture, the Heavenly Queen Mother let the couple meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. For more than 2,000 years on the night of Double Seventh Festival, Chinese people have looked up to the sky to see the lovers meet via the bridge represented by the Deneb star in a constellation dubbed the ‘Summer Triangle’.

How do you celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day?

To wish someone a happy Qixi Festival, the greeting combines Qixi with Valentine’s Day (七夕情人節快樂 – qīxì qíngrén jié kuàilè in Mandarin, which literally translates to “Happy Qixi Valentine’s Day”). Celebrations still take place in China and Hong Kong, but more so in the former than latter.

In China, women pay respect to the divine Zhinü by serving tea or wine and offering flowers and fruits while dressed in robe-like hanfu dresses. One of the main activities of the Double Seventh Festival celebration takes place in the evening, and features women weaving. Zhinü was a weaver after all, so this activity became a historical pastime. Some places would even make weaving into a competition on this day.

Single women pray to Zhinü and Niulang for their true counterpart. Those who are already coupled up would ask for healthy babies and a happy family. Qixi Festival traditions are less recognised in Hong Kong due to the progressively western nature of the city. However, couples still meet to enjoy an intimate rendezvous, whether it’s a nice dinner or movie night in.

What to eat during Qixi Festival 

Alongside the Chinese Valentine’s Day traditions, certain foods are relished during Qixi Festival. Qiaoguo (巧果) or ‘skill fruit’, a simple pastry moulded into a flower, fruit, or animal design, is a popularised item to eat on this day. It’s a sweet fried thin pastry made of flour, sugar, and honey.

It is hoped that cherishing this delight will help find women find the right man and provide them with skilled hands to take care of housework and be a “proper wife” in a traditional sense. Legend has it that eating qiaoguo helped Zhinü and Niulang reunite on the bridge.

Dumplings stuffed with sweet condiments, like red dates and longans, would guarantee falling in love and having a long, prosperous marriage.

Also, five kinds of nuts – longans, hazelnuts, peanuts, melon seeds, and red dates – are eaten during worship to Zhinü to grant wishes.

Other dishes to eat during Seven Sisters Festival are fresh fruit carved into the shapes of flowers and animals, cloud noodles and sprout noodles to bring cleverness and craftsmanship, and chicken representing lovers that will never have to be separated.

FAQ about Chinese Valentine’s Day

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Gary Todd via Flickr

What is the Birthday of Kwan Tai?

Celebrating the birthday of Kwan Tai, the god of war, on July 18, 2025, means honouring virtues like integrity, commitment, loyalty, courage and righteousness. He was a sworn brother of Liu Bei, the first ruler of the state of Shu Han, ascending the ranks to become one of the most powerful and successful military generals. He is also known to foster a long life and bring prosperity to businessmen.

On the lunar calendar recognized in many Asian countries, Kwan Tai’s birthday falls on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. Locals visit temples around the city dedicated to him, remembering him as a strong leader who always took the morally high ground whilst commanding, oftentimes, onerous tasks.

Who is Kwan Tai, the Chinese god of war?

For those visiting cultural hotspots in Hong Kong, Kwan Tai is probably a familiar face – a red-faced, fiery-eyed figure with a strong build sporting long hair, beard, and golden crown. Born Guan Yu (關羽), the deity representing loyalty came from humble, human beginnings. His milestone moments on the battlefield exalted him to the reputation he has today.

Guan Yu started as a soldier who gradually rose through the ranks by demonstrating his fierce loyalty and willingness to fight.

It was in this position that he met his most important friends, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, who became his sworn brothers. He followed these brothers on their escapades until one founded the State of Shu, where Guan Yu went on to lead the entire state’s army.

Though he’s known as the god of war in Taoism and Buddhism, Guan Yu represents brotherhood. He became a deity after his passing for his heroic deeds and strong morals. He was granted the title “Saintly Emperor Kwan” (關聖帝君, Kwan Sing Dai Gwan) in the Ming Dynasty before being called Kwan Tai by the people.

Mo Tai (武帝, Mo Tai) is an alternate name for him which translates to ‘military emperor’. However, he’s most notably known for his virtue of brotherhood, which earned him a spot as patron of the police force and triads. Kwan Tai is honoured in Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

How to celebrate Kwan Tai’s birthday?

Celebrations are scattered across town to observe the birthday of the Chinese war deity.

Over in Shau Kei Wan, people gather at the fish market right outside Tam Kung Temple built in honour of the deity Tam Kung, who could predict the weather. Attendees parade alongside lion dance performers while a shrine of Kwan Tai is pushed through the streets.

However, in order for this event to even take place, funding is needed. A large banquet is held where holy relics used to worship gods are auctioned and a lucky draw occurs where the winner can bring home a statue of Kwan Tai.

Other occurrences feature a celebration in Tai Po’s Ting Kok Village to honour Kwan Tai’s birthday, except this celebration happens on the 13th day of the first lunar month, when it’s believed that Kwan Tai’s soul ascended to Heaven.

Kwan Tai temples in Hong Kong

Of the temples devoted to Kwan Tai, Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road is the most famous. Kwan Tai shares this temple with Man Cheong (文昌, man coeng), the god of culture and literature, because both gods are seen as almighty and successful from a civil duty and educational perspective. Hence, the name Man Mo Temple combines the two gods’ names.

Tai O, a small island to the west of Lantau Island, is also home to the Kwan Tai Ancient Temple (Kwan Tai Miu in Cantonese). It is the oldest temple built for Kwan Tai in Hong Kong, constructed in 1741. Kwan Tai Ancient Temple features a statue of the god built by local artisans.

Kwan Tai Temple in Sham Shui Po is another location, and it’s the largest temple dedicated to Kwan Tai in Hong Kong.

Built in 1891, Kwan Tai Temple’s original statue of Kwan Tai has been replaced with a more modern version with iconography that’s more recognisable to the public.

FAQ about Kwan Tai’s Birthday

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Andrew Moore via Flickr

On April 20, 2025, we celebrate Tin Hau’s birthday for Tin Hau Festival. She’s a protector of one of Mother Nature’s breathtaking elements and grants this protection to seafarers. See how Tin Hau has made centuries-long waves.

What is Tin Hau Festival?

Tin Hau Festival (天后誕, pronounced tin hau daan in Cantonese) marks the birthday of the sea goddess. It is celebrated on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, which falls on April 20 this year. Tin Hau was first honoured in the Song Dynasty (960-1270 AD) and her recognition soon shot up from there. Over the years, other titles have been bestowed upon her with each dynastic successor unveiling greater recognition for the goddess.

For example, in 1281, Tin Hau was named the “Heavenly Consort” who protected the nation by the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Then, a sea admiral from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) built shrines in her honour aboard every ship. It wasn’t until 1684 that Emperor Kangxi from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) gave the goddess the highest ranked title: Tin Hau, Empress of Heaven.

Thus, throughout the years, Tin Hau’s significance grew. People of the sea brought with them folklore about the divine goddess and made her a prominent figure wherever they settled. Despite her widespread recognition in Hong Kong, which has fishing village roots, Tin Hau Festival is not a public holiday.

Who is Tin Hau?

Tin Hau started as an average village girl from humble beginnings. Her family hailed from the fishing island Meizhou, located in Fujian Province near Taiwan. Born in the 10th century, she was given the birth name Mòniáng (默娘), meaning “silent girl,” as she didn’t cry like other babies.

Growing up, she devoted herself to accepted practices for women like spinning and weaving, studied Taoism, and worshipped Guanyin, who is the goddess of mercy. But unlike other women and because of her devotion to Guanyin, she never married by choice.

One day, Mòniáng fell into a trance when a typhoon arrived at sea as her father and brothers were out fishing. In her trance, her spirit drifted to sea to save her father and brothers. All but one brother managed to get home safely, as Mòniáng’s mother woke her up from the trance midway through the rescue. Since this incident, she became known as Tin Hau, the sea goddess and patron for fishermen. Her alternate name is Māzǔ (媽祖), meaning Mother Ancestor.

Importance of Tin Hau in Hong Kong

Given her heroic deed, Mòniáng ascended to Heaven and was thus blessed with the honorific title, Tin Hau.

In Hong Kong, she holds great importance, especially among the fishermen and other seafarers. Many communities in Hong Kong’s early days made a living from the sea, in particular, the Tanka people. The Tanka, also known as the boat people, would have a statue of Tin Hau aboard their vessels for blessings and protection.

Despite the dwindling Tanka population and increasing livelihood on land, Tin Hau is still highly regarded as her remarkable abilities extend to granting wishes and casting evil spirits away. Tin Hau’s significance is such that an MTR station was named after her because of its proximity to the Causeway Bay Tin Hau Temple.

How to celebrate Tin Hau Festival?

Every festival warrants a celebration and Tin Hau Festival is no exception. Celebrations that occur range from loud and raucous street performances to the hushed tones of prayers and sacrificial honouring.

Performers and worshippers of the goddess parading down streets and coastal walkways is one common sighting. They march to the boisterous clanging of drums, cymbals and often times, a whole procession of a marching band and kung fu practitioners. All the performers would dress in costumes that bear resemblance to mythical creatures and martial arts uniforms.

In unison with the grand spectacle, dragon and lion dances take place. These dances are also known in other major Chinese holidays for bringing good luck and prosperity. They require a group of coordinated dancers to imitate the lively moves of the animals, giving life to the look and adding more zest into the festivities. The lion dance features at least two performers going undercover in the lion costume and making lively movements, whereas the dragon dance requires a larger number of people lined up to carry the dragon effigy up on sticks, imitating the smooth flowing of the legendary dragon.

Large paper floral tributes, known as fa pau (花炮) in Cantonese, are grand and embellished ‘flower cannons’ that tower meters high. The beauty of these floral wreaths is likened to the beauty of the goddess. At celebrations, these wreaths are offered as raffle prizes and whoever wins will have good fortune and fertility.

Other festival activities include Cantonese opera performances organized by neighbourhood committees to pay homage to Tin Hau, as well as visiting temples that honour the goddess.

How many Tin Hau temples are there in Hong Kong?

There are over 60 temples in Hong Kong that are fully or partially dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Tin Hau’s temples are often fittingly located near or beside bays. At the temples, worshippers would pray and make sacrifices to the divine goddess.

The largest Tin Hau Festival celebration takes place in Yuen Long, featuring a three-hour-long parade that ends at Tai Shu Ha Tin Hau Temple. It’s probably the most lively and colourful of all the Tin Hau festivals occurring around town.

Tai Miu is another temple located in Joss House Bay, Sai Kung, which is the biggest and oldest temple dedicated to Tin Hau. Built circa 1266, it is classified as a Grade I Historic Building. Festivities on islands are also big ones as fishing communities, like the one on Cheung Chau, have strong ties to the waters and fishing as a way of life.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Tak Lau via Flickr

To get the answers, local people in Hong Kong and mainland China turn to Tung Shing (通勝, tong sheng in Cantonese), a Chinese divination guide that’s also known as the Chinese almanac. This book provides Chinese calendar lucky days and guidance on the way we behave and how we plan to move forward into the future with the intent that our future will be blessed.

What is the Tung Shing? 

Tung Shing (sometimes referred to as 皇曆, “Huang li” in Mandarin, meaning almanac issued by the emperor) has been used for over a thousand years and is listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Guangdong. It contains information about the Chinese calendar, astrology, and various divination methods. It helps people make important decisions about their lives, such as choosing auspicious dates for weddings, starting new businesses, or moving into a new home.

The book also provides guidance on traditional Chinese festivals and holidays and predictions for the weather and natural disasters. Tung Shing is still widely used today in China and other parts of the world with Chinese communities, with many people nowadays referring to Tung Shing apps and websites rather than a physical book.

What is the history of the Tung Shing? 

The Tung Shing is a divination guide originally created during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), but has undergone numerous revisions and updates since then. It was created by Chinese astronomers and astrologers who were interested in predicting the movements of the stars and planets. They used their knowledge of astronomy to develop a system of divination that could be used to forecast future events and guide important decisions. 

The name “Tung Shing” literally translates to “victorious in all things.” It was once known as “Tung Shu,” but shu in Chinese sounds like the word for loss, hence the name change. Tung Shing draws its foundation from the Chinese zodiac, which reflects the book’s origins in the study of astrology. The zodiac chart refers to the twelve animals that are associated with the Chinese calendar, with each animal representing a different year in a twelve-year cycle.

The Tung Shing uses the zodiac as a framework for its divination system, with each animal sign corresponding to specific personality traits, lucky numbers, and auspicious days and times for different activities. Despite modern advances in technology, many people throughout Hong Kong and the Chinese diaspora still prefer to turn to traditional means of consulting.

What are the Four Pillars of Destiny? 

The Four Pillars of Destiny (四柱推命, sei chyu teui ming in Cantonese), also called Ba-Zi (meaning “eight characters”, is a Chinese astrological system that uses a person’s birth date and time to determine their destiny and potential in life. The system is based on the principles of Chinese astrology and is often used in fortune-telling, personal growth, and relationship analysis.

The Four Pillars of Destiny is based on four different aspects of a person’s life: the year, month, day, and hour of birth. Each pillar is associated with a heavenly stem and an earthly branch, which combine to form a unique chart that reflects a person’s personality traits and potential future events in their life. 

Together, the astrological information about individuals (that is, those involved in the significant event) from the Four Pillars of Destiny and the information about lucky dates in the Tung Shing help guide people in their important decision-making processes.

What is the Tung Shing used for? 

Over the centuries, the Tung Shing has become an essential part of Chinese culture, with many people consulting the book for guidance on important decisions and events. It’s divided into sections based on the Chinese calendar, with each day of the year given a specific set of auspicious and inauspicious times for different activities. Here are several things that people in mainland China and Hong Kong use the Tung Shing for:

Feng shui

Many people in mainland China and Hong Kong use Tung Shing to determine the most favourable locations and orientations for buildings, furniture, and other objects in the home based on the principles of feng shui.

Choosing auspicious dates

Tung Shing is often used to choose auspicious dates for important events like lucky wedding dates, lunar calendar lucky days for business ventures, and the best days for moving into a new house. It provides information about the ideal dates and even times to initiate these activities, based on the position of the planets and other astrological movement.

Zodiac signs

Tung Shing provides information about the 12 zodiac signs and their characteristics, and also tells people what their zodiac sign is based on their birth year. This can help not only in interpreting the individual’s characteristics and strengths, but also in analysing and improving relationships.

Traditional festivals

The Tung Shing gives details about the dates of traditional festivals and the customs and practices associated with them.

Header image credits: Charles Chan via Flickr

He thus earned the name Lord Tam, the Sea God, and became a revered deity, especially among fishermen. His birthday is celebrated to this day on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. This year, it falls on May 5, 2025, in which many people amass in a boisterous affair.

Who is Tam Kung? 

Tam Kung was just a young boy in ancient China when he discovered his ability to control the wind and rain. While not much is known about the historical person’s upbringing, we do know that Tam Kung hailed from the Guangdong Province. His power allowed him to essentially predict the weather, which earned him great recognition from coastal communities as a sea deity across Hong Kong and Macau.

Moreover, he had the talent to heal the sick. At the tender age of 12, Tam Kung found the secret to remaining young forever, which explains why any statue seen of him embodies an old man with the face of a boy. Some people may know him as ‘Lord Tam the Sea God’ or ‘Tam the Great Immortal’.   

What is Tam Kung’s Birthday?

Coinciding with Buddha’s Birthday, Tam Kung’s birthday falls on May 5, 2025. This day holds cultural significance because Tam Kung is known to help the greater good of his community, especially for those living in coastal towns, when things were unpredictable and livelihood depended on such things as weather. And, to help the sick was no easy feat. Hence, celebrating Tam Kung’s birthday is a way to bring safety, good health and overall, good luck to people.

How did the celebration of Tam Kung’s Birthday start? 

While Tam Kung gained recognition early on in his life and has been worshipped for centuries, it wasn’t until the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) that he beaome officially deified. It was believed that he controlled the weather by throwing peas into the air to calm storms or water to trigger them.

Fishing communities were Tam Kung’s biggest worshippers, hence, his popularity spread in Hong Kong, which has a long history of seadwellers and occupational fishermen. Small shrines were built in Tam Kung’s honour and celebrations were small but took a pause for a period of time. It was only in 1905, when the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan was built, that celebrations started to take flight with a solid physical meeting point, aggrandizing over time. 

As time passed, people in Hong Kong increasingly valued the cultural significance of Tam Kung, as communities use his birthday to commemorate the times they had overcome plagues and natural disasters. Celebrations on his special day of birth revived and have become one to remember. 

How to celebrate Tam Kung’s Birthday? 

Since Tam Kung’s Birthday is on a public holiday in Hong Kong, festivities are known to be loud and clamorous. Apart from paying respect at temples filled with the cloudy, smoky incense of joss sticks, a big procession occurs on this day.

Expect the piercing sounds of drums, cymbals, and gongs revving up the day’s long affair. Worshippers head to temples, with the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan hosting the largest celebration. Parades of lion dancers perform a mix of dancing and martial arts on the streets and fa pau, which are large floral shrines that represent good luck and protection, float in the air.

Moreover, don’t be taken aback when you see effigies of Tam Kung, or boys wearing masks masquerading as the great sea deity to amp up the atmosphere. And, if you’re lucky enough to catch it, you’ll be able to listen to a Chinese opera held in honour of Tam Kung on his birthday on temporary bamboo stages in various fishing villages around Hong Kong.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: Nam Le via Canva

What is TCM? 

Traditional Chinese medicine, a.k.a. TCM, goes back centuries and has widely amassed recognition as more people in the western world seek alternative approaches to health. It uses holistic and often non-invasive approaches to treat chronic conditions that affect psychological and physical health. The centuries-old Chinese medicine system draws from Taoist ideologies that emphasize the importance of finding harmony through the laws of nature, balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Traditional Chinese medicine has gained traction throughout the Western world in recent decades, guasha, acupuncture, and tai chi in particular.

Qi is an essential concept in TCM. It’s a type of energy that flows through our body and helps with metabolic processes, so to have a balanced qi is to have a healthy body. The five-element theory (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood) is another important concept as it weaves in how our body functions in correlation to nature. Rather than seeing organs function individually, TCM treatment draws from the five elements that all organs are connected.

How did traditional Chinese medicine begin? 

Dating back 2,500 to 5,000 years, TCM roots can be traced back to the Neolithic period in China when villagers would use herbs and other natural remedies to treat pain and sickness. The earliest forms of TCM were based on observing the natural world and the human body to understand health and disease. Written records of TCM date back to the Han Dynasty when “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” laid the foundation of TCM medicine, highlighting the basic principles of acupuncture, diet, and qi.

Over the centuries, Eastern medicine has evolved and been influenced by various philosophical, cultural, and religious traditions, like Taoism. It has gained recognition and is widely practiced by TCM doctors in the Western world today. TCM is still evolving and incorporates not just physical and herbal treatments, but also spiritual and cultural elements.

What are the different elements of TCM?

TCM practitioners often use a mix of the following treatment elements:

Chinese herbs

Derived from plants, minerals, and animals, TCM herbs are usually seen as safer and are generally considered to be less likely to cause adverse side effects compared to Western medicine. They treat the body holistically, supporting overall wellness, and are believed to have immune-boosting properties that strengthen the body’s natural defences against disease. Chinese herbs can also be used to restore the body in the event of such things as women preparing to carry a baby.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. The practice is based on the belief that there are pathways of energy, known as meridians, that run throughout the body and regulate the flow of qi. Health problems arise when this flow is disrupted or blocked, so inserting needles at points along the meridian can stimulate the flow of qi and promote healing and balance in the body. It’s noted that people experience improved mental health, sleep quality, and boosted immunity after acupuncture. 

Exercise

Physical movement is important to improve bodily function and health, and tai chi is one form of exercise proven vital in TCM. Tai chi is a gentle, yet effective form of exercise and Chinese martial art that promotes physical, mental and emotional well-being. Benefits include improved balance and coordination, stress and anxiety reduction, boosted immune system, pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mental clarity, and better sleep. 

Manual therapy

Part of TCM involves manual therapy, like cupping, guasha, and massage. Cupping uses heated glass cups to create suction to relieve pain and restore qi; guasha is a tool used against the skin to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote lymphatic drainage; massage uses push-and-grasp techniques along the meridian points. It’s believed that these forms of manual therapy reduce tension in the body, promote circulation, and improve nerve function to ultimately relax the body.

FAQ about traditional Chinese medicine

Header image credits: Manusapon Kasosod via Canva

What is Hung Shing Festival? 

Hung Shing Festival (洪聖爺誕 hung shing ye daan in Cantonese) celebrates the life of Hung Shing. It falls on the 13th of the second lunar month, which is March 12, 2025 on the international Gregorian calendar. However, certain neighbourhoods (notably, Sai Kung) celebrate the festival on the 13th of the eighth lunar month (October 4, 2025). Celebrations usually last for one week.  

Hung Shing made significant contributions to especially fishermen with his weather forecasts and founded an observatory, and was believed to have saved many lives from natural disasters in the sea. Hung Shing has several aliases:

• Hung Hei (洪熙 hung hei in Cantonese);
• Hung Shing Ye (洪聖爺 hung sing ye in Cantonese);
• Hung Shing Wong (洪聖王 hung sing wong in Cantonese);
• Tai Wong (大王 dai wong in Cantonese).

In 2014, Hung Shing Festival became an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong.

How did Hung Shing Festival start?

Hung Shing Festival’s origins began centuries ago after the death of Hung Shing. He was a well-respected historical figure serving as governor in Guangdong while using his expertise in astronomy, geography, and mathematics to help the community. People entrusted him to steer them towards protection and safety. He toiled day and night, dying at a young age from over-exertion. It wasn’t until after his death that the imperial emperor honoured him with the title “Nam Hoi Kwong Li Hung Shing Tai Wong” which literally translates to “Saint Hung the Great King of Extensive Benefits of the South Seas.”

Hung Shing rose to become a deity after his death. It’s said that he became immortal as he continued to protect the lives of those in the face of uncontrollable harm even as a spirit. The Chinese deity is remembered for his greatness and aptitude in saving people from natural disasters, keeping them from harm’s way. Thus, he’s known as the deity of the southern sea. Most temples built in honour of Hung Shing are by coastal fronts thanks to his technical prowess in weather forecasting.

How do you celebrate Hung Shing Festival? 

A multitude of festivities and religious rituals take place in the week-long Hung Shing Festival extravaganza. A popular celebration takes place in Ap Lei Chau, a small fishing village located off the coast of Hong Kong Island, at the 245-year-old Hung Shing Temple that’s a declared monument. Expect to see colourful parades, dragon and lion dances, and Chinese opera performances. 

Ho Sheung Heung in Sheung Shui is another famed temple to celebrate Hung Shing Festival traditions. Alongside the parades, dances, and opera performances is the highlighted Floral Tribute Scrambling tradition. A floral tribute represented by a bamboo tube is fired into the air from a scaffolding fixture, in which participants scramble to grab the tube. Whoever succeeds in obtaining the tube is blessed with good luck and fortune. A poon choi, or “big bowl” or “basin” feast, is held later in the evening for worshippers.

Other places that host festivities are Tai Kok Tsui’s Hung Shing Temple, which sets up a fair on the first Sunday of March, and Po Toi O village in Sai Kung, which celebrates Hung Shing Festival on the 13th day of the eighth lunar month. 

FAQ about Hung Shing Festival

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: bushton3 via Canva

What is Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival?

Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival is a significant festival in Hong Kong because this is the day when the goddess opens her treasury and people ask her for “loans.” Hongkongers celebrate this festival in hopes of seeking more fortune by borrowing imaginary money from Kwun Yum in the form of red paper notes. There is no limit to how much is too much, so some loans can be as high as in the millions!

How did Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival start?

In Hong Kong culture, most festivals begin with a legend and Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival is no different. The folklore story behind it denotes a dutiful son building a bridge for the public’s benefit. The son was birthed by a woman who was in trouble swept out at sea. To save her and her unborn child, she seeked Kwun Yum’s help. She promised the goddess that if she managed to escape the treacherous conditions and gave birth to a son, her son would contribute to societal good by building a bridge. The son grew up but lacked the financial means to build it.

Taken by his filial piety, Kwun Yum descended onto earth as a beautiful woman and sat perched on the son’s boat, proclaiming that she would marry whoever successfully struck her with a silver ingot. Many men tried, but none were successful. The piled ingots on the boat were then collected by the son to build the bridge, called Luoyang Bridge.

How to celebrate Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival?

Called Guan Yin in mainland China, Kwun Yum’s treasury opens at 11 pm on the 26th of the first lunar month. However, some eager crowds flock to the temples on the 25th day (15 February this year) to be the first to offer incense, even if it means waiting for hours on end outside the temple. Kwun Yum Tong on Tai Ping Shan Street in Sheung Wan is a popular place, as well as the Kwun Yum Temple in Hung Hom where the rowdiest yet exciting festivities occur.

Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival traditions include praying, burning incense, and participating in a lucky draw of red notes, which is where visitors can secure the symbolic money, or luck, to fulfil their monetary wishes. The paper notes usually have the loaned amount and lucky Chinese characters written on them. It’s important to note that these loans must be returned through worship and/or donations by the time the next new year approaches if the borrower wants to secure further loans. Besides getting the loans, people make donations to the temples, purchase lucky items like ingots and paper money, and take home red envelopes filled with nuts and other auspicious snacks for good luck.

FAQ about Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: kemmudsudsakorn via Canva

What is poon choi? 

Poon choi is a famous Chinese casserole dish that literally translates to “basin food.” The generous assortment of delicacies that go into making one ultimately depends on personal preference, but traditionally, meats, seafood, vegetables, and stew-like ingredients are packed to the brim. Vegetables, comprising a small portion of the entire dish, are found at the bottom followed by meats and other hearty, “valuable” items layered on top, with each item prepared separately.

Poon choi is normally served in a large, conventionally, wooden bowl that welcomes a communal way of dining. It’s a popular meal to have during the Spring Festival, on the eve of Chinese New Year, and at weddings, traditional rituals and festivals, and times of ancestral worship.

How was poon choi invented? 

The origins of poon choi date back to the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD) during the war between Mongolia and China. Emperor Zhao Bing, the last emperor of the Song Dynasty, and his army fled to a village in the New Territories around Guangdong province and Hong Kong. It was on this stumble that Hakka villagers decided to treat them to a massive feast of the best locally sourced foods available, like turnips and fish. Each dish was then laid out, one on top of the other, in a large washbasin to feed the masses. This Hakka poon choi has now become a full-on Chinese tradition.

There are auspicious meanings to poon choi, meanings that advocate for unity and prosperity. Hence, the more you eat out of the pot, the luckier you will be.

Where to find poon choi in Hong Kong

Here’s a list of places that serve up the most mouthwatering poon chois in town to warm your soul this festive season.

Green Common

For all the vegans out there, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the delicious festivities. Plant-based marketplace and eatery Green Common offers an all-vegan poon choi filled with an assortment of vegetables, inclusive of ones resembling “meats.” Items include mochi kinchaku with Omnipork, golden tremell, omnipork meatballs, shiitake mushrooms, purple sweet potato, red dates, and black fungus to name several. Green Common’s poon choi (HK$618) is served in a metal basin and feeds up to six people.

Where: Order on Klook. Orders must be made three days in advance.

Loong Yat Heen

Eat like a king and queen when you opt for Loong Yat Heen’s Abalone Supreme Poon Choi. The restaurant is known to serve up classic Chinese delicacies, which you will find in this hefty poon choi claypot. Chef Yeung puts together a divinely prepared rich broth with abalone, Chinese ham, chicken, and pork lean braised for eight hours. The succulent juices from the meaty combination soaks into the dish’s other pairings, like dried oysters, roasted pork belly, fish maw, and Japanese turnip. The end result is a feast that fell from the heavens.

Where: Available for groups of two (HK$664), four (HK$1,294), six (HK$1,744), and twelve (HK$3,274). Order on Klook.

Ming Court

Bring a refined dining experience into the comfort of your own home with Ming Court’s hearty Chinese New Year poon choi options. Indulge in a sophisticated meal with flavourful origins that take you back to your Asian roots. Ming Court’s Chinese New Year Festive Casserole poon choi features whole abalone, fish maw, prawns, barbequed pork loin, and other delectable items all braised in one single and reusable claypot.

Where: The poon choi is available for groups of four (HK$1,488) that comes with complimentary red bean cream sweetened soup and eight (HK$2,738) that comes with complimentary wok-fried glutinous rice. Order on Klook.

Lei Garden

Savour Lei Garden’s unique recipes using hand-selected, premium ingredients that can be found in its poon choi. The internationally-renowned restaurant serves up a sizable feast for seafood lovers, adding abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, conpoy, and dried oyster into the joyous mix. 

Where: Available for groups of four (HK$1,318), six (HK$1,888) and 10 (HK$3,218). Call ahead to the restaurant you want to pick-up from two days in advance to reserve, and then place an order on Klook.

Mott 32

Start the Lunar New Year on a bang with Mott 32’s poon choi. Choose between two of the contemporary Chinese restaurant’s deluxe poon choi to bring home an elevated dining experience. The Traditional Poon Choi is filled with a generous serving of free-range chicken, fish balls, braised pork, and dried seafood to add rich flavours. The Premium Poon Choi heightens the celebratory spirit, being filled with Australian abalone, Hokkaido sea scallops, fish maw, and Japanese sea cucumber among other luxury poon choi ingredients.

Where: Order on Klook. When two of either poon choi are ordered, you can get free glutinous rice. The Traditional (HK$2,580) poon choi serves 12 people and the Premium (HK$2,680) poon choi serves six people.

Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung

Delight in Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung’s poon choi from well-renowned modern, authentic Chinese restaurant Yue. Chef Jacky cooks up time-honoured Chinese classics placed altogether in one masterpiece, including African abalone, fish maw, conpoy, roasted duck, roasted crispy pork belly, and giant tiger prawns, among much more.

Where: The poon choi is available for groups of four (HK$1,688). Orders can be placed on the e-shop, and must be made one week in advance.

Regal Hotels

Regal Hotels offer extravagant poon choi fit for, as its name suggests, royalty. Choose between the Abalone Supreme Poon Choi (HK$1,688) which serves six, 3-Head Whole Abalone and Lobster Poon Choi (HK$1,488), which serves six and Abalone Deluxe Poon Choi (HK$988) which serves four. Each pot of gold comes with a host of succulent seafoods and meats that elevate the flavours of the entire dish. Regal Hotels also offers the Deluxe Vegetarian Poon Choi (HK$988) for six brimming with low-fat, high-protein, and high-collagen delights.

Where: From 23 December 2022 to 15 January 2023, customers can get a free box of Coconut New Year Pudding when they purchase a poon choi on Regal Hotels’ e-shop.

More stories about Chinese New Year

Header image credits: Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung