The 10 Best Cultural Events in Hong Kong, China

Throughout most of China, the western calendar's marking of the new year is much less heralded than their own Lunar New Year. But with its colonial ties to Britain, Hong Kong honors the transition from December 31 to January 1 with as much fanfare as any western city. Victoria Harbor is the place to be to watch the clock count down to midnight each year, and, as the Chinese know how to do fireworks right, expect a spectacular pyromusical fireworkshow before heading out to other New Year's Eve parties around the city.

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held on Cheung Chau island in Hong Kong, is named for one of its most cherished features: bun snatching. The festival takes place from April to May annually and is one of many Taoist Da Jiu festivals held across greater China that ask the gods for peace in the region. Attractions include a parade of colorful floats and costumed children, as well as the bun snatching, where participants climb up steel towers or "mountains" covered in steamed lotus seed buns trying to snatch the highest one before snatching more as they race down.

First held in 1990, the Hong Kong Book Fair has grown to be one of the region's most celebrated literary events. Millions of visitors stream through the exhibition halls each year around mid-April to peruse and purchase books as well as attend the many literary panels, forums and workshops. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council invites acclaimed authors and publishers from all over the world, and many of the panels are held in English. Activities held in other languages provide simultaneous English and Cantonese translation. The open forum is a fan favorite for the discussions it provokes.

The traditional Chinese calendar follows a lunar cycle, and the Lunar New Year, falling sometime between mid-January to the end of February, is considered by Chinese to be the "real" new year. Hong Kong's Lunar New Year celebration is one of the most vibrant with fireworks, traditional lion dances, parades, red lanterns and auspicious foods strewn across the whole city. It is also traditional to walk the flower markets and buy gifts for the household during the final hours of new year's eve, and these markets are a sight to behold.

This giant comic convention started life as the comic book section at the annual Hong Kong Book Fair. The section soon included animation and games under its umbrella and grew so big it spun off into its own event. Now hundreds of thousands of attendees flock to this con to participate in cosplay and gaming competitions, see new art as well as view and try upcoming releases in the field of animation, comic books and games. Even if you are just a casual fan of these genres, seeing the elaborate costumes attendees put together is a huge part of the fun.

Whilst the mark of Chinese New Year brings with it an extensive collection of celebrations, the annual Hong Kong Night Parade truly kicks the holiday off in style. This elaborate parade always falls on the first night of the New Year celebration and is broadcast internationally for the world to see. From towering floats, to elaborate light displays, live performances, fireworks, and massive crowds of people, the Night Parade is an event you are sure not to forget.