Feng shui master Mak Ling Ling at Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Photo: Business Wire)

2024 marks the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. A legendary creature with the amazing ability to roam the sky and sea, the dragon is considered the most important entity of the 12-animal Chinese zodiac. Feng shui master Mak Ling Ling has curated an “Ultimate Guide to Getting the Most Out of the Year of the Dragon” that will help you to not only enjoy good fortune but allow you immerse yourself in the festive Chinese New Year culture of Hong Kong.

Reach for career and educational goals

No Chinese New Year trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to the temple! The city is home to a large number of historical temples, among which is the famed Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan. Widely regarded as a shrine to pray for success in career and education, this declared monument remains one of the city’s most popular attractions. Its convenient location in the bustling tourist hotspot of Central and Sheung Wan has also contributed to its popularity with tourists.

Wealth and good fortune can be yours in 2024

To manifest prosperity in the new year, paying a visit to Kwun Yum (the Goddess of Mercy) is the way to go. Among the many temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Kwun Yum, the one in Hung Hum is the largest and most famous in Kowloon. March 6 is known as the “Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival.” On this special occasion, you will find visitors flocking to this historic building, all hoping for wealth that is symbolized by the “money” they can borrow from the Goddess.

Health and happiness in the new year

With close to 300 years of history, Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City is favored by visitors who wish for good health. The temple is especially packed during the Hau Wong Festival. Apart from the main deity of Hau Wong, the temple also houses Tai Sui, the 60 deities in charge of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs combined with the five elements of Chinese astrology. Every year, certain Chinese zodiac signs are considered “fan Tai Sui” and people with those signs are at risk for bad luck. For the Year of the Dragon, the “unlucky” signs include Dragon, Dog, Rabbit, and Ox. If you were born in one of these years, you may appease to the ruling deity by performing a “sip Tai Sui” ritual, which involves writing your name and date of birth on a “Tai Sui yi” (paper) followed by offering incense sticks to the Tai Sui deities, asking to be protected against misfortune in 2024.

Good health can be yours with an offering at Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City (Photo: Business Wire)

Dreams can come true

Renowned for its supposed ability to make visitors’ wishes come true, Wong Tai Sin Temple is the place to ask for an amazing Year of the Dragon. During Chinese New Year, the temple is home to one of the city’s biggest traditions – first incense offering. Locals believe that those who enter the temple first and burn the inaugural incense sticks will receive good fortune. Crowds gather at the temple around midnight on Chinese New Year’s Day to participate in a race to compete for that coveted spot of good luck.

Feeling lucky?

If you are looking to boost your luck during a Chinese New Year trip to Hong Kong, be sure to make a beeline for Che Kung Temple! Upon entering the temple, beat the drum three times before proceeding to spin the fan-bladed wheel of fortune. If you had a good 2023, spin the wheel clockwise to maintain your luck; otherwise spin the wheel counterclockwise to “spin away” bad luck.

Get back to nature

In the art of feng shui, it is believed that the good fortune of a place is connected to its mountains and water, so a nature hike is considered a lucky way to kick off the new year. To embrace the beauty of Hong Kong’s majestic landscape, hop on the Peak Tram at Central for a bird’s eye view of the Victoria Harbour; or visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, followed by a stroll in the “Venice of Hong Kong” – Tai O fishing village, which is just a 30-minute ride away.

Another place where you can tap into Hong Kong’s natural energy is Tai Tam Reservoirs. This declared monument is renowned for its magnificent dams and hundred-year-old masonry bridges, which can be admired along an easy hiking trail sprinkled with picture-perfect Instagram spots.

Hong Kong has plenty of attractions waiting to be explored by visitors during Chinese New Year, so add some luck to your travels with a temple visit.