https://www.scmp.com/rss/330494/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The National Day holiday week is traditionally one of the most lucrative periods for businesses. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, the “super golden week” glittered more brightly, with some restaurants and retailers reportedly reaping bigger windfalls. Reassuring as it seems, the economic outlook remains uncertain. Those who just sit back and wait for another seasonal bonanza risk being outpaced by rivals who proactively reach out to customers with better offers. It is important... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3328583/hong-kong-businesses-must-adapt-new-tourism-and-spending-trends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3328583/hong-kong-businesses-must-adapt-new-tourism-and-spending-trends?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:45:11 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong retailers and caterers have reported business growth of up to 20 per cent year on year during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” break, with one tourist spending a whopping HK$1 million (US$128,500) on international brands. Industry leaders said stores selling gold, jewellery and cosmetic products emerged as the big winners as the eight-day break wrapped up on Wednesday, while cha chaan teng were the top dining choice, followed by Chinese restaurants. Cha chaan teng are Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:20:13 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing The number of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong for the first five days of the National Day “golden week” break rose by 5.1 per cent from last year, while business leaders have said cosmetics sellers and cha chaan teng enjoyed a boost in customers. Maurice Kong Chi-hang, chairman of the Institute of Dining Professionals, said that the National Day fireworks on October 1 served as a draw for visitors, helping to prompt a 10 to 25 per cent increase in business for restaurants. But he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328051/which-hong-kong-businesses-came-out-top-over-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328051/which-hong-kong-businesses-came-out-top-over-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Alexander Mak Alexander Mak Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese celebrations in Hong Kong. Every year, families gather under the light of the full moon while children enjoy the lanterns that set public parks aglow. For those seeking livelier celebrations, fire dragon dances add excitement to the festivities. Tai Hang and Pok Fu Lam are wreathed in smoke as the fiery dragons wind their way through the streets, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, burning incense and a strong sense of community... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3327963/pictures-how-mid-autumn-festival-was-celebrated-hong-kong-1970s-90s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3327963/pictures-how-mid-autumn-festival-was-celebrated-hong-kong-1970s-90s?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:15:11 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Visitors and locals thronged popular Hong Kong locations carrying lanterns and other light decorations to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, with a full moon visible in the clear night sky and many restaurants enjoying a 10 per cent rise in revenue compared with last year. A tourism sector body said on Monday that various activities held across the city would attract visitors, creating a “very ideal” landscape for the industry. With rail giant the MTR Corporation running some services overnight,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327999/hong-kong-restaurants-set-enjoy-10-revenue-rise-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327999/hong-kong-restaurants-set-enjoy-10-revenue-rise-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:04:38 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hongkonger Lin Lai, 68, is enjoying the precious company of Lok Lok*, her one-year-old foster child, this Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally a time for family reunions. “Lok Lok is a happy, easy-going baby who quickly weaned himself off night feeds,” said Lai, who will take the child to a family gathering on Monday to celebrate the festival. Over the past 13 years, Lai has been an emergency foster parent for more than 20 children. Her daughters support her commitment, visiting almost weekly to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327933/hong-kong-emergency-foster-mothers-happy-journey-brings-fulfilment-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327933/hong-kong-emergency-foster-mothers-happy-journey-brings-fulfilment-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 02:00:18 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Thousands of people lined the narrow streets of Hong Kong’s Tai Hang neighbourhood in Causeway Bay on Sunday night to witness the annual fire dragon dance, with spectators calling the performance “unique” and “stunning”. Troupe members began the procession on Wun Sha Street at around 8.25pm, hoisting up the fire dragon straw frame adorned with more than 10,000 burning incense sticks as drums, gongs and cymbals were struck. Spectators cheered and hurried to snap photos as the 67-metre (200 foot)... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327931/unique-and-stunning-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dance-draws-thousands-tai-hang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327931/unique-and-stunning-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dance-draws-thousands-tai-hang?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:22:54 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang A peculiar custom to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in southern China involves young people actively seeking verbal reprimands from the elders, believing that the more they are scolded, the longer they will live. This tradition, known as “Mid-Autumn cursing” or ma zhongqiu in Chinese, is primarily practised by the Zhuang ethnic minority in Xilin county, Baise, Guangxi province. The Zhuang, estimated to number around 19 million, are the largest minority group in China. They predominantly live... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3327306/china-ethnic-minority-youth-play-pranks-elders-during-mid-autumn-festival-longevity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3327306/china-ethnic-minority-youth-play-pranks-elders-during-mid-autumn-festival-longevity?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:00:08 +0000 He Huifeng He Huifeng Early sales of mooncakes – a food traditionally distributed among families, workplaces and other social groups to celebrate China’s Mid-Autumn Festival – have softened compared to previous years, another sign the country’s domestic demand has yet to fully reenergise. Packages of mooncakes, typically round baked goods with a variety of dense fillings, are popular gifts during the holiday season, with luxury variants stuffed with premium ingredients like black truffle or Spanish ham serving as... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327788/mooncake-sales-wane-chinas-consumers-cut-back-non-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327788/mooncake-sales-wane-chinas-consumers-cut-back-non-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 06:00:32 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan As this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a type of novel mooncake has been launched that has attracted public attention in China because its filling is made from crickets. After such cricket mooncakes went viral on social media, internet users in southern China’s Guangdong province, where cockroaches are rampant due to the warm climate, made playful comments that cockroach mooncakes might not be far away. The cricket mooncake is produced by a farming centre in Linyi, Shandong province, in... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3327344/dried-crickets-used-mooncake-filling-spark-concerns-china-about-potential-roach-option?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3327344/dried-crickets-used-mooncake-filling-spark-concerns-china-about-potential-roach-option?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 06:00:10 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Amid a jumble of fabrics and paper in loud colours, bamboo splints, scissors and axes in a Hong Kong workshop, artisans are busy making giant mooncakes, rabbits and dragons for the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival display in Victoria Park. Hui Ka-hung, the 47-year-old helping to curate this year’s festive spectacle, is the founder of Hung C Lau, meaning the House of the Valiant Lion in Chinese, which specialises in making traditional lanterns. Unlike other traditional family businesses, Hung C Lau... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327779/hong-kong-lantern-maker-crafts-his-own-legacy-father-apprentice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327779/hong-kong-lantern-maker-crafts-his-own-legacy-father-apprentice?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 01:00:16 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Mainland Chinese visitors have continued to stream into Hong Kong for the National Day “golden week” holiday, with many heading to the horse races and enjoying discounts on movie tickets and free transport rides. According to the Immigration Department, 454,778 cross-border trips were made on the first two days of the eight-day holiday. A check of mainland social media and interviews with tourists showed which activities, events and places were proving to be popular. High on the agenda was the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:32 +0000 Sylvia Ma Sylvia Ma China’s tourism sector is off to a strong start as the extra-long “super golden week” holiday begins, with railway travel breaking records and tickets for many popular attractions selling out – a welcome sign for Beijing as it continues its efforts to spur domestic spending. On the first day of the eight-day holiday, created by an overlap of the week-long National Day celebration and the Mid-Autumn Festival, China’s railways carried 23.13 million passengers – a record single-day figure,... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327772/chinas-super-golden-week-sees-record-breaking-travel-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327772/chinas-super-golden-week-sees-record-breaking-travel-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:08 +0000 Charmaine Yu Charmaine Yu October has arrived, which means this year’s Mid-Autumn festivities will soon be in full swing. Before your schedule gets filled up with family dinners and celebrations, take a moment this weekend to indulge in a creative party with Sanrio products, or kick back with a Hong Kong noir film. Perhaps you would rather make new friends at a sip-and-paint night or help clean up the coastline to ring in the new season. Here are five things to do this weekend to start October right. 1. Sanrio characters... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3327651/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-october-3-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3327651/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-october-3-5?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:15:06 +0000 Dave Besseling Dave Besseling “Plans to hold a fireworks display during the Mid-Autumn Festival in September are expected to fizzle out because of Government concern over crowd control,” reported the South China Morning Post on July 12, 1983. “The Urban Council says that unless the Government gives the go-ahead this week, the display might be abandoned. And various council officials do not really expect to hear from the Executive Council until the end of the month. “Police sources have warned that there could be ‘complete... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3327600/when-hong-kongs-mid-autumn-festival-fireworks-display-nearly-fizzled-out-1983?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3327600/when-hong-kongs-mid-autumn-festival-fireworks-display-nearly-fizzled-out-1983?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:15:13 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, many Hongkongers bite into golden-yolked mooncakes without ever thinking about the fact that they are tasting Chinese history, one where myth, revolution and culinary tradition are baked into every piece. The humble mooncake has origins far older than Hong Kong itself, with tales that span everything from the beginnings of an empire to the fantastical birth of a moon goddess. The essence of the mooncake is found in its filling: sweet, velvety lotus seed... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3327251/where-do-mooncakes-come-origin-myths-and-folktales-fantastical-historical?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3327251/where-do-mooncakes-come-origin-myths-and-folktales-fantastical-historical?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:15:09 +0000 Gavin Yeung Gavin Yeung Transforming usually quaint streets into a fiery spectacle, this year’s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance returns from October 5 to 7, coinciding with the 14th, 15th and 16th nights of the eighth lunar month, in a ritual with roots dating back to the waning years of the Qing dynasty. Legend has it that this procession was meant to scare away a plague that devastated what was a Hakka village in 1880. The protective rite has transformed over the years into a mesmerising dance, all fire and fury,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3326977/tai-hangs-legendary-fire-dragon-about-return-all-its-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3326977/tai-hangs-legendary-fire-dragon-about-return-all-its-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:15:08 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam The Mid-Autumn Festival is defined by family gatherings, beautiful lanterns and, of course, mooncakes. Hong Kong is known for offering many innovative and attention-grabbing mooncakes, from ones filled with luxury ingredients to trending flavours like pistachio. The now-defunct Hong Kong brand Taipan Bread & Cakes invented snow-skin mooncakes. These mooncakes, which feature a glutinous rice flour skin with a mochi-like texture, are not baked, but steamed and served chilled. There are also ice... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3326809/caviar-wagyu-and-truffle-mooncakes-we-sample-3-new-fancy-hong-kong-flavours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3326809/caviar-wagyu-and-truffle-mooncakes-we-sample-3-new-fancy-hong-kong-flavours?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 10:15:09 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott The Mid-Autumn Festival – celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is fullest – is one of the most important events on the Chinese festival calendar. This year, it falls on October 6. Families unite to enjoy mooncakes and light lanterns, with the city hosting events to help people get into the festive mood. One of the biggest celebrations is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which will take place on October 5 (7.30pm-10pm ), October 6 (7.30pm-11.30pm ) and October 7... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3326832/4-mid-autumn-festival-2025-events-hong-kong-away-huge-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3326832/4-mid-autumn-festival-2025-events-hong-kong-away-huge-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:24:40 +0000 Gavin Yeung Gavin Yeung See this “Mirage” Local artist Angela Yuen Ka-yee’s new exhibition, “Mirage”, is now on at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. The installations are inspired by the warmth and shared memories of Hong Kong’s public spaces, with Yuen blending light and shadow with found objects that evoke community life and urban culture. Admission is free. Until February 9, 2026, 7 Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels Go here Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival is back, inviting locals and visitors to... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3326082/what-do-hong-kong-september-21-27?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3326082/what-do-hong-kong-september-21-27?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:15:13 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang A special folk tradition known as “screaming at the moon” is celebrated as a distinctive way to honour the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday steeped in profound cultural symbolism. Common customs include moon gazing and savouring mooncakes, as the moon embodies themes of reunion, longing, eternity, feminine beauty, and reverence for nature. As poignantly captured by a famous ancient Chinese poem: “Though miles apart, we share the beauty of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3325039/screaming-moon-during-mid-autumn-festival-tale-yearning-and-connection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3325039/screaming-moon-during-mid-autumn-festival-tale-yearning-and-connection?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:10 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time when family and friends gather to celebrate the full moon, with food playing a major role in the celebrations. Mooncakes – rich pastries filled with sweet or savoury fillings, often with a salted duck egg yolk in the middle to represent the full moon – are the stars of the festival, which this year starts on October 6. Just like in previous years, Hong Kong’s bakeries and hotels have mooncake fever, with many releasing their own versions, while supermarket... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3325721/how-donate-mooncakes-and-recycle-boxes-hong-kong-during-mid-autumn-festival-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3325721/how-donate-mooncakes-and-recycle-boxes-hong-kong-during-mid-autumn-festival-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:15:07 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost upon us again, which means it is time to give and receive mooncakes. There are many options in Hong Kong when it comes to the seasonal treat, from the trending pistachio custard cream variety to truffle and cheese versions to ice cream mooncakes. But what if you want to pair them with drinks? Whether you prefer traditional styles of the pastry or more contemporary flavours, we have consulted wine experts around the city on how to pair wine, spirits or cocktails... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3324171/best-wine-spirit-and-cocktail-pairings-mooncakes-during-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3324171/best-wine-spirit-and-cocktail-pairings-mooncakes-during-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:15:08 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam In June, another Hong Kong food stalwart fell victim to the city’s economic downturn as Taipan Bread & Cakes, a bakery chain with more than 40 years of history and which pioneered the snow skin mooncake, closed its doors. In 1989, the company created its popular chilled mooncake, which – unlike classic mooncakes baked with a golden, lard-rich crust – feature a glutinous rice flour skin with a mochi-like texture. They are not baked, but instead steamed and served chilled. Traditional mooncakes... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3322812/where-buy-snow-skin-mooncakes-hong-kong-now-taipan-bread-cakes-has-closed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3322812/where-buy-snow-skin-mooncakes-hong-kong-now-taipan-bread-cakes-has-closed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:53:23 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott Rich pastries filled with sweet or savoury fillings, mooncakes are the culinary star of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese festival held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month to mark the end of the autumn harvest. This year, the festival, which dates back more than 3,000 years, will fall on October 6. Mooncakes – named for their shape, reminiscent of a full moon – symbolise prosperity and gratitude and are best sliced and shared among family members and friends. As usual, this year Hong... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3321745/11-great-hotel-mooncake-deals-hong-kong-ahead-mid-autumn-festival-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3321745/11-great-hotel-mooncake-deals-hong-kong-ahead-mid-autumn-festival-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Aug 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Coco Feng Coco Feng China has slapped Three Sheep Group with a 69 million yuan (US$9.8 million) penalty after the company founded by one of the country’s top-earning influencers was accused of falsely marketing mainland-made mooncakes as “made in Hong Kong”. The market regulator of Hefei, capital of eastern Anhui province, on Thursday ordered the influencer agency to suspend its live-commerce operations, which sell products online through live-streamed sessions. Three Sheep apologised for “falsely advertising and... https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3280229/china-fines-influencer-agency-three-sheep-us98-million-made-hong-kong-mooncakes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3280229/china-fines-influencer-agency-three-sheep-us98-million-made-hong-kong-mooncakes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:00:14 +0000 That Hong Kong restaurants and retailers are struggling to stay afloat amid changing consumption patterns and lifestyles in the wake of the pandemic is a painful reality. Unfortunately, not all businesses are managing to survive as pressure arising from the trend towards online shopping and cross-border entertainment bites deeper. Instead of pinning their hopes on a seasonal boom or a robust economic upturn in the long term, it would do well for those hurting badly to adjust and adapt to the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3279662/struggling-businesses-hong-kong-must-adapt-survive-amid-changing-trends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3279662/struggling-businesses-hong-kong-must-adapt-survive-amid-changing-trends?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:00:14 +0000 Hong Kong is striving to become a top tourist destination following the reopening of borders last year after the pandemic. A busy schedule of mega events and new attractions has been devised, with festivities for the Mid-Autumn Festival the latest draw. But such efforts will be undermined if visitors do not enjoy their trip to Hong Kong and experience bad service. The recent decision of the Travel Industry Council to revoke the licence of a tour guide for threatening mainland tourists in a bid... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3279463/hong-kongs-tourists-deserve-be-respected-no-matter-how-much-they-spend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3279463/hong-kongs-tourists-deserve-be-respected-no-matter-how-much-they-spend?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Sep 2024 00:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong restaurants are reporting a 10 per cent drop in receipts for the Mid-Autumn Festival compared with last year as residents head across the border, but a tourism sector veteran has expressed optimism the coming National Day holiday will bring in more mainland Chinese visitors. Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said on Wednesday that catering businesses were reporting a 10 to 15 per cent decline during the Mid-Autumn Festival... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278961/hong-kong-restaurant-receipts-drop-10-over-mid-autumn-festival-residents-head-across-border?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278961/hong-kong-restaurant-receipts-drop-10-over-mid-autumn-festival-residents-head-across-border?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:33:01 +0000 The Hong Kong Observatory raised the amber rainstorm warning for two hours on Tuesday evening, with heavy downpours cutting short Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations for some. The alert, in force between 9.50pm and 11.50pm, signifies that heavy rain exceeding 30mm (1.2 inches) in an hour has fallen or is expected to fall generally over the city and is likely to continue. The Observatory had earlier warned that isolated thunderstorms could affect the plans of Hongkongers hoping to go moon-gazing for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278926/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278926/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:28:28 +0000 Yulu Ao Yulu Ao As people gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Tuesday, top-earning Chinese influencer Crazy Xiaoyangge finds himself facing an investigation into allegations that his company sold mooncakes it falsely claimed were from Hong Kong. Three Sheep Group, a company founded by the influencer, whose real name is Zhang Qingyang, is being investigated for allegedly “misleading consumers” via a live-streaming promotion, according to a statement issued by a local regulator in Hefei, capital of... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3278906/chinese-influencer-crazy-xiaoyangge-prompts-mooncake-probe-made-hong-kong-claim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3278906/chinese-influencer-crazy-xiaoyangge-prompts-mooncake-probe-made-hong-kong-claim?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:30:32 +0000 Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Thousands of excited Hongkongers and visitors lined the streets of Causeway Bay to watch an expanded fire dragon dance on Tuesday evening while others thronged the Wan Chai waterfront for the city’s first drone show to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival, the hottest on record. The Observatory logged a temperature of 35.7 degrees Celsius (96.3 Fahrenheit) at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters at 3pm, the hottest Mid-Autumn Festival since records began in 1884. In Tai Hang, the fire dragon showed up on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3278850/hong-kong-celebrate-mid-autumn-festival-its-hottest-recorded-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3278850/hong-kong-celebrate-mid-autumn-festival-its-hottest-recorded-history?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:15:05 +0000 Take a bite out of history with our exclusive series on the delicious ingredients, dishes and techniques behind the unique tastes of Hong Kong. Snow skin, durian, ice cream, even Chinese ham – no matter what your preference, there is likely a mooncake out there for you. For ancient China’s agrarian society, the Mid-Autumn Festival was a celebration of a successful harvest. Today, it is a day where families gather and mooncakes are given to one’s nearest and dearest – as well as to business... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3278737/bakers-keeping-traditional-mooncake-making-alive-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3278737/bakers-keeping-traditional-mooncake-making-alive-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:45:08 +0000 Glow sticks are still widely available at traditional Hong Kong shops selling decorations for the Mid-Autumn Festival despite a ban on single-use plastics, as vendors rush to clear their stock while also battling economic headwinds. All seven shops the Post visited on Monday in Wan Chai and Sai Ying Pun were selling glow sticks, with one shop advertising them as “the last year” they could be bought. Only one staff member did not know about the plastics ban, with some shops either ordering fewer... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278775/hong-kong-shops-still-selling-glow-sticks-mid-autumn-despite-single-use-plastics-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278775/hong-kong-shops-still-selling-glow-sticks-mid-autumn-despite-single-use-plastics-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 23:00:20 +0000 Hongkongers will have a shot at winning up to HK$80 million (US$10.3 million) in the Mark Six Mid-Autumn Festival snowball draw on Tuesday. Tickets will be available for purchase until 9.15pm on Tuesday, with the draw held at 9.30pm. “As the draw will carry a snowball of HK$55 million, it is estimated that the first division prize fund for a single HK$10 winning unit can reach HK$80 million,” the Hong Kong Jockey Club said. The Mid-Autumn Festival snowball draw has been held 38 times, according... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278766/hong-kong-mark-six-mid-autumn-festival-snowball-lottery-draw-offers-hk80-million-jackpot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278766/hong-kong-mark-six-mid-autumn-festival-snowball-lottery-draw-offers-hk80-million-jackpot?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:43:11 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner and Hong Kong has prepared a raft of fun-filled activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. While many of the annual traditional festivities, such as lantern carnivals, are set to return this year, the city will also host new events for the first time. New features are also going to be added to other events, including the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. The Post explores some of this year’s traditional and modern activities, as well as gives... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278745/drone-show-and-sampan-rides-whats-new-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278745/drone-show-and-sampan-rides-whats-new-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:06:37 +0000 Hong Kong’s hotel and catering industries are expected to struggle during the Mid-Autumn Festival period, with one chain slashing prices by as much as 20 per cent to maintain flagging room occupancy, industry professionals have said. Representatives from both sectors on Monday attributed the gloomy outlook to the strong Hong Kong dollar, which made the city less attractive to mainland Chinese tourists, as well as a shorter holiday period. The Mid-Autumn break lasts for three days on the mainland... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278676/gloomy-outlook-hong-kongs-hotel-and-catering-sectors-across-mid-autumn-holiday-period?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278676/gloomy-outlook-hong-kongs-hotel-and-catering-sectors-across-mid-autumn-holiday-period?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:25:36 +0000 Lisa Lim Lisa Lim A highlight of Hong Kong’s celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival – also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month – is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. The dance involves no ordinary dragon. This one is 67 metres (220 feet) long, is made of bamboo and straw, comes festooned with more than 10,000 burning incense sticks, and is handled by 300 performers. A fire dragon also dances every year at Pok Fu Lam Village. These performances are much more... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278345/why-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dances-part-mid-autumn-festival-celebrations-are-so-vital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278345/why-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dances-part-mid-autumn-festival-celebrations-are-so-vital?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:15:12 +0000 Isolated thunderstorms could affect the plans of Hongkongers hoping to go moon-gazing for the Mid-Autumn Festival on Tuesday evening, with the city’s forecaster also saying a tropical cyclone may enter the South China Sea later next week. The Hong Kong Observatory said showers on Saturday afternoon had brought more than 20mm of rainfall to parts of the city as thunderstorms associated with upper-air disturbances continued to affect the coast of Guangdong. Residents should expect sunny periods on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278540/hong-kong-moon-gazers-facing-isolated-thunderstorms-coming-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3278540/hong-kong-moon-gazers-facing-isolated-thunderstorms-coming-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:16:00 +0000 As the September sun beat down on dozens of customers outside a bakery in Hong Kong’s Sham Shui Po district, Charles Ng Chun-kong stepped outside his store to break some bad news. The second-generation operator of Kwan Hong Bakery told the group that he was running low on the pair of new flavours – “pistachio and cream cheese” and “double pistachio” – and that those waiting towards the end of the queue might not be able to buy any. Rushing back inside to continue pressing more pistachio... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278479/lunch-meat-mooncakes-hong-kong-bakeries-hit-and-sometimes-miss-redefining-seasonal-treat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278479/lunch-meat-mooncakes-hong-kong-bakeries-hit-and-sometimes-miss-redefining-seasonal-treat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:00:24 +0000 I recently came across a mooncake fair on the ground floor of a shopping mall. Feeling a bit peckish, I ventured in with the full knowledge that samples would be handed out by the vendors. There were at least 50 stalls and maybe 10 times as many people in that space, but the air conditioning was strong and the mood was festive. Shuffling through the crowd, I noticed that as well as the stodgy brown mooncakes that most of us grew up with, almost every other vendor was offering Teochew mooncakes –... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278337/how-teochew-mooncakes-mid-autumn-festival-are-reminder-migration-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278337/how-teochew-mooncakes-mid-autumn-festival-are-reminder-migration-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:15:14 +0000 This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on a Wednesday (September 18), so consider this an extended weekend. Here are our top recommendations for things to do and see to put yourself in a festive mood. 1. Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival Organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, this year’s carnival in Victoria Park has a fashion theme that is spectacularly embodied in a 12-metre-long lantern display in the form of a giant Chinese Tang suit and qipao. There is plenty to see and do,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278377/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278377/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 07:15:08 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott Hong Kong has a packed programme to celebrate this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, from the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance (September 16-18) to a new drone show set to light up the skies above Wan Chai on September 17. If you’re looking for something a little more low key, the city is also hosting a number of festive-themed markets, while retailers are offering some tempting festive deals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Handmade Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3278354/5-must-shop-mid-autumn-festival-events-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3278354/5-must-shop-mid-autumn-festival-events-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:15:08 +0000 From Mayan and Greek to Chinese, many civilisations with roots in ancient times have worshipped the moon. The practice is likely to have stemmed from ancient people’s respect for nature and curiosity for astronomy. Shaped by their unique cultural beliefs – and plenty of imagination – lore and myths were created and passed down through generations. Today, various cultures across Asia have their own festivals around this time of the year linked to the moon that primarily celebrate the autumn... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278082/how-jade-rabbit-became-part-mid-autumn-festival-tradition-china-japan-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278082/how-jade-rabbit-became-part-mid-autumn-festival-tradition-china-japan-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 03:15:08 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Two major parks in Hong Kong will launch their Mid-Autumn lantern displays on Thursday night and continue for a week until next Wednesday’s public holiday celebrating the traditional Chinese festival. The lanterns at Victoria Park and Tsing Yi Park will be lit at 6.30pm on Thursday, as part of the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, which also feature a Huafu Show featuring traditional Chinese costumes, lantern riddles, a Mid-Autumn market and mascot catwalk show. At Victoria Park, several lantern... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278265/2-hong-kong-parks-illuminate-mid-autumn-nights-lantern-displays-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3278265/2-hong-kong-parks-illuminate-mid-autumn-nights-lantern-displays-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:57:40 +0000 Do you fancy making your own lantern this Mid-Autumn Festival? Or are you wondering where to catch the famous Fire Dragon? Here are some fun arts and culture events for this weekend and over the Mid-Autumn Festival period – plus two unmissable concerts for rock and heavy metal fans. 1. Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival Organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, this year’s carnival in Victoria Park has a fashion theme that is spectacularly embodied in a 12-metre-long lantern display... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278222/5-must-do-mid-autumn-festival-culture-and-music-experiences-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3278222/5-must-do-mid-autumn-festival-culture-and-music-experiences-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:14:16 +0000 As we approach the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 17, some people might be looking to celebrate early with family this weekend. Whether it is a traditional Chinese meal or an alternative you are seeking, here are our picks of places to gather your loved ones for a feast. 1. The Chinese Restaurant From now until November 15, head to The Chinese Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong for its new “Sustainable Specialties – Ocean Treasures” menu featuring seafood certified by the Aquaculture... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3278036/5-must-have-mid-autumn-festival-food-and-drink-experiences-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3278036/5-must-have-mid-autumn-festival-food-and-drink-experiences-hong-kong-september-13-19?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong will mark this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival with the city’s first seasonal drone show that will include holiday motifs such as mooncakes and rabbits, as part of three days of events to boost tourism over the traditional break. The show will take place along Wan Chai’s waterfront on September 17 and involve thousands of drones, while the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is set for between September 16 and 18, with an extended route and live broadcasts at Victoria Park to help reach a larger... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3277836/hong-kong-mark-years-mid-autumn-festival-first-ever-seasonal-drone-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3277836/hong-kong-mark-years-mid-autumn-festival-first-ever-seasonal-drone-show?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:15:29 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Cloudy skies and a few showers could put a dampener on Hongkongers’ hopes of seeing a “super moon” during the Mid-Autumn Festival next week, the Observatory has said. In the coming week, intermittent showers with some sunny intervals are expected over the next two to three days. Localised heavy showers are forecast for Monday. Rain would gradually ease off later in the week, the forecaster said on Sunday. The Observatory said a broad trough of low pressure would bring unsettled weather to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3277674/showers-cloudy-skies-hong-kong-could-take-shine-super-moon-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3277674/showers-cloudy-skies-hong-kong-could-take-shine-super-moon-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Sep 2024 11:21:57 +0000 The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family and friends, showing appreciation to your loved ones – and mooncakes. Businesses often use the occasion to show their gratitude to their clients by giving them boxes of the seasonal treats. Here is our selection of the best early bird deals in Hong Kong for the 2024 festival. 1. Duddell’s The Duddell’s x Saicho gift box is priced at HK$520 (US$67), and includes six lava custard mooncakes and a 750ml bottle of Saicho’s jasmine sparkling tea. The floral... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3274263/10-best-mooncake-deals-hong-kong-chocolate-mochi-vegetarian-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3274263/10-best-mooncake-deals-hong-kong-chocolate-mochi-vegetarian-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:15:09 +0000