Hong Kong has been quite active lately.
The Chief Executive personally announced that 500,000 free flight tickets will be given away, including routes between mainland China and Hong Kong, with a total value of up to 2 billion HKD. Little Dolphin, Little Pig are all eager to join in, and we believe it won’t be long before everyone knows the details.
Additionally, electronic visas for Hong Kong have resumed, and train tickets to Hong Kong can be purchased on 12306. The border crossing points now have no limits on the number of people, no need for reservations, and no nucleic acid test proof required for entry.
It’s really convenient to go to Hong Kong now.
Our editor is currently in Hong Kong. Judging by their social media, they are having a blast (and indulging in all sorts of food).
They’ve booked a bunch of restaurants and even went to Disneyland to clean out all of LinaBell’s room merch and bring it back home. I’m truly envious.
They’re also staying at a Hong Kong hotel with an amazing view (try guessing which one from the pictures below).
Today’s article is about the best times to visit Hong Kong.
Traveling according to seasons and events often yields great experiences.
February 23 to March 26 – Hong Kong Restaurant Week
This is the largest annual culinary event in Hong Kong with the most participating restaurants. After three years of the pandemic, we can finally go to Hong Kong for Restaurant Week.
There will be over 200 restaurants participating this time, including Michelin-starred and Black Pearl restaurants. We’ve already booked our spots and will bring you the first-hand guide to eating and drinking at Hong Kong Restaurant Week.
Our editor has already dined from A Lux, U IZAKAYA to Ah Yat Harbour View Restaurant, and from Grand Hyatt to Langham, finally ending at Ritz-Carlton.
I’ve heard they’ve gained 5 kilos already.
Having experienced Restaurant Weeks in mainland China multiple times, I really want to try Hong Kong’s version.
Website: www.restaurantweek.hk
February 15 to March 19 – The 51st Hong Kong Arts Festival
The Hong Kong Arts Festival was officially inaugurated in 1973 and is a significant cultural event in the international art scene.
The opening performance of the 51st Hong Kong Arts Festival will feature the Slovenian National Theatre Maribor Ballet with “Radio and Juliet” and “The Rite of Spring.” If you enjoy dance, music, and drama… the Hong Kong Arts Festival is perfect for you.
Official website of the Hong Kong Arts Festival: http://www.hk.artsfestival.org/sc
March 23-25, Art Basel Hong Kong
Art Basel consistently ranks among the top three art events globally and is committed to showcasing outstanding art from the Asia-Pacific region.
This year’s Art Basel will feature 171 participating galleries from 32 countries and regions.
Website: https://www.artbasel.com/hong-kong?lang=zh_CN
March 30 – April 10, 47th Hong Kong International Film Festival
This is Hong Kong’s most prestigious film event. This year’s festival will feature over 200 films from more than 50 countries and regions, screened at more than ten major cultural venues across Hong Kong, offering movie enthusiasts a sumptuous feast.
For movie lovers, this is a must-see event. Many of the films shown during the festival are rarely seen otherwise.
Website: https://www.hkiff.org.hk/
April 1, 20th Anniversary Memorial Concert for Leslie Cheung
Leslie Cheung’s former manager, Florence Chan, mentioned in an interview that this event would be the last large-scale memorial concert she plans for Leslie. It might be the final tribute.
I remember the 10th-anniversary memorial concert in 2013, “Continue to Love – 10 Years Concert,” which featured stars like Jacky Cheung, Tony Leung, Kelly Chen, Vivian Chow, Joey Yung, Leo Ku, and Julian Cheung.
The lineup for the 20th-anniversary concert is expected to be even more impressive.
It is said that Fliggy will offer package deals that include tickets to the 20th Anniversary Memorial Concert and hotel stays.
I checked the packages, and for a minimum of 2699, you can get a two-night stay in a Hong Kong hotel plus two tickets to Leslie Cheung’s memorial concert.
I’ll post about it. I think this is the most worthwhile memorial performance to see in Hong Kong this year.
But be quick—it’s a flash sale, so it won’t be that cheap for long.
Attending Leslie Cheung’s memorial concert and staying at the Mandarin Oriental on April 1 would be the best way for fans to remember him.
If I can secure tickets, I will definitely go.
Furthermore, there are a plethora of concerts happening in Hong Kong this year. Let me list a few (not exhaustive):
February 17-19, Gigi Leung Concert, Hung Hom.
March 18, 19, 25, 26, JJ Lin, Central Harbourfront.
April 28-30, Mayday, Central Harbourfront.
May 5-7, 10, 11, 13, 14, Jay Chou, Central Harbourfront.
June 13-17, Hins Cheung, Wan Chai Convention Center.
June (specific dates not yet decided), Jacky Cheung, Central Harbourfront.
July (specific dates not yet decided), Sammi Cheng, Hung Hom.
October (specific dates not yet decided), Aaron Kwok, Hung Hom.
There are also concerts by A-Lin, Twins, Joey Yung, Yoga Lin, Samuel Hui, Jeff Chang, Hacken Lee… and many more.
The concert scene in Hong Kong this year is truly phenomenal.
Apart from concerts, Hong Kong also hosts music festivals.
Due to the pandemic, Clockenflap, colloquially known as “Chicken Flap,” is the only remaining large-scale international music festival in Hong Kong. After a three-year hiatus, it’s finally back.
Clockenflap attracts over a hundred performance units each year, featuring big-name artists from mainstream markets like the UK and the USA. It can be said that Clockenflap is the most international music festival in Greater China and a cultural hallmark of Hong Kong’s music scene.
Here’s the lineup for this year’s Clockenflap.
The stage at Clockenflap is also quite interesting, set against the backdrop of the skyscrapers in Central, Hong Kong.
The downside? The tickets for Clockenflap can be a bit pricey. A three-day pass costs 1148 HKD, while a single-day ticket is 980 HKD.
Website: https://www.clockenflap.com/
April 7-8, Disney Musical “The Disney in Concert”
The popular Disney musical “The Disney in Concert” will return in April 2023, held at the Star Hall, KITEC in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong.
The musical is performed by the Hong Kong Symphony Wind Orchestra, with the new theme “LIVE YOUR DREAM” featuring innovative elements. They will play classic songs from Disney original animations such as “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Moana,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” and “The Lion King.”
This would be a great option for a family outing with kids in Hong Kong.
Until May 14th, the Yayoi Kusama retrospective exhibition.
This is M+ Hong Kong’s first special exhibition and the most comprehensive and largest retrospective of Yayoi Kusama held in Asia outside of Japan.
The exhibition includes various art forms such as paintings, installations, sculptures, sketches, and films.
Our editor at Hong Kong Wave has already seen it. Polka dots, pumpkin sculptures, and dazzling large installations—it’s truly very Yayoi Kusama.
Website: https://www.mplus.org.hk/
Next to M+ is the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where 166 national treasure-grade first-class artifacts will leave you amazed.
It’s recommended to visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum on Wednesdays since it’s free admission on Wednesdays (remember to book in advance).
May to June, French May Arts Festival
Co-founded by the Hong Kong French Cultural Association and the French Consulate General in Hong Kong in 1993, the festival has become one of Asia’s grandest arts festivals over the past two decades.
This year’s French May Arts Festival, themed [Art Unboxed], presents diverse performance programs with collaborative creations by artists from Hong Kong and France.
Website: https://www.frenchmay.com/
Around Christmas, Hong Kong Shopping Season
The biggest discounts in Hong Kong are undoubtedly during the two major holidays (Christmas and New Year). Shopping malls like Harbour City, SOGO, K11, Landmark, Pacific Place, Times Square, and Festival Walk are all offering discounts.
It’s the best time to go shopping in Hong Kong during this season.
December 31st, Hong Kong New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Every New Year’s Eve, the sky over Victoria Harbour lights up with a 10-minute enhanced version of the “Symphony of Lights” fireworks display. Everyone welcomes the New Year with this spectacular show.
The best viewing spot is the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
If you’re planning to visit Hong Kong, this day would undoubtedly be the best choice.
PS: Hotels with a view of Victoria Harbour on December 31st are almost all exorbitantly priced, so remember to book as soon as possible.
Alright, when do you plan to visit Hong Kong?
If you’re undecided, why not join us at the Hong Kong Coliseum on April 1st?
Keep loving Leslie; time says he’s gone, memories say he’s still with us.
