Published: 17:10, February 4, 2026 | Updated: 17:51, February 4, 2026
Ink of luck
By Wang Zhan
People collect fai chun, traditional red paper banners featuring black or gold ink calligraphy with auspicious phrases, at a housewares shop in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, Jan 4, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

As a part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, fai chun features calligraphy in black or gold ink displaying auspicious phrases meant to bring luck and good wishes for the coming year.

Instead of buying the ready-printed fai chun, some shops and events offer people the opportunity to watch the skilled calligraphers at work. With each brushstroke, they craft words of good fortune, happiness, and health. People carefully choose the phrases that resonate most with their hopes and wishes for the year ahead.

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China Daily's Andy Chong captured moments of people preparing for the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.