Things to do in Hong Kong this week
Our pick of this week's best events, things to do, festivals, nightlife and more
Want to plan ahead and fill up your calendar for the next seven days? Discover the biggest and best things to do in Hong Kong from Monday morning to Sunday evening with our ultimate list. From the latest restaurant openings and the best art exhibitions in Hong Kong to pop-up events and free community classes, we’ve got you covered for the rest of the week. And if you're looking to get some fresh air after a long day at work, why not fit in a hike on a weeknight?
This week's best events
Chinese New Year Race Day
Kick off the Year of the rat with one of the biggest race days in our city's annual calendar. Not only will you get to cheer on your favourite jockeys as they race towards the finish line for the grand Chinese New Year Cup, but you’ll also get to enjoy a variety of shows with traditional lion dances, singing performances, and top lucky tips from Feng Shui Masters. Even if you're not much of a gambler, there are still plenty of reasons to make your way over to the Sha Tin Racecourse.
CNY movies & treats at the Wheel
For the first to the fourth day of Chinese New Year, five classic CNY movies will be played on the big HD screen at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park. Screenings include Agent Mr Chan, All's Well that End's Well, The Yuppie Fantasia 3 and Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy. Visitors can watch these movies at the outdoor cinema by purchasing tickets online or on-site. There will also be turnip cakes and Chinese pudding available for sale!
Flying with Chicanos by Ceet Fouad
Back after two years of his debut exhibition at the Amanda Wei Gallery, French contemporary painter and graffiti artist Ceet Fouad is back with his latest series of work Fly with Chicanos. Known for his signature adorable Chicanos chicken story that turned what first started out as random doodles to now symbolic characters, the exhibition includes a range of canvas works, 3D printing and sculptures to present the artist's new creativity and exploration spirit.
Au fond des formes by Jérôme De Sousa
Ever shared an art piece with your family, friends or even a stranger? We mean share as in literally cutting it up into pieces! Introducing the #SplitMyArt concept, self-taught French artist Jérôme De Sousa brings eight visually eclectic creations to Chez Trente this January. All artworks are available to cut into pieces for purchase.
Travelling with Mahjong
Mahjong is a tradition that you can't shake away from whenever Chinese New Year comes around, but how much do you actually know about Mahjong? We're not just talking about the game's rules. From now until February 2, Hongkongers have the chance to learn more about this traditional game at the Travelling with Mahjong exhibition. Featuring beautiful illustrations from local artist Karen Aruba, as well as traditional and contemporary Mahjong tile carving designs on display, visitors will also be able to learn about the history of Mahjong tile carving in Hong Kong dating as far back as 1963. There are only a few remaining artisan mahjong tile carvers in Hong Kong, this exhibition will be a great way for all to learn about this culturally significant industry before it sadly fades away.
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
The power of the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is legendary. One of the age-old traditions of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is a visit to this wishing tree in Tai Po where you write your wishes on a placard and tie it to a mandarin, which is considered an auspicious fruit. It is believed that by throwing the placard up high onto the tree without falling back will make your wishes come true. There are also food vendors selling local snacks and traditional Hakka food, as well as daily cultural performances like singing and lion dances.
The New York Times: Carbon's Casualties
Presenting a series of mind-blowing photography works by The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning staff photographer Josh Haner, the exhibition titled The New York Times: Carbon's Casualties puts a spotlight on natural habitats or settlements that are on the brink of environmental disaster. Through stunning captures of places like South Tarawa in Kiribati, the Tengger Desert in China and the Yellowstone National Parks in the US, Haner's series of works bring to attention the loss of nature and disappearance of sites of irreplaceable cultural history.
Silhouettes, Soufflés & Succotash by Peter Shire
Enter into a world of colour and light as Over the Influence brings an exciting art exhibition by legendary Los-Angeles based artist Peter Shire. Acclaimed for his humorous, whimsy and quirky designs, the Silhouettes, Soufflés & Succotash exhibition presents the artist's latest collection of works comprised of vibrant neon paintings, never-before-seen abstract sculptures and gouache works on paper.
Books for Love @ $10
The annual charity book sale Books for Love @ $10 is back! Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a two-month-long book drive running form February 1 to March 31, over 40 designated collection points are located all across Hong Kong. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to share their love of reading with other, clean off some shelf space and support two great causes – The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong and Agency for Volunteer Service – at the same time. Click here to see all 44 collection points in Hong Kong.
Crafts Interwoven: Past and Present
Exploring the depths of traditional craftsmanship, Crafts Interwoven: Past and Present is an inaugural exhibition held at the newly opened Crafts on Peel, a non-for-profit creative venue. Showcasing a collection of collaborative works between local traditional craftsmen and six contemporary artisans, the exhibition investigates into the creative possibilities of traditional crafts and techniques in a contemporary context.