Family-Friendly Guide To The Hungry Ghost Festival Hong Kong 2025

What Is The Hungry Ghost Festival?

The Hungry Ghost Festival is rooted in Chinese folklore. It is believed that during the 7th lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits (both benevolent and mischievous) to roam the Earth. To appease these wandering ghosts and ensure good fortune, families make offerings in the form of food, incense, and paper items. The festival is also a time to honor deceased loved ones and ancestors.

Where To Experience The Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong

Want to explore the festival with your family? Here are some key locations and activities to check out:

1. Traditional Offerings at Temples

Visit local temples like Man Mo Temple (Sheung Wan) or Wong Tai Sin Temple (Kowloon) to see worshippers offering incense, joss paper (symbolic money), and food. Explain to your kids that these offerings are made to bring comfort to the spirits.
Tip: Be respectful when observing rituals and avoid taking photos without permission.

2. Chiu Chow Operas and Street Performances

One of the most exciting aspects of the Hungry Ghost Festival is the Chiu Chow Opera performances. These colorful and dramatic shows are staged outdoors on bamboo theatres, often in neighborhoods like North Point or Yau Ma Tei.

3. Spirit Offerings in Local Neighborhoods

Walk through neighborhoods like Wan Chai, Sham Shui Po, or Mong Kok, where you'll often see people burning joss paper and offering food on the streets. It’s a great way for kids to observe how traditions are upheld in everyday life.

4. Yu Lan Ghost Festival in Taipo

The Yu Lan Festival in Tai Po is a large-scale event organized by the local Chiu Chow community. It features traditional rituals, cultural performances, and large altars set up to honor ancestors. This is a more structured way for families to experience the festival.

Kid-Friendly Tips for Exploring the Festival

• Explain the Meaning: Before heading out, share a simplified version of the festival’s story with your kids. Focus on the themes of kindness, respect, and caring for others.
• Be Cautious About Ghost Stories: While the festival revolves around spirits, some younger kids may find the ghostly aspect scary. Tailor your explanations to their comfort level.
• Try Festival Foods: Many families prepare delicious offerings, such as fruits, steamed buns, and rice cakes. Some markets and temples may sell these festive treats, making them great for a family snack!
• Teach Respect: Remind kids not to touch the offerings left on the streets or altars. They are meant for the spirits, not for people.

Top Do's And Don'ts During the Hungry Ghost Festival

DO’s

• Make Offerings to Ancestors and Spirits: Burn incense, joss paper, and other symbolic items to honor spirits and provide for their needs in the afterlife.
• Attend Chinese Opera Performances: These are staged to entertain wandering spirits. Feel free to enjoy the performances, but show respect while watching.
• Visit Temples: Pay your respects to ancestors and deities by visiting temples and participating in prayers or rituals.
• Leave Space for Rituals: Be mindful of roadside offerings or rituals and avoid disrupting them.
• Keep Quiet at Night: Maintain a peaceful atmosphere after sundown, as it is believed spirits are most active during the evening. Consider yourself warned!
• Teach Children About the Festival: Use this opportunity to share the cultural significance of respecting ancestors and showing compassion.

DON’Ts

• Don’t Disturb Roadside Offerings: Avoid stepping on or kicking over food, incense, or joss paper offerings.
• Don’t Whistle or Sing at Night: Making noise can attract wandering spirits looking for company or mischief. Oops!
• Avoid Swimming in Open Waters: Water spirits are believed to be active during this time and can be dangerous. You won't need to tell us twice!
• Don’t Hang Clothes Outside at Night: Spirits may "borrow" or attach themselves to your garments, bringing bad luck. We will hang our favorite dress in the closet, thank you very much.
• Don’t Take Photos or Videos Late at Night: Cameras are believed to capture spirits, potentially leading to unwanted ghostly encounters. Spooky!
• Avoid Major Life Changes: Postpone events like moving, getting married, or starting a business, as the month is considered inauspicious.
• Don’t Sit in the Front Row at Performances: The front row is reserved for spirits; sitting there is considered disrespectful.
• Avoid Looking Over Your Shoulder: This action is believed to extinguish protective flames, making you vulnerable to spirits.