Spring has always been the season that symbolizes rejuvenation. Chinese New Year means it is time for a good start. When you are in Hong Kong during this auspicious month, apart from experiencing the many festive celebrations, why not take part in some traditional customs practiced by many Hongkongers to bring good luck to the year? To celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster and 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Handover to China, visit the 20 lucky scenic spots,which will bring good fortune for the year according to feng shui experts.
Check out the 12 lucky spots that are matched with the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, as well as the 8 lucky locales to make the most out of the Year of the Rooster.
Roosters: The Peak
Birth Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Being the same zodiac sign as the current year is never a good thing because metaphysically, you’d be bullied by the reigning sign. Ease the sense of dominance by rising to Hong Kong Island’s highest vantage poi nt and taking in the commanding vistas from Victoria Peak. Broaden your horizons by soaking up the view of the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island skyline. Feel your worries dissolve and yourself prepped to overcome any challenges in the year to come.
Dogs: Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Fanling 
Birth Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Those who were born in Year of the Dog are affected by unlucky stars this year and are therefore susceptible to insecurity and anxieties. Alleviate the negative energy by heading to the northeast: take a trip in the rural clan of the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, where it takes you on a scenic journey into the history of the Tang Clan, one of the five largest clans in the New Territories. It is said that a dragon could once be seen leaping in the mountains there, which is how the area got its name. You can pick up on the wisdom of Hong Kong’s ancestors evident in the exquisite architecture while unwinding in the serene surroundings. This will be beneficial to your career in 2017.
Pigs: The Big Buddha, Wisdom Path
Birth Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
As the star of Yi Ma, which represents travel, is affecting your zodiac in 2017, those who were born in the Year of the Pig are likely to find themselves on the move more frequently. Head to the Big Buddha and the Wisdom Path. Climb the steps for a closer look of the remarkable statue, take a step back and appreciate the zen of the large woodcut Heart Sutra scriptures. This should temper the speed of change and maximize the energy of movement for the year to come.
Rats: Flower Market, Bird Garden
Birth Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Congratulations! This is a great year for those who were born in the Year of the Rat, especially for those in search of love! Visit the Flower Market and Bird Garden in MongKok – being embraced by fragrant flowers and birds’ song could boost this romantic power to the max, and enhance things for those already in a relationship.
Oxen: Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Birth Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Being born in the year of Ox, you have three lucky stars shining on you this coming year. Up the good luck game by being as close to stars as possible on the observation deck – on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Soak up in the 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s beauty and get ready for a year of bumper opportunities and good tidings.
Tigers: Murray House, Stanley, Repulse Bay
Birth Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
2016 was a year of instability for Tigers and 2017 is the best time to go to the seaside located in the southern part of Hong Kong – Repulse Bay for some calming sea breeze. According to Chinese tradition, spending money can stave off bad luck, as such sensible shopping at the many shops in Murray House, Stanley Plaza and the surrounding streets can help you do just that. You can browse the stores while enjoying fresh air, which is good for your health.
Rabbits: Chi Lin Nunnery
Birth Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
This is a year of change for those who were born in the Year of the Rabbit. Various aspects in your life including relationships, career and accommodation, may have yet to settle, but in the end it will all work out for the best. An ideal place to visit when things get tough is the Chi Lin Nunnery, where you can enjoy the serenity of the environs alongside Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture. The nunnery is also a good spot for meditation, so when times are troubling, put your palms together, close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel your troubles dissipate.
Dragons: Dragon’s Back
Birth Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The dragon and the phoenix are symbols of a match made in heaven, so the Year of the Rooster, which is in the same family as the phoenix, is perfect for those born in the Year of the Dragon. If you want to take your luck with wealth to the next level, head to one of Asia’s best hiking trails – Dragon’s Back. Enjoy the spectacular views of the South China Sea, Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Stanley and Tai Tam along the rolling hills while upping your luck with work, wealth and all your other stars.
Snakes: Lamma Island
Birth Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Lamma Island is where those born in the Year of the Snake should congregate, as it’s in the auspicious southwest direction. Take a half-hour ferry ride to enjoy the sea breeze and the exotic experience. You can really sit back and take it easy here – the green mountains and natural rivers surrounding the island can help you relax and amplify all areas of lucks in your life including work and wealth.
Horses: Happy Valley Racecourse
Birth Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
You have the best luck in terms of money among the 12 zodiacs in 2017, so why don’t you pop into Happy Valley Racecourse and try your luck? Get your adrenaline pumping, and feel the excitement as you hear the hooves thunder down the track. Stake some money on your favourite horse, and it could be your day!
Goats: Touring Victoria Harbour
Birth Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Right in the centre of Hong Kong is where good luck pools for those born in Year of the Goat. Take an evening harbour cruise to enjoy the views on both sides of the harbor and the reflection of buildings lining the harbor as Hong Kong transitions from day to night. Touring Victoria Harbour is always on the list.
Monkeys: Lan Kwai Fong
BirthYears: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
If you’re a single Monkey, then Lan Kwai Fong is the place for you. No longer just a night club hub, Lan Kwai Fong is now synonymous with fine food, drinks and all things celebratory. Your romance factor is through the roof this year. While tasting refreshing wines and delicacies in the festive atmosphere, you might find your significant other at the epicentre of Hong Kong nightlife.
Other lucky locales in the Year of the Rooster
Feng shui enthusiasts believe that each of the 8 directions affects one certain aspect of people’s life. Head to these locations to boost your fortune in the Year of the Rooster.
(1) Chinese New Year Night Parade
It’s Chinese tradition to take a lucky stroll to kick off the new year and where better to do it than at the New Year Night Parade? Bathe in the positive energy and be regaled by performances from around the world alongside beautifully designed floats – surefire way to improve anybody’s mood, boost romance and bring good fortune.
(2) Che Kung Temple, Sha Tin
This is one of the most popular destinations during Chinese New Year. Apart from being the temple that is reputed to turn around bad luck, its location is right on the wealth quadrant on the feng shui grid. Turn the fan-bladed wheels of fortune three times to boost good fortune. Those who were born in spring or summer should wear cool colours such as black, gold, silver, white, gray or blue to amplify the auspicious atmosphere, and those who were born in autumn or winter should wear warm colours such as green, green, red, orange or purple.
(3) Tap Mun
In 2017, the northeast is the direction for those seeking good luck with their studies, literary insights or clerical work. You can visit Tap Mun in the northeastern part of Hong Kong bask in the beauty of nature. Simply take a deep breath, relieve stress and better prepare yourself for examinations or any work challenges ahead.
(4) Sai Kung
East is the direction associated with wealth in 2017, and Hong Kong’s easternmost point is Sai Kung. Also known as the city’s back garden, this quiet town offers pleasant scenery and tasty local cuisine. Visit the local stores at Sai Kung Town Centre with friends and family, and enjoy the view along the seaside. Take a stroll among the laid back streets after a good meal to boost your fortune.
(5) Shek O
Southeast is the direction for celebration in 2017. So if there is any call for celebration such as weddings, anniversaries, promotions, it’s a good idea to take a walk on the sands of Shek O with lover, friends and family. Just relax and enjoy a great day out by the sea.
(6) Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market, Tuen Mun
Situated in the New Territories, Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market offers decent seafood and helps boost your luck with people. It’s particularly useful to those who are in careers such as retail sales or entertainment business.
(7) Tai O
Southeast is where the fortune star faces this year and for those in the finance industry or investment business, a visit to Tai O Fishing Village in Lantau should send good luck your way. Discover the stilt houses in Tai O and taste the authentic local snacks there. Check out the Tai O Heritage Hotel – the former Tai O police station revitalised with the colonial featured remained.
(8) Man Mo Temple, Sheung Wan
Man Mo Temple worships the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), who are symbols of academics and physical strength respectively. Apart from appreciating the historical landmark with its unique decor, this place offers blessings from these deities for all things work and studies related.
(Information provided by feng shui expert Kevin Lau)