The flower market runs for about a week before Chinese New Year (which falls between January and February, depending on the lunar calendar). It stays open until midnight and the atmosphere is incredibly lively. Everywhere smells of flowers and roasted chestnuts, and the whole park glows with red and gold decorations.
Peach blossoms are the most popular flower - in Chinese tradition, they symbolise good fortune, love and new beginnings, which is perfect for a new year. Families buy whole branches or small peach trees to bring home. Kumquat trees are also hugely popular: the small golden fruits look like little suns and are said to bring prosperity.
Children love the market because of the stalls selling snacks and lanterns, the stuffed animal toys and the noise and colour of everything. It is one of the most festive and exciting nights of the year in Hong Kong.
At midnight on New Year's Eve (and sometimes the first day of the new year), fireworks light up Victoria Harbour. Families who have spent the evening at the flower market gather along the waterfront to watch. It is a magical end to the old year and a bright beginning to the new one.