Flowers and songbirds in Hong Kong

The flower market in Hong Kong is a great place to visit. Located near the Prince Edward MTR (metro) station in the city’s Mongkok section (served by both the green and red lines), one whole street as well as side streets are lined with flower shops.

Look for Flower Market Road. That’s where this picture was taken, on Jan. 30, 2011. The market is open all year, but it’s especially vibrant during the Asian Lunar New Year festival — 15 days starting at a new moon, usually in January or February. On our visit, the entire population seemed to be preparing for the celebration on Feb. 3. (In 2014, it begins on Jan. 31.)

Nearby is the Yuen Po Street bird market, where many kinds of brightly colored songbirds in cages can be seen and heard. Both markets were crowded, vibrant and filled with happy-sounding noise.

GEORGE COHEN

Warren, NJ