Guide to Chinese New Year Flower Markets in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most important festivals in Hong Kong, celebrated with grand festivities, family gatherings, and vibrant displays of culture. One of the most beloved traditions during this time is visiting the flower markets, where locals and visitors alike gather to buy auspicious flowers, plants, and decorations that symbolize good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
Here’s a comprehensive Hong Kong floristry guide to the flower markets in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year:
1. Overview of Chinese New Year Flower Markets
During CNY, Hong Kong is transformed by a burst of colors, fragrances, and decorations. Flower markets pop up around the city, and these special markets typically operate for around 10 days leading up to the New Year. The markets are not only about buying flowers but also offer a cultural experience, with street food, entertainment, and crowds of shoppers enjoying the festive atmosphere.
2. Popular Flower Markets
a. Victoria Park Flower Market (Causeway Bay)
Location: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
When: Typically open 4–6 days before Chinese New Year.
What to Expect: Victoria Park’s flower market is the largest and most famous in Hong Kong. It features a wide variety of traditional CNY flowers and plants, including:
Peach Blossoms (symbolizing prosperity)
Orchids (associated with fertility and good luck)
Chrysanthemums (representing longevity)
Lunar New Year trees such as kumquat (for good fortune) and plum blossoms (for prosperity).
Mandarin oranges and other lucky fruits.
It’s a lively market with food stalls, live performances, and decorations, making it an ideal place to experience the festive mood.
b. Kowloon City Flower Market
Location: Kowloon City
When: Open during the CNY period, but usually earlier in the day compared to other markets.
What to Expect: Kowloon City Flower Market is another well-known market in Hong Kong, known for its wide selection of flowers and plants. It has a more local, traditional feel compared to the bustling Victoria Park market, and you can expect a variety of:
Lucky bamboo (symbolizing wealth)
Lilies (good for family harmony)
Cymbidium orchids (for strength and vitality).
It’s a good place to buy floral arrangements and enjoy the local vibe.
c. Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market
Location: Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
When: Open for Chinese New Year, particularly 2-3 days before the festival.
What to Expect: Though traditionally a fruit market, during CNY, the Yau Ma Tei market becomes vibrant with flowers and plants for the New Year celebrations. This market is well-loved for its array of:
Pomelos (good luck and prosperity)
Peach blossoms
Chili peppers (symbolizing fire and vitality).
The market is also home to many street vendors selling small ornamental plants and lucky charms for good fortune.
d. Tai Po Flower Market
Location: Tai Po, New Territories
When: Around Chinese New Year.
What to Expect: The Tai Po Flower Market is one of the oldest flower markets in Hong Kong. While it’s smaller compared to Victoria Park or Kowloon City, it still offers a wide variety of flowers and plants. Visitors will find:
Hibiscus (symbol of beauty and wealth)
Ginger flowers (good luck).
Cypress trees (for prosperity).
It is less crowded and offers a more tranquil experience compared to the bustling city markets.
3. Types of Flowers and Plants to Buy
During Chinese New Year, flowers and plants are bought not only for decoration but also for their symbolic meanings. Here are some popular flowers and plants you will encounter at the markets:
a. Peach Blossoms
Symbolize good luck, wealth, and fertility.
A must-have during CNY, as they are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
b. Orchids
Represent strength, wealth, and longevity.
Often chosen for their elegance and beauty.
c. Kumquat Trees
Symbolize good fortune and wealth. Their golden color is associated with prosperity.
d. Chrysanthemums
Known to represent longevity and vitality, they are often displayed to wish for a long and prosperous life.
e. Lucky Bamboo
A symbol of luck, wealth, and prosperity, it’s often placed in homes and businesses to bring good fortune.
f. Plum Blossoms
Represent strength and perseverance, as well as renewal and hope.
g. Lily
Symbolizes family harmony and purity.
h. Cymbidium Orchids
Known for symbolizing strength and vitality, these orchids are particularly popular in the CNY season.
4. What Else Can You Find at the Markets?
Apart from flowers, the CNY flower markets also offer various other items:
Decorative items: Lanterns, couplets (spring scrolls), and red envelopes (hongbao).
Lucky charms: Items such as miniature golden ingots, Fu characters (good fortune), and wealth symbols.
Food stalls: Enjoy traditional snacks like sweet rice cakes (nian gao), candied fruits, and fried snacks.
The markets are a great place to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of culture, traditions, and community spirit.
5. Tips for Visiting the Flower Markets
Crowd Considerations: The markets can get very crowded, especially on the days right before the New Year. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Bring Cash: Many stalls prefer cash over credit cards, so it’s helpful to bring enough cash for purchases.
Bargaining: While bargaining is not common at large stalls, smaller vendors may be open to it, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
Weather: During CNY, the weather in Hong Kong can be cool and mild, but it’s always best to check the forecast before heading out.
Visiting the Chinese New Year flower markets in Hong Kong is a wonderful way to experience the festive spirit, buy auspicious flowers and plants, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to purchase plants for your home or simply soak in the sights, smells, and sounds of the markets, it’s a cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed.