Vendors at Hong Kong’s largest Lunar New Year fair express high hopes of strong sales as market makes full return after pandemic

Seasonal fair in Causeway launches alongside 14 others across city on Sunday, marking return of hot food and merchandise vendors following pandemic

Vendors at market expect foot traffic to pick up as festive holiday approaches, but some worry sales could be hurt if residents leave city for festive break

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Shoppers at the Lunar New Year fair in Victoria Park browse the flowers on sale. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 4:51pm, 4 Feb 2024Updated: 9:04pm, 4 Feb 2024

Vendors at Hong Kong’s largest Lunar New Year fair have expressed high hopes of strong sales as the event returned in full force at Causeway Bay for the first time in four years.

A Post reporter on Sunday night observed a visibly growing crowd after dark, as thousands flocked to the commercial district’s Victoria Park on the first day of the event.

Orchids, a popular festive flower believed to bring good fortune, proved to be a hit, with stalls selling the plant attracting many residents and people were seen leaving the fair with a pot or two.

The fair is one of 15 that launched across the city and is taking place in locations such as Kwai Chung, Kwun Tong and Yuen Long. The events will run daily until the start of Lunar New Year on February 10.

Vendors offering cooked food and merchandise also made a comeback at this year’s events after pandemic restrictions over the last four years only allowed wet goods stalls offering flowers.

The city has launched 15 festive fairs that will run from Sunday until February 10. Photo: Eugene Lee

Jason Ng Ngan-fung was among the operators who secured one of four food stalls at Victoria Park during a government auction in November, with some businesses paying up to HK$220,000 (US$28,100) for a spot.