Flower markets across Hong Kong were bustling with activity on Monday as crowds of shoppers gathered to prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year, despite unseasonably warm weather.
Vendors reported heavy foot traffic as residents and visitors alike browsed vibrant displays of orchids, peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, and other traditional plants believed to bring luck, prosperity, and renewal in the year ahead. The annual ritual of buying flowers ahead of the holiday remains a deeply rooted cultural practice in the city.
Markets were packed from morning through evening, with families, couples, and tourists weaving through narrow aisles filled with color and fragrance. Many shoppers said the warmer-than-usual temperatures did little to dampen the festive mood, as anticipation builds for one of the most significant celebrations on the Chinese calendar.
City authorities and market organizers maintained crowd-control measures to ensure smooth movement, while vendors worked extended hours to meet demand during the peak pre-holiday rush.
The Lunar New Year officially begins later this week, ushering in days of family reunions, traditional meals, temple visits, and celebrations across Hong Kong and beyond.
