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Hong Kong Sees Strong Influx of Visitors Over Chinese New Year with Robust Retail and Gold Demand
Tourism rebounds sharply during the Lunar New Year period as visitor numbers rise and retail spending increases amid festive celebrations
Hong Kong welcomed a marked increase in inbound visitors over the recent Chinese New Year period, buoying the territory’s tourism and retail sectors as festive celebrations drew crowds from across the region.
Immigration and tourism data show a significant rise in arrivals in early 2026, with mainland Chinese visitors forming a large share of the total, contributing to a strong start to the year for the local travel industry.
This surge in visitor numbers comes as the city positions itself as a vibrant cultural and shopping destination during one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar.
The early weeks of 2026 saw Hong Kong report an uptick in overall visitor arrivals compared with the same period last year, with authorities noting over seven million visitors entering the city since the start of the year, representing close to a double-digit percentage increase.
Officials attributed part of this growth to the extended Lunar New Year holiday and the range of celebrations and attractions rolled out across the city to mark the Year of the Fire Horse.
Retail sectors benefitted from this influx of tourists, particularly in categories traditionally associated with Chinese New Year gift-giving and celebration.
Gold and jewellery purchases were notably active, with dealers reporting strong demand as visitors and local residents alike sought auspicious purchases commonly traded during the holiday season.
Precious metal dealers said that small gold bars, coins and festive gold pieces were in especially high demand as symbolic gifts or personal acquisitions during the period, mirroring broader consumer trends linked to wealth and prosperity symbolism at Lunar New Year.
International market conditions, including gold’s strong pricing environment, further supported robust trading volumes in the city’s gold retail market.
Seasonal festivities including the Cathay Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade, fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour and a programme of cultural performances also helped draw attendees to the city’s celebrations.
Tourism authorities and business groups described the period as a significant boost for Hong Kong’s service and retail industries, reinforcing optimism that the city will build on the stronger arrival numbers throughout 2026 with expanded offerings for both local and long-haul visitors.
Immigration and tourism data show a significant rise in arrivals in early 2026, with mainland Chinese visitors forming a large share of the total, contributing to a strong start to the year for the local travel industry.
This surge in visitor numbers comes as the city positions itself as a vibrant cultural and shopping destination during one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar.
The early weeks of 2026 saw Hong Kong report an uptick in overall visitor arrivals compared with the same period last year, with authorities noting over seven million visitors entering the city since the start of the year, representing close to a double-digit percentage increase.
Officials attributed part of this growth to the extended Lunar New Year holiday and the range of celebrations and attractions rolled out across the city to mark the Year of the Fire Horse.
Retail sectors benefitted from this influx of tourists, particularly in categories traditionally associated with Chinese New Year gift-giving and celebration.
Gold and jewellery purchases were notably active, with dealers reporting strong demand as visitors and local residents alike sought auspicious purchases commonly traded during the holiday season.
Precious metal dealers said that small gold bars, coins and festive gold pieces were in especially high demand as symbolic gifts or personal acquisitions during the period, mirroring broader consumer trends linked to wealth and prosperity symbolism at Lunar New Year.
International market conditions, including gold’s strong pricing environment, further supported robust trading volumes in the city’s gold retail market.
Seasonal festivities including the Cathay Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade, fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour and a programme of cultural performances also helped draw attendees to the city’s celebrations.
Tourism authorities and business groups described the period as a significant boost for Hong Kong’s service and retail industries, reinforcing optimism that the city will build on the stronger arrival numbers throughout 2026 with expanded offerings for both local and long-haul visitors.
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