International star Rain celebrates Christmas in Hong Kong as city reopens
Rain was present for the lighting ceremony at Christmas Town; Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix among those set to play Clockenflap 2023
THIS festive month, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) invited Korean superstar Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) to spend the Christmas holiday in Hong Kong and to be the honorary guest for the lighting ceremony at the spectacular Christmas Wonderland of “Hong Kong WinterFest”.
Hong Kong is ready to welcome global visitors back to the city and the HKTB is glad to have Rain at this special time of the year. As much as his fans miss him, Rain has missed Hong Kong and its diverse food culture.
He said, “I’m delighted to be back in Hong Kong, after my last visit in 2019, and to be welcomed by the city. I’m looking forward to trying as many of the local delicacies as I can and enjoying the amazing views, while soaking in the festive spirit and joy of Christmas.”
Rain has experienced Hong Kong’s unique offerings from every angle, from its unforgettable local cuisine to the stunning skyline and breathtaking landscapes.
On the first stop of his trip, Rain enjoys delectable dim sum and a spectacular view of Hong Kong at a Michelin Cantonese restaurant. – Pic courtesy of HKTB
Unforgettable local cuisine
Rain says that Hong Kong is a food paradise and that he knows that no trip to Hong Kong is complete without trying dim sum. So his first stop in Hong Kong was enjoying dim sum at a Michelin Cantonese restaurant. He also walked through the West Kowloon neighbourhood, where he enjoyed “typhoon shelter-style fried crab” at a local authentic eatery.
Rain on the tram enjoying the beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and its surroundings. – Pic courtesy of HKTB
Taking a ride on the new generation Peak Tram
As Hong Kong debuted the 6th Generation Peak Tram recently, Rain took the opportunity to ride on the new generation tram up to the Peak. He enjoyed the beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and its surroundings, as well as local street snack egg waffle, both of which he never gets tired of.
Rain (Jung ji-hoon) is joined by Dane Cheng, HKTB executive director, in the lighting ceremony of Hong Kong WinterFest to ring in Christmas with the city. – Pic courtesy of HKTB
Rain joins the Christmas Town lighting ceremony
On December 23, Rain paid a special visit to the lighting ceremony at Hong Kong WinterFest’s Christmas Wonderland as the honorary guest and rang in Christmas with the people in Hong Kong. As a traveller, Rain expressed his warm feelings about the trip and sent heartfelt blessings to the people of Hong Kong.
For more information about Hong Kong WinterFest, visit the HKTB website. For the latest travel requirements for inbound travellers, click here.
Clockenflap returns
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Festival has revealed its 2023 line-up, led by headliners Arctic Monkeys as well as Phoenix and FKJ.
Arctic Monkeys will play their debut in Hong Kong ’ on the Friday of Clockenflap 2023, reported NME.
It’s also the second stop of their 2023 Asia tour which includes Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and more. The band released their seventh album ‘The Car’ in October this year.
Clockenflap returns to Hong Kong on March 3-5, 2023.
Other artists that will play at the festival include Kings of Convenience, Moderat, Men I Trust and Ezra Collective.
Hong Kong artists on the line-up include YoungQueenz and Tyson Yoshi, while other Asian acts include Thailand’s Three Man Down and HYBS, Japan’s Milet, Mono and Hitsujibungaku, South Korea’s Balming Tiger and Philippines’ Ben&Ben.
Limited early bird tickets for Clockenflap 2023 are on sale now here. Three-day passes are going at HK$1,480 and single-day passes at HK$980 until December 22.
A total of 30 performers have been announced for Clockenflap 2023. More acts, including the Saturday and Sunday headliners, have yet to be announced.
The line-up for Clockenflap Festival 2023 is:
Arctic Monkeys
Phoenix FKJ
Kings of Convenience
Milet
Moderat
Mono Men
I Trust
Youngqueenz
Tyson Yoshi
Ezra Collective
Three Man Down
Hitsujibungaku
HYBS
HAAi
Kim Ann Foxman
The Illustrious Blacks
Ginger Root
N.Y.P.D.
Summer Salt
Ben&Ben
Balming Tiger
Leenalchi Lücy
Virgin Vacation
Silica Gel
ARches
Tofu Kingdom
Mr Koo
Crimes Against Pop
Clockenflap last took place in 2018. Its 2019 edition was cancelled due to anti-government protests in the city. The festival has been on hiatus since due to the pandemic and Covid-19 safety measures.
source – The Vibes
