Tag: Chinese New Year

Waist-Busters: Don’t let Lunar New Year lunching widen your waistline…

There’s no getting round it – Chinese New Year celebrations are wholly synonymous with indulgence. With countless family dinners and sundry refreshment-heavy reunions looming, the inevitable – and seemingly never-ending – parade of pastries, cornucopia of confectionery and maelstrom of meat could see even the worthiest of wellness aficionados piling on the kilos faster than a pre-grudge match sumo.

With a little bit of pre-planning, however, you can dodge the worst consequences of the festive feasting and ensure that the Year of the Rat doesn’t become your personal Year of the Fat…

wellness

FOOD

  • The 80:20 rule: To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important you opt for healthy food choices 80 percent of the time. With regard to the remaining 20 percent, feel free to indulge to the max (This is not like carbon trading. You can’t, say, inherit your nephew’s 20 percent in exchange for a balloon).
  • Switch ingredients: An easy way to cut back on the calories is to replace refined, processed ingredients with organic alternatives when preparing your Chinese New Year feast. Not only will they have a lower sugar content, you won’t be tempted to eat too many of them as they will taste awful.
  • Smart snacking: To avoid overeating when mealtime rolls around, tuck into small portions of healthy snacks – such as fruits and nuts – in between times. For added convenience, Cadbury’s produces a widely-available Fruit & Nut Bar. While the bite-sized versions can be easily stashed in pockets or sentimental lockets, the bigger bars are best hidden behind slumbering elderly relatives, a solution that combines easy access with maximum deniability.

wellness

FITNESS

  • Get outside: With so many social obligations, you may be tempted to remain inside for the whole of the holiday but force yourself into an extended peramble in the brisk outdoor air. Not only will you burn off a few calories, it will also take you out of reaching distance of the dumpling tray.
  • Maintain regular workouts: The ceaseless feasting may make the widening of your waistline perceivable in real-time. To counter this, try scheduling a workout or two. Or just tell everyone you have, then slip off to watch the new Star Wars unmolested. That’s good too.

wellness

Text: Tenzing Thondup

LUNAR CELEBRATIONS

With the Rat, the first sign of the 12 Chinese zodiac creatures, about to ascend to astrological supremacy in 2020, Johnnie Walker, the renowned maker of fine whiskies, has chosen to celebrate this grand occasion by unveiling a very special Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition.

Crafted to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Asia and the lasting legacy of the ancient zodiac traditions, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition comes housed in a dazzlingly decorated bottle, one that the emblematic Rat take place of pride atop a wave of golden ingots. Within this precious receptacle is that most cherished of whiskies, the sumptuously flavourful Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

Rat Limited Edition

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label stands at the apex of Scotch whisky-making. Crafted by a small team of expert blenders including two-time Master Blender of the Year Jim Beveridge, only one in every 10,000 casks of the distillery’s 10 million plus whiskies are deemed worthy of this coveted title, which represents smooth and vibrant Scotch whisky at its very finest.

With the Rat long heralded as ushering in good fortune, luck and vitality, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition makes the most auspicious of gifts to that special whisky lover in your life.

Rat Limited Edition

Chinese New Year Getaways: Where to travel for the lunar festivities

If you’re still not worn out by the excitement and jet lag from your Christmas travels, you’re in luck as there’s still time to plan your trip for the next big holiday – Chinese New Year, which falls at the end of January. From the tropical beauty of Saipan to the romantic Renaissance charm of Venice, here are our top picks for Chinese New Year getaways.

Chinese New Year getaways

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

The beautiful Micronesian island Saipan – tucked away into a remote corner of the Pacific Ocean – is a perfect juxtaposition of the picturesque beauty of land and water. This can be seen from the peak of Mt. Tapochau, one of the isle’s must-visit destinations, where you can get a 360-degree view of the entire island and the languid waters beyond. There is also the Forbidden Island, a destination you can reach by trekking for less than an hour from the main road. This hike further serves to highlight the inherent natural beauty of Saipan’s verdant greenery and azure seas. Moreover, the aquatic scenes of the island is accentuated with its famous Grotto, an underwater limestone cave where you can enjoy activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, diving and more.

Chinese New Year getaways

Tel Aviv, Israel

Known for its iconic Bauhaus architecture, the Israeli city of Tel Aviv’s artistic scene is ubiquitous wherever one may roam. For the athletically inclined, countless bike friendly lanes makes it easier for you to experience these visuals. For art enthusiasts, there is the Tel Aviv Museum of Art with current art exhibitions like A New Age: The Spiritual in Art on display until February 2, 2020. With mysticism and spiritualism as the themes of the exhibition, you can see the work of artists like Emma Kunz, Maxime Rossi and more. The city’s largest park ‒ HaYarkon Park is worth a day on your itinerary with its water park, bird sanctuary and zoo.

Chinese New Year getaways

Venice, Italy

A city that is synonymous to a romantic vibe easily tops any destination list for Chinese New Year getaways. Be it strolling navigating the Floating City’s countless bridges or riding the gondola on the Grand Canal with a view of the beautifully arched Rialto bridge, you will feel like you have been transported into a paradise. History buffs could do far worse than visit the Doge’s Palace, which housed La Serenissima’s ruling dukes for centuries, while, for people who admire the work of Renaissance artists like Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, there is the Galleria dell’Accademia di Venezia. For those enamoured with contemporary art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection should also feature high on your itinerary.

Chinese New Year getaways

Bristol, England

From stumbling upon the artwork of now-popular graffiti artist Banksy to spending a day at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the UK city of Bristol is sure to impress. Moreover, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol Cathedral are a testimony to the port’s rich heritage and palpable history. A visit to the art and science centre We The Curious will be entertaining with events like Winter Stargazing 3D and Solar System Odyssey happening currently. More importantly, you can also indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience by hot air ballooning ‒ the city’s most famous activity – to gain a whole new perspective on this vibrant city.

Chinese New Year getaways

Nainital, India

Located on the foothills of the towering Himalayas, Nainital is a very serene and aesthetic city to visit any time of the year. In fact, the place takes pride in its view thus having special spots to admire it. For instance, there is the Snow Viewpoint and the Naini Peak where you will get a mesmerising sight of the City of Lakes. If you are a fan of horse riding, you can ride one to the Naini Peak like many others or you can trek too.  Besides, with mountains forming a panoramic view around the Naini lake, you can enjoy a boat ride or a ropeway ride, all without breaking a sweat, making this perhaps one of the more relaxing Chinese New Year getaways on our list

FREYWILLE introduces Lucky Colour jewellery to match your zodiac animal

For over 65 years, Austrian luxury jeweller FREYWILLE has been charming the world’s haute joaillerie aficionados with its beautifully crafted enamel designs. Ably blending the worlds of high jewellery and art, each of its creations requires no less than 100 individual procedures and over five days to complete.

Arguably the most popular of its breathtaking pieces reside within its Hommage collection, an expansive series of jewellery lines features beautiful enamel accessories inspired by masterpieces of the art world. From Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies  to Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, FREYWILLE has skilfully miniaturised and translated these artworks into enamel jewellery form.

Lucky Colour jewellery - which one matches your zodiac sign

With Chinese New Year fast approaching, the maison has built upon its storied legacy and taken a rather innovative approach to Year of the Pig festivities by allowing people to quite literally pick their very own Lucky Colour jewellery from its Hommage collection to match their zodiac signs.

According to the precepts of feng shui – the Chinese geomantic art that harmonises a person with their surroundings – each year, every zodiac animal corresponds to a favoured colour that is said to bring it good fortune. In keeping with this tradition, FREYWILLE has highlighted those particular designs in its oeuvre that will complement every astrological sign.

Whether you’re a Dragon, a Tiger or this year’s emblematic Pig, check out the designs below to see which Lucky Colour jewellery is your perfect match!

To acquire your own Lucky Colour jewellery, please visit the FREYWILLE boutiques below or contact HongKong@freywille.com: 
IFC MALL. Shop 2085, Podium level 2, 8 Finance St, Central. (852) 2545 4549
Harbour City Ocean Centre. Shop 120, Level 1, Tsim Sha Tsui. (852) 2110 1545

Introducing: Four stunning Chinese New Year watches by Jaquet Droz

With the Lunar New Year celebrations less than a fortnight away, an air of festive anticipation can already be felt throughout Hong Kong. In a bid to amp up the atmosphere even further, renowned Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz has introduced four stunning limited-edition Chinese New Year watches to mark this auspicious occasion and usher in the Year of the Pig in true style.

Petite Heure Minute Pig by Jaquet Droz

Part of its annual series of Chinese Zodiac-inspired haute horological models, Jaquet Droz pays tribute to the incoming Pig sign with its signature dedication to handcraftsmanship. The first pair of new designs – the Petite Heure Minute Pig – are encased in red gold, with a ladies’ 35mm version boasting a diamond-set bezel and a larger unisex 39mm interpretation with no diamonds. A tribute to the art of miniature painting, both dials featuring a hand-painted Pig standing calmly amidst an abundance of wheat crops. Limited to just 28 pieces per design, its gold caseback is engraved with a similarly fetching scene.

Limited-edition Petite Heure Minute Relief Pig

For the second pair of limited-edition Chinese New Year watches, Jaquet Droz has opted for the more rugged Boar as its central design conceit. Available in a red gold (28 pieces) or a rarer white gold (8 pieces) case-engraving combination, both interpretations of the Petite Heure Minute Relief Pig boast an eye-catching black onyx dial atop which the Boar stands triumphant. The product of painstakingly beautiful engraving techniques, here the porcine hero stands firm before eight mighty oak trees – auspicious symbols of power and longevity – as if to salute the incoming lunar year. On the caseback lies another surprise, a relief engraving of a boar striding a midnight sky (courtesy of an onyx applique on its base), with the oscillating movement visible overhead.

Beautiful Chinese New Year watches by Jaquet Droz

With these latest Pig-inspired Chinese New Year watches, Jaquet Droz once again proves that its reputation for merging top-class watchmaking with beautiful craftsmanship is more than well deserved. Available only in very limited releases, each individual design is a more-than-fitting addition to the collection of any true haute horology enthusiast.

Lunar Escapes: Top 5 Chinese New Year getaways from Hong Kong

With the Lunar New Year holidays falling squarely in the middle of the week (5-7 Feb), savvy travellers who opt to take two extra days off will be able to acquire nine whole days to travel the globe. So where in the world should wanderlusters head to to ring in the Year of the Pig? Here are our top 5 Chinese New Year getaways for the intrepid Hong Kong explorer.

Chinese New Year getaways

Amsterdam, Netherlands – For the art aficionado

If you’re looking to head farther afield, why not opt for Amsterdam, also known as the Venice of the North. With its charming canals, world-class museums and a veritable treasure trove of artworks by renowned Dutch Grandmasters – Van Gogh and Vermeer, to name but two – it’s the perfect destination for any art aficionado.

Art aficionados should head to Amsterdam for Chinese New Year

Taipei, Taiwan – For a short getaway

Looking to stay closer to home? Then the Taiwanese capital of Taipei may be your best bet. Just a short plane ride away, this cosmopolitan metropolis has it all – culinary delights, relaxing hot springs, retail therapy and, of course, the requisite firework celebrations. Don’t miss out on the famous Lantern Festival, which sees thousands of lanterns lit and sent skyward. For a change of pace, head out to Jiufen – the city that inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s famous Spirited Away.

Taipei's Lantern Festival is a Chinese New Year must-see

Chiang Mai, Thailand – For the nature lover

If you’re in the mood to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, perhaps Chiang Mai should feature on your Chinese New Year itinerary. Set in the verdant mountains of northern Thailand, it’s the perfect place to unwind with Mother Nature. Hike through the lush forests, play amidst the waterfalls, or maybe even grab a Thai massage or two. You’ve earned it.

Chinese New Year fireworks at Sydney Harbour

Sydney, Australia – For a warmer holiday

Hong Kong has traditionally experienced some of its most frigid temperatures during Chinese New Year. If you’re hoping to escape the cold, maybe a jaunt Down Under (where the Aussies are enjoying a warm summer) is exactly what the doctor ordered. More specifically, Sydney boasts an impressive array of Lunar festivities – perhaps because it is home to the country’s largest Chinese population.

Bhutan's Losar celebrations coincides with Chinese New Year in 2019

Bhutan – For the culture buff

For a true cultural immersion, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan would probably be your best bet. From awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and historic Buddhist monasteries to traditional musical performances, there’s something for every intrepid explorer to enjoy. Fortuitously, this year’s Chinese New Year coincides with the local Losar celebrations, so get ready to attend the traditional cham (masked dance) performances and drink lots of chhaang, an alcoholic fermented rice brew.

Happy Chinese New Year from the Gafencu Team

Happy Chinese New Year from Gafencu

The Gafencu team wishes you and your loved ones a very happy Chinese New Year, and good health in the Year of the Dog. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year getaways: Five last-minute destinations to make the most of the extended weekend

While the rest of the world is feeling the post-holiday blues, we are counting down the days till the much-awaited Chinese New Year festivities; moreover, another few days out of the office! Whether you are dreaming of soaking up some sun or embarking on an exciting city adventure, there has never been a better excuse to snap up a last-minute trip.  

Here is a round-up of some of our favourite destinations:

 
Bhutan – One for the peace seeker 

 Looking for a one-of-a-kind escape? To find peace and tranquility and to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and untouched natural beauties? From its mystical mountainous landscape, to prominent Buddhist monasteries and unforgettable views of the Himalayas, Bhutan has got you covered. Spend your day trekking through the sweeping forests or wander off the trails into remote villages to experience absolute solitude.

Maldives – One for the sun worshipper

Crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, pristine white sandy beaches and stunning corals: there is no better place to unwind in style. Spend your day swimming in the Indian Ocean or head out on a snorkeling excursion to discover the extraordinary marine life. Charter a private yacht and enjoy a sundowner on the sun deck followed by a massage in the comfort of your own private over-water villa. This picture perfect haven will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time.   

Siem Reap – One for the culture lover

Embark on a cultural adventure to a magical town filled with many UNESCO heritage sites, some of which have been featured in the famous Hollywood franchise Tomb Raider. After a day of exploring the land of mythology and history, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or explore the colourful markets.  For those looking to extend their getaway, luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel offers an 8-day tour of classic Cambodia, which includes excursions to the historical sights of Phnom Penh and a tour of the coastal city of Sihanoukville, followed by a speedboat ride to the spectacular private island of Song Saa.

Bangkok – One for the city addict

This bubbling melting pot has quickly become one of the world’s favourite cities and it’s not hard to see why, with plentiful opportunities to explore the country’s culture and history with temples, palaces and museums, along with luxury malls and weekend markets for the odd shopping spree (or two). A trip to Bangkok would not be complete without sampling local cuisine, followed by a tipple or two in one of the many rooftop bars, including the Sky Bar – featured in The Hangover Part II movie – where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the city.

Sri Lanka – One for the naturist

Hop on an old British colonial train and be transported to the lush tea plantations of the Hill Country, spotting tea pickers along the way. Admire the beautiful wildlife on safari at Yala National Park – home to leopards, elephants and bears – or head to the south coast, renowned for surfing and whale watching. Sri Lanka is indeed the perfect place to be at one with nature.  

So if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, it is time to book your flights and secure the best hotel deals because a good holiday is just what the doctor ordered. 

Text: Hira Desai

5 ways to boost your fitness in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year has come and gone and the Hong Kong community has ushered in the Year of the Rooster.

But, while everyone enjoyed the fireworks that lit up Victoria Harbour and the plethora of gifts and lai see packets they received, it’s now the time of year to shed the pounds after days of feasting on the not so healthy groups of the food pyramid.

That being said, we are not asking you to run the equivalent of the Hong Kong marathon every day or swim the distance of the annual cross-harbour race.

Instead, here are five simple and relaxing activities you can enjoy with your family that will enable you to get rid of any extra weight you gained during the festive period.

Badminton

Not only is this family friendly, but you can almost dictate the pace at which it is played. From rallies to games up to twenty one points, it’s your call on how much you want to do. In regards to where to play, Pacific Club in Tsim Sha Tsui and Aberdeen Marina Club are the places to get your game on in style.

In addition to this, you can also enjoy a serene view of the Hong Kong skyline. Plus, your family won’t have any reason to complain about why you spend so little time with them! 

Golf

Golfer_swing

What’s better than soaking in some sun, having vast open scenic spots around you and competing in a calm round of golf. Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, which has hosted the Hong Kong Open since 1959, and the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Sai Kung are two perfect places to do this. With luscious nine- and eighteen-hole courses prepared for beginners and advanced players, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with the family and find out whether you are the next Tiger Woods or Lydia Ko! 

Hiking

Hiking

Sticking to the theme of beautiful scenery, hiking is another activity that is fun for the family and will surely get the heart pumping and the fat burning. With a number of hikes to choose from, including the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Dragon’s Back and the renowned Lion Rock hike, you may stumble upon old villages, breathtaking views, cooling rock pools and yes, even white sandy beaches. So why not reward all that hard work by soaking in some culture or wading in the cool, crystal clear waters. 

Swimming

Swimming

Speaking about wading in the water, another leisurely activity is a good, old-fashioned swim. Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful pools and private clubs to choose from, so there is no excuse not to dive in. Particularly splash-worthy is the Grand Hyatt’s rooftop pool, complete with sea view and the Conrad’s pool and deck in Admiralty. In addition to working on your cardio, you’ll be strengthening your core and building muscle. Even better, both these plush choices offer shaded cabanas, perfect for a post-work out relax.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi

Have you ever looked out the window and seen groups of elderly people doing, what may seem like, weird movements to the drone of old-school Chinese songs blaring from a radio? If so, then what you are witnessing is the ancient tradition of Tai Chi.

Thought to have originated anywhere between 700 to 1500 years ago, the art of Tai Chi is used predominantly as a way to help alleviate stress and anxiety, while also finding inner peace.

Sounds good right? So why not give it a try, especially as the Hong Kong Tourism Board runs a Tai Chi class four days a week in front of the Museum of Art, which is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Victoria Harbour.

Written by Bimal Mirwani

Delectable puddings for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with family and gorge yourself on delightful treats such as puddings.  

With the Year of the Rooster a couple of days away, we have picked some of the best places in Hong Kong for you to get your sweet or savoury pudding fix.

Sun Tung Lok Chinese Cuisine

Founded in 1969, Sun Tung Lok is a 3-star Michelin restaurant located in Tsim Sha Tsui. Sun Tung Lok focuses on Guangdong cuisine but they also do a delightful red bean cake, coconut rice cake and turnip cake.

www. SunTungLok.com.hk

Dashijie

Food writer and cook Theresa Mak Laiman founded Dashijie to serve healthy Cantonese food that is free of added preservatives, artificial colouring and MSG. You can find Dashijie’s ginger cake, coconut cake and radish cake at Jasons in Causeway Bay, Mongkok and Tsim Sha Tsui; Taste in Kowloon Tong; Great in Admiralty; and YATA in TaiPo.

 

Lei Garden

Established as a traditional Cantonese restaurant in 1973, Lei Garden now has 10 branches across Hong Kong. For Chinese New Year, the chain is offering coconut juice sticky rice pudding, turnip pudding, taro pudding and dates pudding.

www.leigarden.hk

Ming Court

Ming Court is a 2-star Michelin Cantonese restaurant located in the Cordis Hotel in Langham Place. It has three puddings to choose from this Chinese New Year — the wellness red date wolfberry pudding, the traditional New Year pudding and a turnip pudding.

www.cordishotels.com