GOT HERE Array ( [strictly_necessary] => Array ( ) [functional] => Array ( ) [performance_analytics] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [0] => legacy [1] => [2] => ) ) [advertisement_targeting] => Array ( ) ) Ideas for Hong Kong Valentine's Day! Marriage Stone Anyone?
Book a Stay
Book a Stay

History of Valentine's Day


Valentine’s Day, in our perception, is a romantic day, but its historical background is not romantic at all!

The first widely circulated origin of Valentine’s Day is about a Catholic priest named Valentine, who, despite the Roman Empire’s ban on single men marrying, insisted on officiating weddings for lovers. He was eventually discovered and executed on February 14. To commemorate Valentine’s brave act of risking his life for love, people named February 14th each year as Valentine’s Day.

The origin of the second Valentine’s Day also comes from ancient Rome and is related to the “Lupercalia,” a festival commemorating the god Lupercus, who was believed to protect shepherds and their flocks. This festival was held annually from February 13 to 15. During the festival, the ancient Romans would sacrifice goats and dogs, which symbolized “sexuality,” to pray for health, city purification, and fertility.

Reminder! Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong with Our Exclusive Dinner Special. Reserve Your Table Now for a Romantic Evening!

Valentine's Day Customs


Different places have their own interesting Valentine’s Day customs, which are completely different from those in Hong Kong.

In the Middle Ages, England was one of the countries where Valentine’s Day was most popular, and thus it developed unique customs!

It is said that single men and women at the time would write their names on slips of paper and place them in different boxes. On Valentine’s Day, both men and women would draw names of the opposite sex from the boxes, and the chosen pairs would exchange gifts. The woman would become the man’s Valentine for the year, and the man would be responsible for protecting and taking care of his

As time has evolved, Valentine’s Day customs in the UK have gradually changed, transforming into the unique traditions we see in different places today.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day customs are the opposite of those in the West. Japanese women will make or buy chocolate to give to men as a gesture of affection. There are two types of chocolate: “honmei choco,” which is given to a loved one or boyfriend, and “giri choco,” which is given to male friends. According to Japanese Valentine’s Day customs, men will return the favor by giving chocolate to women on White Day, March 14th.

Another rather special Valentine’s Day custom is in Ireland. The Irish believe that those seeking true love need to embark on a love pilgrimage, with the destination being the Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street in Dublin.

Apparently this church houses the relics of St. Valentine, which can help believers find true love!

Top 5 Valentine's Day Destinations


After learning about the history and customs of Valentine’s Day, where can you and your partner go to celebrate this romantic holiday? The Hari introduces five great places to celebrate Valentine’s Day, including Valentine’s Day restaurants!

1. Wanchai Marriage Stone


The Marriage Stone located on Po Yuen Road in Wan Chai has always been a famous place on Hong Kong Island for seeking love, with legends saying, “Seek a spouse and find a spouse, seek a child and find a child.” According to legend, after World War II, a Japanese soldier and a Chinese woman fell in love, but due to family opposition to their relationship, they eloped to live in the mountains. Eventually, they starved to death in the forest and transformed into stone!

Every year, people come to pay their respects at the Marriage Stone, making it a popular Valentine’s Day destination in the Wan Chai district. Singles pray to meet their ideal partner soon, while couples in love pray for a long-lasting and stable sweet relationship.

After visiting the Marriage Stone, you might as well take a walk along the fitness trail on Bowen Road to enjoy the scenery of the Mid-Levels, achieving both love and health at once! Remember not to touch the Marriage Stone with your hands, as it

2. Sheung Wan Kai Fong Temple


Another great place to seek love on Valentine’s Day is the Ji Gong Temple (also known as the People’s Temple) located in Sheung Wan, Central and Western District. The Ji Gong Temple in Sheung Wan is also called the People’s Temple because it enshrines multiple deities, including Ji Gong, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Yue Lao, and the Hehe Erxian. It is recommended for those seeking love to worship Yue Lao, who represents romantic relationships, and the Hehe

3. AIA Carnival


No need to seek a good match, couples who just want to enjoy themselves have their own Valentine’s Day destination in Central! The AIA Carnival will reopen on December 20, 2024, with a 10th-anniversary theme, until February 16, 2025, just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14!

This year, AIA has specially created brand-new rides, booth games, photo spots, and live performances to provide you and your partner with the most romantic and fun Valentine’s

4. Lucciola Restaurant & Bar


On Valentine’s Day, you definitely can’t miss going to a high-quality, romantic Valentine’s Day restaurant. Lucciola Restaurant & Bar is the perfect Valentine’s Day restaurant for you! Lucciola is located in the heart of Wanchai, with the restaurant’s main colors being amber and green, creating a stylish and elegant atmosphere.

Additionally, the interior is designed to let in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and open environment, dedicated to providing you with the most romantic Valentine’s Day dining experience.

Lucciola’s menu is curated by Francesco Gava from Piedmont, Italy, using the freshest seasonal ingredients to bring you the most authentic Italian flavors.

The 2025 Valentine’s Day menu includes a limited-time seafood platter with fresh oysters, tiger prawns, and Alaskan crab as appetizers, American ribeye steak, and tiramisu, adding more romance to your Valentine’s Day.

Lucciola Restaurant Reservation

5. Zoku Restaurant


Want to try a unique restaurant other than Western cuisine on Valentine’s night? Then you can try Zoku Restaurant and experience an exquisite Japanese romantic dining experience! Located on the second floor of The Hari, Zoku offers diners an innovative Japanese dining experience.

The restaurant focuses on the freshness, quality, and creativity of its ingredients, with seafood and produce selected with strict standards to ensure freshness and compliance with safety regulations.

The restaurant features an asymmetrical wooden ceiling reminiscent of origami art, complemented by the harmony created by the russet velvet and warm-toned leather, making it a perfect setting for you and your partner to spend a romantic and serene Valentine’s night together.

Zoku’s 2025 Valentine’s Day menu offers a variety of fresh Japanese seafood and main dishes, such as fresh sashimi and oyster platters, miso foie gras, and tempura snacks, as well as Japanese fusion dishes like lobster dipping noodles, black truffle mushroom kamameshi, and duck leg confit, wishing you a delightful Japanese Valentine’s Day.

Reservation at Zoku Restaurant

Hotel Staycation Choice | The Hari


The Hari, located in the popular central area of Wanchai, is the best hotel choice for experiencing the aforementioned Valentine’s Day attractions and restaurants. The hotel features a stylish design, with rooms that maintain a low-key yet luxurious ambiance, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for you and your partner’s intimate getaway. The prime location near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Happy Valley Racecourse allows guests to experience the vibrancy of Hong Kong while also enjoying the local culture and tranquility.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Hari has launched the special “Key To Your Heart” Valentine’s Day accommodation package, allowing you and your partner to celebrate this romantic occasion together.

This dining and accommodation package includes:

  • Stay in a luxury room or suite for one night.
  • Enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast for two.
  • A bottle of Italian sparkling wine
  • Strawberry chocolate bouquet, allowing you and your loved one to enjoy a romantic and intoxicating time in the suite.

Each stay includes a dining credit of HKD 1,000, which can be used at Lucciola, Zoku, The Lounge, The Terrace, and for in-room dining service.

Check-in time is advanced to 2 PM and check-out time is delayed to 2 PM (subject to actual occupancy conditions).

Key To Your Heart Valentine's Day Accommodation Offer

letter

Keep up to date with The Hari Hong Kong

To receive the latest news and offers from The Hari, please enter your email below:

Thank you for your email address. By submitting your information, you are opting in for marketing promotional content from The Hari. Please see our privacy policy for more information.