Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong? Latest advice after Chinese New Year celebrations cancelled
THE Hong Kong protests that began last year, after the government tried to introduce a controversial extradition bill, are still ongoing and show no signs of slowing down.
And ahead of Chinese New Year, the city's authorities have cancelled a number of planned events over safety fears.
While the protests have calmed down since last year, the authorities have decided to cancel a number major events, including the official fireworks and a number of markets in the city.
Here's the latest on demonstrations in the city and how western tourists could be affected.
Is it safe to travel to Hong Kong?
Protests have exploded across the city, with developments leading to significant violence and tourists unsure of their next steps.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns of unauthorised protests spreading across much of Hong Kong, including some areas popular with tourists on Hong Kong Island in Kowloon.
It warns: "Hong Kong is generally a stable society underpinned by the rule of law. However, since June 2019 large-scale political demonstrations have taken place throughout Hong Kong, including in areas popular with tourists.
"While a number of peaceful activities have taken place, many other protests have led to clashes between police and protesters involving significant violence. Protests are likely to continue."
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The FCO added: "The situation around protests and public gatherings can change quickly, with the potential for violence, especially during unauthorised protests. Recent protests have seen the use of petrol bombs and Molotov cocktails.
"Unauthorised protests have been met by a more rapid and severe police response, including heavy use of tear gas, bean bag rounds and “sponge grenades”, and rubber bullets.
Visitors should also monitor the and for alerts on disruption to local transport.
While out and about, you should keep a low profile and avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
Dramatic footage from a recent protest also showed a pro-government demonstrator being doused with a flammable liquid and set alight.
What are the protests about?
A huge cross-section of society including lawyers, journalists, activists and business figures have joined in widespread protests across the region.
The demonstrations kicked off in June 2019 when Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, refused to scrap controversial legislation to extradite those convicted of crimes to mainland China and Taiwan.
Police and protesters have clashed throughout the past two months, with dozens injured and hundreds arrested.
That bill has been shelved - but the protests have mushroomed into a broader backlash against the government amid fears of the growing control of China's Communist party.
Protesters have said they will keep going until their demands are met.
These include the resignation of the city's leader, Carrie Lam, an amnesty for those arrested and a permanent withdrawal of the bill.