This year, the celebrations are particularly tempting for travellers, with the first International Lantern Spectacular taking over Victoria Park from 17 to 27 September, alongside one of Hong Kong’s most famous traditions, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Hong Kong is one of those cities where a festival does not stay inside a calendar date. It spills into parks, neighbourhoods, shopping streets and dinner tables. Come Mid-Autumn, the city gets a little more colourful, a little more dramatic and considerably more fun. If you have been to Hong Kong before and done the usual Victoria Peak, harbour views and dim sum circuit, this is a rather lovely excuse to see another side of the city. And if this is your first visit, you get to combine the classic Hong Kong sights with a festival that locals have grown up with. Here are five things I would put on my list.
The Mid-Autumn celebrations are not limited to one park or one evening. Shopping malls and neighbourhoods around Hong Kong join in through September with themed installations, seasonal food and festive markets. That makes this a good time to explore the city without treating the festival as a single event you need to tick off. Spend an evening around Victoria Park. Try a mooncake. Look for the smaller neighbourhood celebrations. Then make your way to Tai Hang for the Fire Dragon Dance. Hong Kong already knows how to put on a good night out. Honestly, I cannot think of a better reason to return.
During Mid-Autumn, it adds thousands of lanterns, traditional crafts, mooncakes and a 67-metre fire-breathing dragon to the mix.
For something that feels more traditionally local, head towards the Hill Knoll Pavilion and the Hong Kong Lantern Galleria. Expect classic shapes including rabbits, star fruit and goldfish, with the sort of colourful handmade charm that feels very different from large contemporary installations. This is probably where I would spend a little extra time if I wanted photographs that actually felt connected to Hong Kong rather than simply being another tourist shot. And yes, there is absolutely room for the obligatory Instagram moment. A festival this colourful would be difficult to resist. No Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is complete without mooncakes. Visitors can try mooncakes inspired by flavours from different parts of the region and pick up a few for family and friends back home. There is also a nice reason to shop beyond simply bringing back another edible souvenir. Proceeds from the sale will go to charity. For Indian travellers, this could make a fun addition to the usual Hong Kong shopping list. Instead of coming home with yet another generic souvenir, you can bring back something that is actually connected to the festival you experienced.
More than 400 handmade lanterns recreate the atmosphere of Yuen Long’s famous Lantern Street. From 17 to 20 September, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is partnering with Po Leung Kuk for a Regional Mooncake Sale at South Pavilion Plaza. 5 reasons your next family holiday should be to Hong Kong: From easy flights and Indian food to Disneyland fun
