(For Focus ISSUE -- Chinese New Year)<\/p>\n
For S'pore and HK, it's time to entice visitors<\/p>\n
The arrival of the Chinese New Year, which this year will be
\ncelebrated on Jan. 22, is the most important festival in the
\nChinese calender.<\/p>\n
For the Chinese community around the world, the New Year,
\nbetter known in Indonesia as Imlek, is a time for reaffirming
\nfamily and kinship ties.<\/p>\n
Many people also believe that the New Year is also a time for
\ncleaning house, repaying debts, enjoying feasts, exchanging gifts
\nand remembering ancestors.<\/p>\n
The festival usually lasts for at least 15 days, until Yuen
\nSui, or the Feast of the Lanterns. The 12-year-cycle in the
\nChinese calender recognizes each of a dozen animals in the
\nChinese zodiac such as the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake,
\nhorse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. 2004 is the Year of
\nthe Monkey.<\/p>\n
The celebration is so important that many countries,
\nparticularly tourist destinations such as Singapore and Hong
\nKong, have for years taken advantage of the annual festivities as
\nthe main theme for tourism promotional campaigns. For the two
\ncity states, the New Year is a time to entice visitors.<\/p>\n
For this purposes, the two countries have arranged a variety
\nof attractions to entertain not only local residents but also
\nforeign visitors.<\/p>\n
To welcome the Year of Monkey, Singapore's Chinatown has, for
\nexample, been transformed into a colorful and magical playground
\nfor mischievous monkeys, with overarching peach trees lining the
\nstreets.<\/p>\n
According to the office of the Singapore Tourism Board, the
\ncolorful street bazaar also promises to enthrall visitors to
\nChinatown with a delectable array of goodies like waxed duck,
\nsucculent barbecued sweet meats, assorted cookies and New Year
\naccessories.<\/p>\n
With over 400 street stalls, this is where the Chinese in
\nSingapore congregate year after year to shop and soak in the
\nfestive atmosphere.<\/p>\n
This annual Lunar New Year festivities in Chinatown promise to
\nbe the most exciting in its 20-year history. For the first time
\nin more than 30 years, firecrackers will also be set off from the
\nGarden Bridge along New Bridge Road in Chinatown.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 21, the eve of the Lunar New Year, thousands of
\nrevelers are expected to join the countdown ceremony. Adding to
\nthe excitement of the evening are variety of performances such as
\na festive bazaar, carnival and stage shows.<\/p>\n
As in Singapore, the Lunar New Year has become one of the most
\nimportant tourist events in Hong Kong during which the city glows
\nwith colorful lights and festivities include an incredible
\nfireworks display over Victoria Harbour, an international parade
\nand all-night flower markets.<\/p>\n
One of the greatest events is the Cathay Pacific International
\nParade. Unlike the previous events which were held in the
\nevening, this year's parade, called one of the world's greatest
\nparades, will take place at night on Jan. 22.<\/p>\n
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the parade will be
\njoined by magnificently decorated and brightly lit floats from
\nHong Kong and around the world, multicultural performers and
\nmarching bands from Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan,
\nKorea, mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the UK and
\nthe U.S., as well as local dragon and lion dancers.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Jan. 23. there will be a fireworks display over the
\nVictoria Harbour. This annual extravaganza attracts over 500,000
\npeople to the waterfront with millions more watching on
\ntelevision.<\/p>\n
For shopping lovers, visiting Hong Kong during the New Year
\nfestivities is even more enticing. Almost all major shopping
\ncenters offer special sales to welcome in the Chinese New Year.
\nPick up some new clothes and get the new year started off right.
\nGong Xi Fat Choi and Happy New Year!<\/p>",
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