Ring in the New - Chinese Style in Hong Kong by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

The story of the Chinese New Year goes back a long way. It all started when the legendary monster, locally referred to as 'Nian', began to visit the villagers on the last day of the year. It was believed that this monster was scared of the colour red and loud noises. So the village folk would hang red paper and tried to make as loud a noise as possible with firecrackers in order to save their lives from this man-eating monster. As the story goes, these repulsion strategies worked and ever since then the dawn of the Chinese New Year is celebrated in this fashion. With time, the New Year Celebrations became more and more adorned with other forms of celebration but the basic red paper and firecrackers are still part of it to keep the monster away.

Being a special occasion for all, the Chinese New Year brings out the traditions and festival culture of the locals. Pomp and pageantry, and flamboyance is synonymous with this celebration as the festive mood hits the streets with parades, fiestas, fireworks and other lively events.

Each year the flower markets and the Cathay Pacific Chinese New Year Parade takes centre stage at this festival. Sporting events, streets laden with food, music and bubbly crowds liven up the whole New Year atmosphere, and the upcoming Hong Kong's Chinese New Year Celebrations in 2011 is are ideal way to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of the Island.

The 2011 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong will be held during the month of February and being a year round holiday destination, the city offers its visitors plenty of lodging options. But it being a busy time of the year, attracting tourists from all over the world, its best that you make your travel plans well ahead in time.

The city it self boasts a range of accommodation options offering modern amenities and facilities. Visitors can compare the different Hong Kong rooms and suites on offer through the Internet and also make reservations through the same mode. Most travellers prefer the Hong Kong business hotels and tourist hotels located closer to the city centre in order to experience the lively atmosphere to the fullest. For an affordable option with easy access to the city try theTraders Hotel, Hong Kong, a hotel which provides modern facilities and warm hospitality.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.