Weekender Guide HK: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Jan. 20-22, 2023

Ahh, another weekend is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do this weekend—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.    

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the weekend.  

1. New Year, New Market

As the auspicious Chinese New Year greeting goes “while the flowers bloom, wealth comes in” (花開富貴), meaning flora and greens are a must to add to your household. Spreading across the city to blossom into in beautiful plots of colour, up to 15 flower markets are being held around Hong Kong’s open parks and playgrounds over the CNY holidays. Amongst them, the biggest and most prominent is the Victoria Park market, which boasts up to 175 stalls this year. Peddling festive toys, decorations, gadgets, and more, check out your neighbourhood fair to discover some awesome souvenirs and gifts to mark this new lunar year of the rabbit!

When: Now until Jan. 22

Where: Click here to see all locations

How much: Free

2. I’m Getting Paper

Upgrade your Chinese New Year décor game by learning to craft some gorgeous paper couplets and ornaments of your own, inspired by traditional Chinese works. Hosted by paper-cutting artist Meko Zheng, this class gives you the low down on all the basics that will have you folding up and slicing fantastic multi-layered, multi-dimensional pieces to decorate your home or parcel out as one-of-a-kind gifts.

More details on the paper cutting class here. To register for the workshop, please contact Meko via WhatsApp at +852 6838 7676.

When: 2 PM-3 PM, 5 PM-6 PM

Where: 2/F Seating Area, Eslite Life TST Store, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: HK$580 (materials included)

3. Light it Up

Setting the city alight in beautiful hues of auspicious rubies and gold, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office has set up an installation of large-scale handcrafted lanterns spun by seasoned lantern maker Mr. Hui Kahung. Featuring shining lantern sculptures of our lucky lunar rabbit, traditional dancing lions, and delectable giant steamers of dim sum and scrumptious Chinese New Year delicacies, these whimsical works are an instant mood lifter bringing great festive joy.

When: 6 PM-11 PM daily, Now until. Feb 7

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free

4. The Great Escape

Chinese New Year celebrations call for getting the family together, and what better way to spell out “tight knit” than teaming up in an Escape Room? For an unconventional yet fun-filled way to spend this long weekend holiday with your family, LOST HK has decked out their Discovery Bay location with two seasonal, specially themed mazes. Named “Enchanted Store” and “The Lift”, join forces with your dearest in finding your way out of these immersive adventures.

Each game takes place over 45 minutes, with visitors standing a chance to win a prize for booking during the CNY period. Click here to reserve your session and get ready to put your problem-solving gears to the grind.

When: Now until Jan. 29

Where: Shop G11A-1, DB Plaza, 1 Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau

How much: HK$200

5. Up Close and Fursonal

Meet our adorable mascot for the Lunar New Year by petting and cosying up to the adorable burrow of bunnies at Rabbitland Café. There’s no charge for entry but guests are asked to purchase from the menu, with meal combos inclusive of rabbit feed starting from HK$98. A la carte and additions are also available.

Please note that only children above the age of four are allowed, and adults must accompany kids between the ages of four and eight. A reservation is required before visiting; book to meet the bunnies via WhatsApp or telephone at +852 5281 0280.

When: Open daily 1 PM-9:30 PM

Where: Rabbitland Café, 3/F, 530 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$98

6. Gong Hei Faat “Cha”

A good cup of tea is a much welcome addition to any Chinese-style gathering. This Lunar New Year, join Teakha on a 90-minute exploration into the wonderful world and palate of tea. This hands-on workshop will show you how to savour the taste of tea in all its beauty and open your eyes to the secrets of brewing using a traditional Chinese “gaiwan.”

With the option to purchase your very own tea set along with the class, you can be sure to impress your “bai leen” guests by whipping out your own brews and pouring out a piping hot cup that’s just for them. Reserve your spot now by clicking here.

When: 11 AM-12:30 PM, 2 PM-3:30 PM, 5 PM-6:30 PM, Jan. 20

Where: Plantation Tea Studio, Rm602B, Wan Chai Commercial Centre, 194-204 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$680

7. The Art of Mahjong

Keeping with the festivities of the season, DarkSide’s specially curated Art of Mahjong cocktail menu is an innovative take that blends age-old traditions with creative mixology. Working with Mahjong tile carving masters Ricky Cheung and Karen Aruba Art, glassware brand Seokjing Studio, and tilemakers Tung Yao Ceramics, this Chinese-inspired menu beautifully presents ingredients evocative of these gorgeous tiles. Pong!

The menu incorporates seminal florals from the Confucian zeitgeist as well as shaking up artful drinks that conjure up sensory experiences of the four seasons. From the “Seasons” faction of the menu there is the whisky and Amaro tinged Summer that upgrades the familiar cha chaan teng staple of salted lemon with salted lychee, the lusciously rich Autumn made with Bourbon whiskey and a handful of Chinese aromatics. A highlight of the “Flowers” faction of the menu is Bamboo, which will impress fans of the Old Fashioned, thanks to its mix of bitter and sweet, being infused with whisky as well as bamboo-distilled sake.

When: From Nov. 14, 2022 onwards

Where: DarkSide, 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: HK$180 (plus SV.C)

8. Welcome to the Dollhouse

Hong Kong’s drag supergroup The Dollhouse welcomes you into the Lunar New Year with a lavish soiree that’s back-to-back entertainment and delectable eats all night long. The Dine with the Queens dinner stars Violette Blanche, Gigi Reyes, Parris Mami Govel, and Southeast Asia Miles “werking” it out and stuntin’ the makeshift runways at Grappa’s Cellar this weekend.

Included as part of the package is a three-course meal, with the choice of mains between Oven Baked Sea Bream, Roast Spring Chicken, Penne All’Arrabbiata and finished off with Grappa’s Famous Tiramisu alongside a serving of sweet, sassy, and sexy from the queens. Keep things rolling and the drinks flowing, with two hours of house reds, whites, Prosecco, beer, and soft drinks on the pour for no extra cost. Secure your seating by purchasing tickets here.

When: 7:30 PM-10:30 PM, Jan. 21

Where: Grappa's Cellar, LG08, LG/F Lee Garden Two, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1,050

9. Treat and Greet

It may be the season for decadent meals and bright, eye-catching treats, but rest assured that The Cakery’s festive selection is one that has been made with health in mind. Using natural ingredients and designing a range that’s been especially formulated for vegan eaters, their collection’s centrepiece is definitely the stunning Fortune Rabbit Knock Knock Cake (HK$1268) filled with nostalgic Chinese candies.

As a thoughtful gift, there is also the Cupcake Topper Set (HK$570) of a dozen fondant cupcakes adorned in wishes for the new year, or the crowd-pleasing Lucky Rabbit Cookie Box (HK$388) enclosing an assortment of cookies with wonderful time-honoured flavour infusions like mandarin, red date, and oolong. Click here to browse and purchase the full range of Chinese New Year goodies.

When: Now until stocks last

Where: The Cakery, click here to see all locations

How much: Starting from HK$65

10. Going on a Trip, In Our Favourite Cruise Ship

Climb aboard and get ready to explore! Ringing in the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit with the little ones, the aqualuna is hosting an extended weekend of cruises that are each transforming into a bunny-themed scavenger hunt aboard, alongside a fai chun writing zone for you to leave with auspicious treasures to bring home. Kids aged below two can ride for free, and all admissions include one soft drink per guest. Click here to purchase your tickets.

When: 11:30 AM onwards, Jan. 20-27

Where: Departing from Central Pier 9, Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$260 (HK$180 adults)