Hongkongers flock to Sai Kung during Chinese New Year

Every weekend, Sang Poon plays saxophone at the Sai Kung waterfront. Poon used to work in a bar playing jazz and pop music, but lost his job during the pandemic and turned to busking. He says Sai Kung is a hotspot for visitors.

“I love the view here. I have fun playing music and I get to make some money," said Sang Poon.

Despite Hong Kong encountering the largest Covid-19 wave of the pandemic, residents are flocking to Sai Kung as travel restrictions kept most home for the Lunar New Year.

"It's been busy for the past week. Business is okay because of the Chinese New Year holidays. It is especially busy on Sundays," said Tim Fung, a staff member at the Chuen Kee seafood restaurant in Sai Kung.

Sai Kung has become a preferred destination for Hongkoners looking to sightsee, hike and eat as well as escaping the busy city.

"There's beautiful scenery here with a relaxed atmosphere. It's really a nice holiday vibe and we enjoy it," said Kathryn Troy and Stephen Troy, a couple walking with their 15-month old daughter. The Troys live in nearby Sha Kok Mei village and visit the waterfront regularly.

While seafood restaurants at the waterfront hustle, nearby grocery shops closer to Sai Kung square are not as busy. Timothy Ng owns Butcher King, a fresh vegetable and meat store on Yi Chun street, which has been operating for 31 years.

“The last two to three years have been the hardest because of the pandemic," said Ng.