Red lanterns and festive decorations adorn the streets of Hong Kong, Macao, and the Taiwan region as communities eagerly embrace the upcoming Spring Festival. Despite geographical distances, people across these regions are united by a shared cultural heritage, celebrating traditions that highlight deep-rooted connections.
For Zhuang Ling, a photographer in the Taiwan region, the Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on family traditions passed down through generations. Born on the Chinese mainland, Zhuang recalls his childhood in Sichuan Province, where his family celebrated the Spring Festival with warmth and joy despite modest means.
“Before the Spring Festival, my mother would take us to rural markets hours away to buy meat for the New Year feast,” Zhuang reminisced. “She would smoke the meat with pine branches to make bacon, filling our home with the aroma of the holidays.” His father would write Spring Festival couplets and decorate their home with plum blossoms, creating a festive atmosphere.
After moving to the Taiwan region, Zhuang’s family continued these cherished traditions—writing couplets, making dumplings, and honoring their ancestors with incense. For him, these customs are more than rituals; they are a way to stay connected to his Chinese heritage.
In Hong Kong, the Chinese New Year is a dazzling spectacle that blends tradition with modernity. The city’s iconic “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” illuminates the streets on the first day of the New Year, showcasing performance groups from around the world, including talents from France, Argentina, Austria, and India.
Traditional flower markets have sprung up across Hong Kong, offering festive blooms and decorations. Families flock to purchase peonies, orchids, and kumquat trees—symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
Macao celebrates the Chinese New Year with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The region’s tourism office has organized a celebration parade for the Year of the Snake, featuring vibrant displays, cultural performances, and interactive activities. Fireworks light up the night sky, and traditional lion dances fill the streets with energy and excitement.
From the bustling flower markets in Hong Kong to the grand parades in Macao and the nostalgic charm of Taipei’s Dihua Street, the Spring Festival serves as a powerful reminder of the shared cultural heritage that unites communities across Hong Kong, Macao, the Taiwan region, and the Chinese mainland.
The festival underscores the importance of family reunions, with many traveling across regions to celebrate with loved ones, strengthening bonds of kinship and cultural continuity.
