If you don’t know what to do for Chinese New Year, think about visiting one of Hong Kong’s elegant temples. People here go to temples during Chinese New Year to pray for good luck and as part of a ritual to begin their Lunar New Year well. In my first years in Hong Kong, I lived a short walk from Man Mo temple on Hollywood Road. It always felt so peaceful in there, with large incense coils hanging and amazing lanterns hanging everywhere.  These days I love going into the Lin Fa Kung temple in Tai Hang.  Even though this is a smaller place, its decorations are beautiful.        

If you’re on Kowloon side Wang Tai Sin Temple is especially loved by tourists and the intensity of all the sounds and smells makes it a truly special place. This temple has its own laneway where you can buy moneybags and incense sticks, and if you’re looking for a little guidance to solve New Year dilemmas, there are fortune-tellers in stalls ready to read your future.  Tin Hau Temple Complex in Yau Ma Tai is located close to the kitchen stores on Shanghai Street. If your time is short this group of three temples is definitely worth a visit. The Jade Market in Yau Ma Tai is nearby, too.    

Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road