Blog

Soar into Year of the Dragon!

On the second day of the Chinese New Year, may I wish you all a healthy, prosperous and successful Year of the Dragon!

The Chinese New Year is an important occasion for gathering with family and friends. Shopping malls and streets are buzzing and brimming with festive atmosphere. I have also placed some New Year decorations at my home, including intricately-designed Chinese dragon toys and cushions, small pinwheels and festive potted plants, which I bought during my recent visit to the Lunar New Year market. This year's Lunar New Year markets in various districts were particularly lively, with dry goods and cooked food stalls making a bustling comeback. Some of these stalls were set up by secondary schools and run by students. They sold creatively-designed new products, ranging from Chinese dragon-themed toys and decorations to creative daily life products. These products had offered a wider variety of choices for visitors. The students there told me that their products were selling well. This demonstrated that the infusion of creativity to meet market demand is a formula for successful marketing.

On Chinese New Year's Eve, I visited the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Market. I talked to young stall owners and bought some of their creative products.

At the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair, I bought some festive flowers, which symbolise prosperity in the New Year.

I talked to members of the public during my visit to the Lunar New Year market and took photos with them.

Festive celebrations are a great opportunity for family and friends to get together, as well as a good time for stimulating consumption. The Chinese New Year Night Parade held last evening, featuring fantastically-decorated floats and a diversity of artistic performances, marked the beginning of a rich array of spectacular mega events in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. Tonight, a much-anticipated fireworks display will be staged, with dazzling fireworks illuminating the magnificent skylines of Victoria Harbour to create a most unforgettable night for all spectators. Over the next two days, there will also be the Chinese New Year Raceday and the Chinese New Year Cup football tournament. These festive events have been held for years and become a trademark of Hong Kong. They offer visitors unique local experiences during the Chinese New Year.

I hope everyone can take a break during this long weekend holiday and enjoy pleasant moments with family and friends. This Wednesday, 14 February, is the first working day after the Chinese New Year, as well as Valentine's Day. At Statue Square Gardens in Central, a giant floating red heart with a diameter of about 12 metres will be on display, which will certainly become a popular photo spot for Valentine's Day and the Lantern Festival.

Apart from celebrating with our loved ones during the Chinese New Year, we should also care for different groups in the community. On Chinese New Year's Eve, I visited several elderly households in a public housing estate in Kwun Tong, and brought them fresh fruits, egg rolls as well as homemade radish cakes and taro cakes. We had some chit chats and exchanged seasonal greetings. We truly enjoyed each other's company.

On Chinese New Year's Eve, I visited a number of elderly households in a public housing estate in Kwun Tong.

Earlier, I also visited a number of underprivileged elders living in a residential care home for the elderly in Mong Kok run by a non-profit organisation. I brought them some festive food and small gifts, and wrote couplets for them. We chatted and laughed together, extending warm wishes to each other.

During every festive season, we always think of our loved ones, and wish each other good health and a better life. In the New Year, let us show more care for one another. By doing so, we will gather more positive energy in the community, and create a more joyful and optimistic atmosphere. Let us work together for a vibrant economy, strive for development and embrace a better life.

February 11, 2024