Asian Festivals

Festivals, Culture & Traditions
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Asia spans a huge variety of countries, cultures and religions. Learn more about everything from the Lunar New Year celebrated across the region and India’s Diwali to the myths and legends behind lesser known festivals.

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Chinese culture
The third lunar month of the Year of the Snake begins on March 29, 2025. What does the month have in store for you? Photo: VCG via Getty Images
Chinese culture
Is Year of the Snake’s third month lucky for you? 12 zodiac sign horoscopes
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for love, career, health and finance for the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
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The Peak is always a popular spot in Hong Kong for visitors. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong Economy
Hong Kong arrivals rise 7% to 8.4 million in first 2 months of 2025
Short-haul markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia record the steepest growth in arrivals.
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Resort World Sentosa in Singapore. Photo: AFP
Big Tech
Tencent chases Chinese tourists in Singapore with Sentosa deal
As Chinese travellers return to Southeast Asia, Weixin Pay has struck a partnership with Singapore’s top resort island.
Children pose for photos on Sunday in front of a poster at the Singapore premiere of the Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2”, which saw its global box office haul top US$2 billion on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
China Economy
China’s Ne Zha 2 still flying high as highest-grossing animated movie of all time
Gone are the days when Chinese filmmakers were left scrambling to recreate the economic success of foreign offerings such as Kung Fu Panda.
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The Chinese Zodiac. Is your luck in this month? Photo: SCMP Graphic
Leisure
What’s your luck looking like for March 2025, the Earth Rabbit month?
This is your month if you’re a Rabbit like Angelina Jolie or Johnny Depp, while Horses and Roosters should tread carefully.
Peking duck bao at Mar’s Lunar New Year Party 2025. Photo: Wynn Las Vegas
Food & Drink
Profile|Bruce Lee was her aunt’s dishwasher. Chef Angie Mar on a life in food
A Chinese-American chef who ‘can’t really cook Chinese food’, Angie Mar of New York’s Le B on her roots in food and not cooking for critics.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
China Opinion
Opinion|People-to-people relations are the real glue of China-US ties
Despite the complex global landscape, Chinese and Americans have a genuine desire to expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
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A C919 performs at the Singapore Air Show in February. The Chinese-made jet saw its utilisation rate soar during the Lunar New Year travel period. Photo: Xinhua
China Economy
China’s C919 jet passes Lunar New Year test as usage rate soars
The Chinese-made aircraft was deployed on 38 routes including Shanghai-Hong Kong, a significant increase compared with last year’s holiday.
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The single letter “S” plate had an opening price of just HK$5,000. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Economy
Buyers quick off mark as Hong Kong car plates ‘S’ and ‘88’ go for millions
‘S’ plate, a rare single-letter registration mark, fetches HK$14.2 million while “88” makes HK$11.4 million.
A young boy in China called the police to report a robbery after his father kept his Lunar New Year lucky money. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China
‘Naughty’ China boy calls police after dispute with dad over New Year lucky money
Youngster uses father’s mobile phone to call law enforcers who side with dad but urge him to improve the way he educates son.
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Demand for gold jewellery soared in China during the run-up to Valentine’s Day. Photo: Getty Images
China Economy
How a Valentine’s Day fad sparked a ‘gold rush’ in China
Demand for gold jewellery spiked in China ahead of Valentine’s Day as consumers pivoted away from other luxury gifts.
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People visit Sensoji Temple, a popular tourist location in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
Lifestyle & Culture
Why Japan is the No 1 travel destination for Chinese tourists
The weak yen has spurred many Chinese nationals to visit Japan, while food is the biggest motivator for them to travel to the region.
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Visitors trying to solve lantern riddles during the Spring Lantern Festival in Tiger Balm Gardens in Tai Hang, Hong Kong, in 1988. Photo: David Wong
Culture
In pictures: Spring Lantern Festival in Hong Kong, through the years
To mark the end of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong comes alive with colourful lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month – here’s a look back at celebrations from the 1980s to 2024.
There is a particular day and time considered the best and most auspicious to open your Lunar New Year red packets. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese culture
Wait until this date to open your Lunar New Year red packets
There is a particular day considered the best and most auspicious on which to open your red packets. Try to resist the temptation until then.
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East Asian cultures celebrate the Western Valentine’s Day as well as their own equivalents and other occasions for romance. Photo: May Tse
Chinese culture
Asian Valentine’s days, from Lantern Festival and Qixi to White Day
As well as Valentine’s Day, Japanese celebrate White Day and mainland Chinese the ‘520’ festival, while Korea’s Black Day is for singles.
Authorities have been conducting stress tests at Kai Tak Sports Park ahead of its March 1 opening. Photo: Eugene Lee
Society
Hong Kong, mainland stars to perform at ‘historic’ Kai Tak Sports Park opening
Athletes and singers from across generations will feature in ‘grand’ March 1 ceremony, No 2 official Eric Chan says.
Illustration: SCMP Graphic
Chinese Zodiac
Born in the Year of the Dragon? Here’s everything you need to know in 2025
From predictions to curses and feng shui tips for Dragons in the Year of the Snake.
A woman and a child wear masks at a playground. Since the start of the flu season in January, the city has recorded 240 severe cases, with 90 per cent of the adult ones involving people aged 65 and above. Photo: Sam Tsang
Health & Environment
Hong Kong’s flu season to peak in late February, jab rates still low: experts
Infection numbers will increase as residents returning from abroad bring virus back to Hong Kong, CUHK’s David Hui warns.
Actress Tilda Swinton was recently in Hong Kong and said “snobbery is the very death of good art and a healthy culture” – can we love her more? Photo: Courtesy of Chanel
Culture
This week in PostMag: from Tilda Swinton to Hegra, Saudi Arabia
In this issue, explore Hmong culture, discover Saudi Arabia’s hidden gem and listen to the Oscar-winning actress’ take on film conservation.
Dragons will experience a complete turnaround of fortunes in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to maximise luck in health, wealth and love. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese culture
Feng shui master’s advice for Dragons in the Year of the Snake
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Dragons can place auspicious elements, colours and symbols for luck in the Year of the Snake.
Tourists visit the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront during Lunar New Year. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong Economy
Call to expand Hong Kong multiple-entry visas to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou
Legislator Perry Yiu calls for expansion of visa scheme currently offered to Shenzhen residents to attract more overnight visitors to Hong Kong.
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A restaurant in China has received online praise for sharing the US$74,000 profit it made over the Lunar New Year period with its staff. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Trending in China
Chinese eatery praised for sharing US$74,000 Lunar New Year profit with staff
Generous hotpot chain boss also offers ‘filial piety’ allowance which staff must hand over to parents, says move is not a ‘publicity stunt’.
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Datong’s Lunar New Year latern display. Photo:Getty Images
Politics
Chinese city authorities break into shop to enforce Lunar New Year festive rules
Officials in Datong apologise after firefighters break into a shop to turn on more lights to help create a holiday atmosphere in the old city.
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Illustration: SCMP Graphic
Chinese Zodiac
Born in the Year of the Rabbit? Here’s everything you need to know in 2025
From predictions to curses and feng shui tips for Rabbits in the Year of the Snake.
What’s your luck like in February 2025, the Earth Tiger Month? Chinese horoscopes for health, wealth, work and love as we enter the Year of the Yin Wood Snake. Photo: SCMP Graphic
Leisure
Chinese horoscopes: how’s your luck in February 2025, the Earth Tiger Month?
This is your month if you’re a Tiger like Lady Gaga and Tom Cruise … while Snakes should play it safe – but did you know that babies born before February 4 take their sign from the previous year?
Rabbits should be careful when it comes to investments this year. A feng shui master shares where to place crystals, orchids and more for luck in wealth, health and love. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese culture
Feng shui master’s tips for Rabbits in the Year of the Snake
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares how Rabbits can improve their luck in a year where their love life may not be as stable as their career.
China saw a large increase in domestic consumption over the recently concluded Lunar New Year holiday. Photo: Future Publishing via Getty Images
Economic Indicators
China’s Lunar New Year spending spree offers hope for consumption boost
Statistics indicate domestic consumption broke several records during this year’s holiday, with lower-end spending seeing the biggest gains.
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Illustration: SCMP Graphic
Chinese Zodiac
Born in the Year of the Tiger? Here’s everything you need to know in 2025
From predictions to curses and feng shui tips for Tigers in the Year of the Snake.
Tigers may face betrayal and poor health in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert shares what to place where to prevent misfortune. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese culture
Feng shui master’s advice for Tigers in the Year of the Snake
Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares how Tigers can prevent bad luck in the Year of the Snake by placing lucky items around their living space.
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Visitors to The Peak snap photos of Hong Kong’s skyline over the Lunar New Year holiday. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong Economy
Uptick in mainland Chinese, foreign visitors to Hong Kong over Lunar New Year
Data shows 1.6 million mainland visitors arrived between January 25 and February 4, a 3.5 per cent increase over the same period last year.
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Opinion
Editorial|Fortune stick offers Hong Kong financial advice it should not ignore
Hong Kong, which is still struggling economically, receives a Year of the Snake message to not be greedy and to live within its means.
SCMP Editorial
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My Take|There is something special about a Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
For ex-residents, this is the time to miss the city and remember past celebrations. The beginning of the Year of the Snake will be no exception.
SCMP ColumnistCliff Buddle
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Language Matters|Where English got the word ‘snake’, and ‘eating snake’ in Singapore
The root words of snake and serpent mean ‘a creeping thing’. Most snake sayings are negative, including a Singlish loan phrase from Hokkien.
Lisa Lim
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Being Chinese|My Hong Kong crash course in Chinese calculations of everything
Some autumns ago, a midlife crisis brought me to Hong Kong, where it has been inspiring how savvy people are about Chinese cosmology.
Foong Woei Wan
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Reflections|So Chinese New Year prosperity toss salad is unchristian?
A pastor has called the Chinese New Year ritual of shouting good wishes while tossing salad ingredients high in the air ‘superstitious’.
Wee Kek Koon
2
Editorial|It is time to make Lunar New Year red lai see packets greener
While it is a tradition to fill red paper envelopes with freshly printed notes, mainland Chinese have shown sustainable digital options can be just as effective.
SCMP Editorial
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Being Chinese|Who’s Singaporean and stressing over Lunar New Year food abroad? Not me
Grappling with being the sole source of Singapore Chinese culture for my children, I have focused on transmitting it through food.
Dionne Thompson
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Editorial|Stub out costly Hong Kong trade in illicit cigarettes
Stepping up of enforcement action against smugglers by Hong Kong authorities to be welcomed on both health and financial grounds.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Hong Kong harbour boardwalk a step in right direction
Feature due to open by Lunar New Year is first phase in project that will provide recreation and enjoyment for Hong Kong public.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Challenges ahead for Hong Kong businesses after surge during golden week
City hotels, restaurants and retailers may have enjoyed the National Day holiday, but they need more than seasonal booms to survive.
SCMP Editorial
Editorial|Duty of authorities to help support Hong Kong tourism
Mainland China tax on items bought in city puts people off from visiting and should be amended.
SCMP Editorial
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Reflections|Why this is the Year of the Lóng, not dragon, for many Chinese
Two language-related controversies mark this year’s Lunar New Year, one of which is using the word ‘dragon’ to translate lóng or loong in Chinese, as if the animal is a Chinese copy of a Western original.
Wee Kek Koon
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