Hong Kong Festivals and Events
April 2013

This month features the Hong Kong Film Awards, the Oscars of Hong Kong, as the Hong Kong Film Festival comes to a close. The Ching Ming Festival, on April 4, 2013 gives you a unique look into Hong Kong's ancient traditions, and soon thereafter in total contrast, the Hong Kong Electronics Fair is a window into Hong Kong's innovation powerhouse.

Here's this month's line-up:

Ching Ming Festival April 4, 2013
Hong Kong Film Festival - March 17 - April 2, 2013
The 32nd Hong Kong Film Awards - April 13, 2013
Hong Kong Electronics Fair - April 13 - 16, 2013

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during April 2013:

Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
Victoria Harbour Cruises
It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!

Ching Ming Festival - April 4, 2013

The Ching Ming Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day is a day to worship the ancestors. Cemeteries accross the land will be crowded with thousands of worshipers carrying incense sticks and offerings of paper money, fruits and wine, as they come to pay respects to their ancestors.

Tombs are tended and swept and paper money and all other paper offerings are burned so that the deceased "receive" the essence of the burned goods.

Special attention must be paid if you will be travelling through any areas where there are cemeteries or burial grounds, specially if using public transportation as the crowds will be quite substantial and delays are guaranteed.

Here's more on the Ching Ming Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day.

Hong Kong International Film Festival - March 17 - April 2, 2013

On its 37th year, this is one of Hong Kong's largest cultural events, with over 300 film screenings at Hong Kong's top venues. It is Asia's leading platform bringing together cinematic talent and fans from all over the world.

Ticket prices for screenings are quite reasonable, tickets for weekday matinee screenings for example are only HK$40 and is a great way to get to see some of Hong Kong best architecture from the inside as well!
Venues include the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, the HK Space Museum, and the HK Science Museum.

More on the Hong Kong International Film Festival

The 32nd Hong Kong Film Award Ceremony - April 13, 2013

On its 32nd year, the Annual Hong Kong Film Award Ceremony is the Oscars of Hong Kong. Like the Academy Awards, it recognizes achievements in filmmaking and is open to Hong Kong Films longer than one hour that were released in Hong Kong within the previous calendar year.

It is a star-studded affair with prominent local celebrities that make an appearance at this most prestigious red carpet event.

When? Saturday, April 13, 2013

Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Here's more on the Hong Kong Film Awards.

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) - April 13-16, 2013

Organised by the HKTDC, this is Asia's largest Electronics Fair where innovative products are launched and where thousands of exhibitors and brands are represented. The exhibitions are spread out into zones for easy navigation i.e. Home Appliances, Electronic Gaming, Solar Technology, Personal Electronics, etc.

There is also a "Small Order Zone" where hundreds of products and samples are available in small quantities.
When?: April 13-16, 2013

Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Admission: HK100 but free if you pre-register at the HKTDC website. Open to trade visitors, must be over 18 years old.

More on the Hong Kong Eletronics Fair.

Ongoing Hong Kong Events for April, 2013

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE!

These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:

Tai Chi Class

Lion Dance Demo

Feng Shui Class

The Symphony of Lights

The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.

The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront. This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts aboout 15 minutes.

When?: Every Night

Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour

How Much? Free

Click here for more on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights and best spots to watch.

The Happy Valley Horse Races

Happy Valley Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!

The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in a world-class venue.

The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.

When?: Wednesday Nights. First race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m. The races are done by 11:00 p.m.

Where?: Happy Valley Race Course

How Much? Depends, there are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10.

Click here for more on Happy Valley Horse Racing, how to get there and options for viewing the races.