11 things to do in the Greater Bay Area this February

February brings fireworks and dragons to the Greater Bay Area, as people celebrate Chinese New Year across the region. From traditional Chinese performances to flower markets, there’s a ton to see and do – so we’ve put together some of the best events this month below.

Hong Kong: Sha Tau Kok opens

Want to see a part of Hong Kong that even most locals haven’t been to? Sha Tau Kok, which has been closed off to most people since the 1950s, has further expanded its visitors scheme, allowing up to 1,000 tourists to enter the restricted area per day. With strong links to Hakka culture and a fascinating history, Sha Tau Kok is the city’s northernmost town, with its Chung Ying Street straddling the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Apply for a permit online and plan a day trip to explore its natural beauty and culture.

Hong Kong: KidsFest

KidsFest , a celebration of children’s theatre, is back for the ultimate family day out this month. Kick off the month with the poignant adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns, followed by the raucously roaring Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, where you’ll meet prehistoric creatures in an interactive show. The festival concludes with an absolute classic: a stage adaptation of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Until 25 February

Hong Kong: Lunar New Year fireworks

After a four-year hiatus, Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year fireworks are finally back to bring light and joy to Victoria Harbour. Join the crowds along the coastlines of Kowloon or Hong Kong Island to usher in the Year of the Dragon. 11 February

Lucky or not?

This is the year of the “Wood Dragon”, and prosperity could be on the horizon for those born in the Year of the Monkey, Rat or Rooster, while Dogs, Tigers and Oxen might be down on their luck.

Hong Kong: Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade

Welcome the Year of the Dragon at the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade . On the evening of the first day of Lunar New Year, a parade of floats and performers will descend upon the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui to immerse the audience in the festive spirit and bring joy and prosperity to the city. 10 February

Hong Kong: Neo Rauch at David Zwirner

Brightly coloured figures folded into surrealist scenes currently grace the walls of the David Zwirner gallery, where German artist Neo Rauch’s show Field Signs is currently on view. The artist’s works are known for their combination of Western Renaissance, Socialist Realist and Surrealist aesthetics which collide in thought-provoking, large-scale narrative paintings. Until 24 February

5-6/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Mrs H’s Coffee House/The Holywells opens

Seen the bright yellow door near Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road? It’s set to be your new favourite hangout, as Mrs H’s Coffee House opens this month, giving café hoppers another place to get their caffeine fix and take selfies. If you’re craving something a little stronger, nip around the back to its speakeasy, The Holywells, where they’ll be mixing drinks to help you while the hours away.

140 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Macao: Yoona comes to town

If you missed K-pop sensation Yoona’s show in Hong Kong last month, head to the Vegas of the East to catch the Girls’ Generation member performing at the Macao Convention Centre. This is the third stop of her months-long fan meeting tour, Yoonite, where the Korean singer and actor will also be stopping by Yokohama, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta in the coming weeks. Book your annual leave and plan a few holidays around the pop idol’s show schedule. 3 February

Macao: Gordon Ramsay Pub Grub & Grill

Craving some classic pub grub? Chef Gordon Ramsay’s new restaurant at The Londoner Macao is your answer. With industrial-chic interiors inspired by the 1830s, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is the celebrity chef’s first foray into Macao’s dining scene. Expect elevated renditions of classics like beef Wellington and fish and chips, as well as a selection of draught and bottled beer from around the world.

Guangzhou: Haizhu Flower Market

A staple in Guangzhou during the Lunar New Year, Haizhu Flower Market is the most popular market of its kind, thanks to its prime Pearl River-facing location along Binjiang Xi Lu and Baogang Da Dao. Each year, throngs of people come here to stock up on seasonal blooms, festive snacks and ornaments while soaking up the holiday spirit. 7-10 February

Guangzhou: The Wind Comes from the South exhibition

The bar for art and culture in Guangdong is raised by this exhibition at the Guangzhou Art Museum. Featuring more than 300 contemporary art pieces ranging from Chinese and oil paintings to watercolours, comics and prints, The Wind Comes from the South showcases the region’s art development in the 19th and 20th centuries through the works of Guangdong-based artists. Until 29 February

Zhuhai: Zhuhai Jinwan Art Center exhibition

The new Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Zhuhai Jinwan Art Center’s inaugural pop art exhibition features cutting-edge works by the Greater Bay Area’s contemporary creatives, spanning multiple media, including sculpture, action figures, installations of various sizes and much more. Until 14 February

Zhuhai: Macao-Hengqin Craft Market

Trendy and artistic, the Macao-Hengqin Craft Market is ideal for those seeking to spend a day or two in the company of groovy stage acts and music, handmade art, vintage jewellery, gourmet food, workshops and plenty more. The event’s 2023 edition attracted about 200 artisans from Guangdong and Macao, and welcomed more than 36,000 visitors. This year, the market will be held at the Ponto Legend Square on Zhuhai’s Hengqin island and has been extended to four days, giving visitors plenty of time to browse and soak in the region’s creative vibe. 29 February–3 March