Lunar New Year Fairs begin popping up all over Hong Kong one week before Chinese New Year officially begins. These colorful markets sell anything and everything you’ll need to celebrate Chinese New Year. You’ll find red envelopes, auspicious snacks, toys themed after the new year’s animal, and decorations.
While I had a fun time browsing through stall after stall of these things, the real reason to visit these markets is to search for the perfect blossom. Lucky plants like mandarin oranges, tulips, orchids and more line the shelves awaiting inspection. Crowds get pushy late into the night as people frantically search for the best blooms to bring home. So come take a tour of one these markets with me– no elbow sharpening required!
The first row of stalls in the market seemed quiet and calm
Giant balloons are grouped together and tied low enough to entice the children passing by
A vendor playfully parades his lion marionettes around hoping for a sale
Volunteers are often high school and college students who will do anything to set their stall apart
Wearing masks, playing ukelele, and climbing up high are all apart of the ploy of grabbing the attention of possible customers
Lucky New Year pinwheels spin hopefully turning any obstacles into opportunity for those who buy them
A young girl excitedly spins her new flower pinwheel
A family stops to play with the dancing lion
‘Found your perfect New Year’s blossom? Great! Now how about buying one that surely won’t die?’
Delicious chicken biscuits being packaged
Various gingers are also popular for the New Year
The flower portion of the market starts with a never-ending sea of mandarin oranges
Small oranges or big oranges, which do you think will bring you more luck?
Orchids of all sizes, colors, and prices can be found
A medium sized orchid, decorated with red ribbons, is ready to be brought home
For a whopping $360 US, this orchid was one of the most expensive I saw
Fresh cut flowers are also sold
Bright, bold colors for the New Year
Although poisonous, the Nipplefruit is a popular auspicious fruit due to its golden color and Chinese name.
The name of this plant in Chinese roughly translates to “5 generations living together” which means longevity and prosperity for the family.
