Celebrate Year of the Panda in Hong Kong

The Chinese New Year approaches, and family travelers looking for the best way to celebrate should make for Hong Kong. While not actually the year of the panda, Hong Kong has some exciting things in store, and it all revolves around giant pandas.

Hong Kong paints the town black and white as it welcomes its newest residents, giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, set to take up residence along a set of soon-to-be-unveiled giant panda twin cubs.

What’s in store in Hong Kong for the Chinese New Year?

Panda-Themed Trains

Hop aboard the train carriages of the Airport Express Line and High Speed Rail, as well as the South Island Line, and experience on-board decals and other panda-themed decorations. Additionally, concourses at Hong Kong and Ocean Park MTR stations will be adorned with panda icons.

PANDA GO! FEST HONG KONG

From Jan. 17 to March 6, head to D·PARK Tsuen Wan and see a new exhibition featuring more than 800 panda sculptures. On top of these sculptures, around 200 of these pandas will travel to Central Market from Feb. 17 to March 6.

Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade

For the first time, this festival (Jan. 29) features a float dedicated entirely to giant pandas. This float will incorporate local Hong Kong elements.

Panda Encounters at Hotels

Several Hong Kong hotels join in on the panda festivities. Skycity Hotel serves a playful Panda Dim Sum collection and Panda Mousse Cake, available at Jade and Petra. Enjoy Panda Bamboo Bliss Afternoon Tea at The Harbourview, or spend a full-day getaway with pandas at the Panda Party Room at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel. Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel adorns its spaces with panda-themed decorations, including a twinkling, panda-inspired light show.