The best things to do in Hong Kong in January

This Chinese New Year, Sky100’s beloved mascot MoMo has flown all the way from Japan to Hong Kong’s tallest building to bring blessings to the city. From now until February 15, the MoMo Shrine, inspired by traditional Japanese torii gates, has been set up at the Sky100 observation deck to welcome all travellers. Visitors can enjoy blessings and rituals by writing their New Year wishes onto heart-shaped tags to hang onto the wishing pillar, as well as have the chance to meet the cute owl mascot MoMo in person. This unique blend of cultural traditions makes for an auspicious start to the Lunar New Year celebrations.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) is currently holding a joint exhibition with the Palace of Versailles with approximately 150 magnificent pieces to peruse. This is the first time that treasures from the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles – both World Heritage Sites – will be featured in one exhibition in Hong Kong.

With themes spanning culture, arts, science, technology, and beyond in the royal courts of France and China, visitors can expect to admire portraits, porcelain pieces, glassware, enamelware, textiles, books, scientific instruments, and more. Look out for first-grade national treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, such as a chrysanthemum teapot gifted to the Qianlong Emperor that was recently discovered to be made in France, and a quiver and bow case with French-made brocade. Highlights flown over from the Palace of Versailles include a perfume fountain – the only Chinese porcelain piece that Louis XV was known to have owned – and a portrait plaque of Qianlong that Louis XVI had displayed in his study.

Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at $150, with concessions available. Holders of HKPM’s Full Access Ticket can also access The Origins of Chinese Civilisation exhibition at a combined price of $180.