Guide to Visiting Chinese New Year Flower Markets in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as Lunar New Year, is one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations, typically occurring between mid-January and late February. A highlight of the festive season is the Chinese New Year Flower Markets (年宵市場, Nin Siu Si Cheung), where locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in a colorful array of auspicious flowers, plants, festive decorations, and traditional snacks. This guide provides everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to these bustling markets in 2026, the Year of the Horse.
Why Visit the Flower Markets?
The flower markets are a cherished tradition in Hong Kong, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and new beginnings. Families visit to purchase "lucky plants" believed to bring wealth, health, and happiness for the coming year, much like decorating a Christmas tree in Western cultures. Beyond flowers, the markets offer a lively atmosphere with food stalls, festive goods, and items themed around the zodiac animal (in 2025, the Snake). Visiting these markets is an excellent way to experience Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, enjoy vibrant displays, and join locals in festive preparations.
When and Where to Go
The 2025 Chinese New Year Flower Markets will run from January 23 to January 29, culminating on Lunar New Year’s Eve (January 28) and closing in the early hours of New Year’s Day (January 29). Markets typically open from 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM and run until midnight or later, with extended hours (up to 7:00 AM) on the final days. Admission to all markets is free. Below are the top markets to visit, along with other notable locations:
1. Victoria Park Flower Market (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island)
Why Visit: The largest and most iconic flower market in Hong Kong, Victoria Park transforms into a festive wonderland with over 175 wet stalls (flowers and plants), 216 dry stalls (festive goods), and 4 food stalls. It’s a hub of energy with vibrant displays, traditional performances, and a wide variety of goods.
What to See: Auspicious plants like orchids (elegance and prosperity), peach blossoms (love and growth), kumquat trees (good fortune), and narcissus (luck). You’ll also find red lanterns, zodiac-themed toys, and street food like sesame balls and egg waffles.
Tips: Expect large crowds, especially in the evenings. Visit early in the morning for a calmer experience or late at night on January 28 for discounts as vendors clear stock. The nearest MTR stations are Causeway Bay (Exit E) or Tin Hau (Exit A2), about a 10-minute walk.
Address: 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay.
2. Fa Hui Park Flower Market (Mong Kok, Kowloon)
Why Visit: Located near popular street markets (Ladies Market, Goldfish Market), Fa Hui Park offers a more local, less touristy vibe. It features a diverse range of flowers and festive items, making it ideal for an authentic experience.
What to See: Lucky bamboo (joy), chrysanthemums (longevity), and potted orchids, alongside traditional decorations and snacks. The market is smaller but still vibrant.
Tips: Less crowded than Victoria Park, this market is perfect for first-time visitors. Visit during the day for fresh picks. The nearest MTR station is Prince Edward, a short walk away.
Address: 101 Boundary Street, Kowloon Tong.
3. Cheung Sha Wan Playground Flower Market (Sham Shui Po, Kowloon)
Why Visit: Known for its charming neighborhood atmosphere and affordable prices, this market offers 89 stalls with a mix of wet, dry, and food vendors.
What to See: Peach blossoms, tangerine trees, and festive red-and-gold decorations. It’s a great spot for budget-friendly purchases.
Tips: Ideal for a less commercialized experience. Visit in the morning for the freshest flowers. The market is right outside Cheung Sha Wan MTR Station.
Address: 425 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po.
4. Other Notable Markets
Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground (Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon): Features 40 wet stalls, 34 dry stalls, and 2 food stalls. Visit before heading to the nearby Wong Tai Sin Temple for a cultural experience. Accessible via Bus 3B from Wong Tai Sin MTR Station.
Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long, New Territories): One of the largest in the New Territories, with 96 wet stalls, 60 dry stalls, and 2 food vendors. Pair with a visit to Nam Sang Wai for bird-watching. A 10-minute walk from Long Ping MTR Station (Exit F).
Kwun Tong Recreation Ground (Kwun Tong, Kowloon): Offers 89 stalls and is convenient for those in East Kowloon. Accessible from Kwun Tong MTR Station.
Tung Chung (Lantau Island): A smaller market suitable for stopover visitors near the airport. Open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Additional markets include Kwai Chung Sports Ground, Man Yee Playground (Sai Kung), Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O), Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan), and others across the New Territories.
What to Expect
Auspicious Plants and Their Meanings:
Mandarin/Kumquat Trees: Symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
Peach Blossoms: Represent love, romance, and growth.
Orchids: Signify elegance and prosperity.
Narcissus/Daffodils: Denote luck and renewal.
Lucky Bamboo: Brings joy and positive energy.
Pussy Willow: Attracts fortune.
Chrysanthemums: Symbolize longevity and vitality.
Stalls: Markets are divided into “wet goods” (flowers and plants), “dry goods” (zodiac-themed toys, decorations), and food stalls offering local treats like sesame balls, peanut candy, and egg waffles.
Atmosphere: Expect vibrant decorations with red lanterns, festive banners, and a lively crowd, especially on New Year’s Eve. The markets are photogenic and filled with cultural energy, with some featuring performances like lion dances.
Crowds: Popular markets like Victoria Park can be extremely crowded, particularly after 6:00 PM. Despite high population density, the atmosphere is festive and orderly, with locals enjoying the moment.
Tips for Visiting
Timing: Visit a few days before Chinese New Year (January 23–27) for the best selection of flowers and plants. On New Year’s Eve (January 28), markets offer significant discounts as vendors clear stock, but expect larger crowds.
Crowd Management: Check the visitor flow indicator on the Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) website (https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/events/lnyf2025/lnyf2025.html) to avoid overcrowding. Early mornings or late nights are less busy.
Transportation: Use public transport like the MTR, as parking is limited and roads are crowded. Most markets are within a short walk from an MTR station.
Payment: Bring cash, as most vendors prefer it over credit cards or mobile payments, especially for smaller purchases.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a tote bag to carry plants or decorations. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings.
Haggling: Politely negotiate prices, especially on the final night when vendors are eager to sell.
Cultural Phrases: Learn simple Cantonese greetings like “Kung Hei Fat Choi” (恭喜發財, wishing you prosperity) to connect with vendors and enhance your experience.
With Kids: Markets are family-friendly, with interactive and colorful displays. Kids enjoy picking out lucky plants and exploring food stalls. Pair a visit with nearby playgrounds like those at Po Hong Park.
Combine with Other Activities: Visit nearby attractions like Wong Tai Sin Temple (near Tsz Wan Shan), Mong Kok’s street markets (near Fa Hui Park), or Victoria Harbour for fireworks.
Cultural Context
The tradition of flower markets traces back to the Ming Dynasty, with modern iterations in Hong Kong influenced by Cantonese immigrants from Guangzhou in the 1940s. The custom of “hang fa shi” (行花市, walking the flower market) is a social and cultural ritual, where families stroll together to select auspicious plants for good feng shui. The markets are not just about shopping but also about community, hope, and celebrating the new year’s promise.
Additional Notes
Discounts: Flowers and plants are often discounted on the last day (January 28–29), but popular items may sell out early.
Photography: Markets are photogenic, but be mindful not to obstruct walkways.
Other CNY Events: Combine your visit with other Chinese New Year activities like the Victoria Harbour fireworks, lion dances, or the CNY parade for a full festive experience. Check the Discover Hong Kong website (www.discoverhongkong.com) for updated event details.
Visiting Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Flower Markets is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the city’s festive spirit. Whether you’re buying a kumquat tree for prosperity, sampling local snacks, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, these markets offer a unique and memorable experience. Plan ahead, embrace the crowds, and enjoy this cherished tradition!
