Where to Buy Chinese New Year Flowers in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year is the most important time for flower shopping in Hong Kong, with vibrant blooms symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and fresh beginnings. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city's flower markets and shops during this festive season.
Traditional Flower Markets
Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair is the largest and most famous venue, typically running for several days leading up to Chinese New Year's Eve. Located in Causeway Bay, this massive fair features hundreds of stalls selling traditional auspicious flowers alongside festive decorations, toys, and snacks. The atmosphere is electric, especially in the evenings, though it gets extremely crowded. Expect to find peach blossoms, kumquat trees, narcissus, pussy willows, and orchids in abundance.
Fa Hui Park Fair in Mong Kok offers a more local experience with competitive prices. It's particularly popular with residents from Kowloon and tends to be slightly less touristy than Victoria Park while still offering an excellent selection of traditional blooms.
Flower Market Road in Prince Edward is Hong Kong's year-round flower hub, but it transforms during Chinese New Year. The entire street becomes packed with vendors selling potted plants, cut flowers, and festive arrangements. This is where many locals shop because prices are often better than at the temporary fairs, and you can visit multiple shops to compare quality and selection. The market runs daily, making it convenient if you can't make it to the time-limited fairs.
Wet Markets
Many wet markets across Hong Kong set up temporary flower stalls in the weeks before Chinese New Year. Bowrington Road Market in Wan Chai, Chun Yeung Street Market in North Point, and Graham Street Market in Central all have good selections. These neighborhood markets offer convenience and often lower prices than tourist-oriented locations, though the selection may be more limited.
Shopping Malls and Department Stores
For a more comfortable shopping experience with air conditioning, major malls like Times Square, IFC Mall, Harbour City, and Pacific Place host flower pop-up shops during the festival period. Department stores such as SOGO and Lane Crawford also feature curated selections of premium flowers and arrangements. Prices are higher, but you'll find beautifully presented options with delivery services available.
Local Florists
Established florists throughout Hong Kong take advance orders for Chinese New Year flowers. Comma Blooms, M Florist, and Ellermann are among the many shops offering both traditional and contemporary arrangements. Ordering from a florist guarantees quality and often includes delivery, which is helpful if you're purchasing large potted trees.
Timing Your Purchase
The flower markets typically open about a week before Chinese New Year, with Victoria Park and other fairs running for 4-6 days ending on New Year's Eve. Prices start high and drop dramatically on New Year's Eve as vendors try to sell remaining stock, but selection becomes limited. For the best balance of choice and value, shop 2-3 days before the holiday.
What to Buy
The most auspicious flowers include peach blossoms (symbolizing romance and growth), kumquat trees (representing gold and wealth), narcissus (good fortune), orchids (refinement and fertility), pussy willows (prosperity), and chrysanthemums (longevity). Always choose plants with many unopened buds, as blooming during the New Year period is considered especially lucky.
Practical Tips
Bring cash, as many market stalls don't accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds. If buying large plants, arrange transportation in advance or ask about delivery services. Bargaining is acceptable at street markets but not in formal shops. Check plants carefully for health and pest issues before purchasing.
The experience of shopping for Chinese New Year flowers in Hong Kong is as much about soaking in the festive atmosphere as it is about the actual purchase, so give yourself time to wander and enjoy the celebrations.
