So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
During Dragon Boat Festival, local teams race against each other in their fiercely decorated dragon boats with some of the biggest and most competitive in Stanley. Spectators can expect pounding drums and roaring crowds, alongside cold beers and live music on site.
The Mid-Autumn Festival brings with it the famous ´moon cakes´ (originating from the Yuan dynasty), fiery dragon parades and a spectacular lantern exhibition in Victoria Park.
In an effort to end a plague that ravished the village of Tai Hang in the 19th century, locals performed a fire dragon dance, which miraculously did the job. To this day, the ritual is still performed - but now on a much grander scale. The dance now sees some 300 performers, 72,000 incense sticks and a 220-foot dragon.
Featuring the finest wines from around the world, exquisite international and local cuisine, and top live entertainment, the HK Wine and Dine Festival is a must-do for all foodies.
The Chinese New Year is by far the biggest and most widely-celebrated festival in Hong Kong and is celebrated over a few days. Highlights include a stunning flower market at Victoria Park, followed by a night parade the next day. Proceedings are brought to an end with huge firework display over Victoria Harbour on the final day.
Those interested in Hong Kong's street art scene will be interested to know about HKwalls, the city's annual street art festival, which takes place every March. Expect high-quality murals from both local and international street artists all around Hong Kong, exhibitions and other events. With the use of technology, digital elements make the art pieces even more interactive.
Those with a passion for poppies or devotion to daffodils need look no further to satisfy their gardening needs than this 10-day event. An oasis in this often overwhelming city, the HK Flower Show in Victoria Park presents a wide range of potted plants, landscape designs and floral arrangements.
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens has rapidly evolved into one of the sport's biggest international events. The annual three-day competition, held in March or April, invites teams from all over the world to compete in front of 40,000 fans inside Hong Kong Stadium. The 15-minute games guarantee lightning-fast plays and high-adrenaline action.
The quirky Cheung Chau Bun Festival welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year. Originally held to commemorate the end of a devastating plague 100 years ago, traditional celebrations include a floating colors parade, ´lucky´ bun baking and bun-gathering competitions.
To honor the widely revered Tin Hau, Goddess of the Sea and Patron Saint of Fishermen, locals flock to over 70 temples dedicated to her across Hong Kong. Celebrations include a colorful procession of fishing boats through Sai Kung and a three-hour parade through Yuen Long with lion dancers and marching bands.
