Head to Hong Kong for a year of festivals
Travel to the Far East this year and see one of the world’s most colourful destinations! From scrambling a 60-foot-high tower during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival to battling the waters in the Dragon Boat, carnival there’s plenty to look forward to in Hong Kong.
ebookers.com, one of Europe's largest online travel agents, gives you a taste of just some of the major attractions and upcoming events in this exciting destination. So whether you want to be part of the city buzz or to escape to the outlaying islands, Hong Kong is an eclectic fusion of culture and celebration, where visitors will never be left short of something to see or do.
For the culture vulture:
The best way to discover Hong Kong’s living culture is to get amongst the local celebrations. Throughout the month of May there are four traditional Chinese festivals including The Cheung Chau Bun Festival (18th – 22nd May).
In under an hour’s ferry journey from Central Hong Kong, visitors can travel to the outlaying island of Cheung Chau and see the amazing ‘Piu Sik’ (floating colours) parade and at the stroke of midnight, the Bun Tower Scrambling Competition. Competitors scramble up a 60 foot high steel tower covered in plastic buns in a bid to collect as many as possible to ultimately be crowned the Festival’s winner. In between events there are some other great attractions on the island including kung fu performances and Chinese Unicorn, Lion and Dragon dances.
Summer spectacular:
For those wanting to brave the humidity in the summer months, travellers can also see the Hong Kong Dragon Boat carnival, set to be the biggest event in the Hong Kong festive calendar. Held from 23rd – 25th July, entrants from around the world will take part in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races held on the picturesque Victoria Harbour. The festival also has a great party atmosphere serving great food and entertainment at Tsim Sha Tsui East and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
All the single ladies:
Those after a little romance and a quirkier take on Hong Kong should head to one of the country’s most romantic events, the Seven Sisters Festival (16th August) - Hong Kong’s answer to Valentine’s Day. Single women seeking partners head to Lovers' Stone on Bowen Road in Wan Chai where they can show off their cooking and craft talents to potential suitors.
On the main land:
If sea legs and dragon boats are not your thing, there’s plenty to also see and do on main land Hong Kong. For a more spiritual view of Hong Kong, a call to the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple in the bustling centre of Kowloon is well worth the visit. Visitors can speak to the gods where it is said, ‘every wish can come true.’
Named the ‘World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by Guinness World Records, the dazzling Symphony of Lights is a light and laser beam show located on both sides of Victoria Harbour - not to be missed.
For travellers with a penchant for shopping, take a stroll down Hollywood Road on Hong Kong Island where you can browse the many antique shops and art galleries. Bargain hunters can even barter with stall holders on Ladder Street – be prepared to haggle for that real Hong Kong experience.
ebookers.com offers a great selection of hotel stays and packaged breaks so if you’re thinking of heading to Hong Kong this year then take a look at the special offers available and get ready to see where China meets the rest of the world.
Sizzling Hong Kong Hotel Deals:
All below deals are subject to availability and standard booking terms and conditions apply.
4 Star Royal View Hotel Hong Kong
6 nights
£224 per room inc taxes
Stay 3 nights & get 1 night free
Check in Mon, 17th May 2010
3 Star Hotel Bonaparte by Rhombus Hong Kong
5 nights
£253 per room inc taxes
Save 15% for early bird 14 days
Check in Thurs, 22nd July 2010
3 Star Evergreen Hotel Hong Kong
5 nights
£253 per room inc taxes
Includes buffet breakfast
Check in Fri, 13th August 2010
Hong Kong Package Deals:
All below flights are subject to availability and standard booking terms and conditions apply.
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Flight + 6 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
3 Star Bridal Tea House (Hung Hom - Winslow Street) Hotel
£527pp inc taxes
Stay 3 nights or more - save 15%
Departing on Mon, 17th May 2010
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival
Flight + 5 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
4 Star Panda Hotel Hong Kong
£628pp inc taxes
Departing on Thurs, 22th July 2010
Seven Sisters Festival
Flight + 5 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
3 Star Dorsett Seaview Hotel Hong Kong
£574pp inc taxes
Save 10% with advance purchase
Departing on Thurs, 12th August 2010
For more information, visit: ebookers.com