Lai see season is here. Which brand's design has your vote?

As Chinese New Year approaches, many brands are debuting their unique and artistic lai sees, channeling good fortune and heartfelt wishes to the people of Hong Kong.

Some brands have embraced this year's zodiac, the "Horse", by designing red packets with equine elements, while others creatively integrate heritage brand features into their lai see designs to symbolise good luck. For example, Cathay has launched a limited-edition set of red packets honoring the iconic cabin crew uniforms from across the decades, while HSBC has created a special collection inspired by the iconic HSBC Building to commemorate the building's 40th anniversary.

While there is plenty of branded laisees in the market that won consumers hearts, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has put together a few creative branded red envelope designs, so that you would have a better idea of how to wish your family and friends a happy Chinese New Year the best way. 

1. Cathay

In celebration of its 80th anniversary, Cathay has launched a limited-edition set of red packets designed to honour the iconic cabin crew uniforms from across the decades.

A spokesperson from Cathay told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the lai see targets valued customers, Cathay fans, aviation enthusiasts, and the general public alike.

Designed as a nostalgic tribute to Cathay's iconic cabin crew uniforms, each red packet reflects the airline’s evolution and enduring connection with generations of travellers across Asia. The lai see packets feature these uniforms in order of their debut from 1946 to the present day. More than mere attire, they are enduring symbols of Cathay's signature service and identity for 80 years.

These lai see packet designs commemorate Cathay's 80th anniversary by featuring the airline's vintage cabin crew uniforms through various design eras. Around 2,000 of Cathay Pacific’s cabin crew and ground employees will wear these uniforms throughout the year, bringing the evolution of the Cathay brand to life in true Cathay style.

These limited-edition sets can be found on the Cathay Shop, along with other special 80th anniversary merchandise such as livery model, film camera, and soft toy. 

2. Hang Seng Bank

Hang Seng Bank has unveiled a new series of red packets, inspired by the coin motif in its traditional logo, to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

The new red packet series features the classic coin logo and auspicious designs—the radiant peacock, the golden dragon bringing good fortune, blooming peach blossoms, and koi leaping over the dragon gate—reflecting the brand's timeless spirit.

This year, Hang Seng has prepared exclusive red packet gift sets for its private and commercial banking clients, while select clients will receive auspicious velvet red packets, wishing them abundant blessings and prosperous fortunes.

3. Hong Kong Resort Company

Hong Kong Resort Company has launched a red packet set inspired by its new Italian-style luxury sea-view residences project, Toscana, located in Discovery Bay (DB). The design incorporates elements of the Italian leisure lifestyle to symbolise a prosperous Year of the Horse shared with the community.

Charlotte Ho, general manager, branding and marketing, Hong Kong Resort Company, told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the lai see targets Discovery Bay residents, visitors, prospective Toscana buyers, and families seeking premium resort-style living in Hong Kong, emphasising Italian-inspired luxury homes with sea views and green spaces.

The red packets are designed by a local illustrator, featuring delicate and captivating hand-drawn artwork that depicts several iconic landmarks of Discovery Bay, including the Toscana residential towers, the upcoming Park Toscana, the DB North Clock Tower, The Pavilion, the Discovery Bay ferry, and golf carts, embodying the essence of Italian-inspired leisure living.

To redeem a complimentary Discovery Bay red packet set, residents can download the Discovery Bay app and collect it at the Toscana Sales Gallery, available until 16 February. Limited quantities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.

“May the galloping horse bring joy and prosperity this new year—Discovery Bay’s Toscana lai see captures our community’s vibrant landmarks and Italian elegance, wishing everyone prosperity and good health,” Ho said.

4. HSBC Hong Kong

As the Year of the Horse approaches, this year also marks the 40th anniversary of HSBC's fourth-generation headquarters. To celebrate it, HSBC has created a special set of Chinese New Year red packets inspired by the iconic HSBC Building, which has stood on Hong Kong's skyline for 40 years.

A spokesperson from HSBC told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the red packers target its valued customers, partners, and the wider community—anyone who appreciates thoughtful, culturally inspired gifts. Featuring six different designs, the set is also suitable for those looking to share auspicious wishes with family and friends during the Chinese New Year.

Drawing inspiration from the HSBC Building, the red packets are adorned with vibrant floral designs that represent prosperity and good fortune, woven together with architectural elements from the iconic structure. "It’s our way of blending tradition with HSBC’s enduring presence in the city—a celebration of heritage and hope for the future," said the spokesperson.

5. Keeta 

Keeta, a food delivery brand under Meituan, has infused cuteness into its lai see design with the latest launch of its brand mascot, KiKi—a lively cheetah inspired by the "cheetah" origins of the Keeta name—wishing citizens to take a big bite of happiness.

A spokesperson from Keeta told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that as KiKi makes its first appearance in Hong Kong, the brand has chosen its most iconic feature—the big mouth—as the centrepiece of the design.

This brings to life the theme "Big bite for full blessings" (大啖滿福), with KiKi playfully biting into a mandarin orange, a traditional symbol of luck, prosperity, and abundance. The design embodies the wish for recipients to take a big bite of happiness and welcome good fortune.

The plush-like texture of the lai see adds a warm, inviting touch, making KiKi especially charming and approachable for her first encounter with the people of Hong Kong, according to the spokesperson. On the back of the lai see, KiKi’s tail and distinctive cheetah-print pattern complete her look, creating a lively and cohesive presence. Together, these elements offer an auspicious and memorable celebration for the Chinese New Year.

6. Mastercard

Mastercard has launched lai see to celebrate the Year of the Horse, continuing the tradition of blending the vibrant personality of the zodiac animal with the brand's signature identity.

Mastercard has begun this collectible series since the Year of the Tiger in 2022 as a meaningful way to convey its heartfelt wishes to valued business partners, while celebrating the distinct cultural symbolism of each lunar year.

A spokesperson from Mastercard told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that these lai see packets are created exclusively for Mastercard’s business partners as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill - reinforcing the priceless partnerships we treasure and its shared hopes for prosperity in the year ahead.

The design draws inspiration from the rich traditions of the Chinese Zodiac, thoughtfully intertwined with Mastercard’s iconic circles to symbolise continuity, harmony, and abundant blessings. It embodies the vitality and forward momentum of the Horse, capturing its grace and strength in a way that seamlessly reflects Mastercard’s bold and timeless character.  

The circular shape and vibrant palette of red and orange pay tribute to Mastercard’s globally recognised circles and brand colors, while echoing the auspicious energy associated with lunar new year.  

The fusion of global brand identity with cherished local traditions creates a design that is both culturally resonant and uniquely memorable. 

7. Standard Chartered Hong Kong

Standard Chartered has launched lai see for its customers, themed "The tree of life, endless vitality", expressing the wish that every connection continues to grow strong and radiant, rooted in prosperity and blossoming with vitality.

Continuing Standard Chartered’s tradition of celebrating Lunar New Year through the beauty of nature, the 2026 red packet design draws inspiration from the tree of life, a universal symbol of growth, renewal, and prosperity. This year’s concept embodies the bank’s optimism for the year ahead—supporting individuals, families, and businesses with unwavering vitality and enduring strength.

The design takes inspiration from the expression "Prosperous like a thriving tree" (富饒如樹), evoking the image of a flourishing tree whose deep roots and abundant branches represent steady growth and prosperous fortune. "Abundance" (富饒) speaks to life’s plentiful blessings, while "like a tree" (如樹) embodies stability, resilience, and lasting vitality—an auspicious wish for recipients to flourish year after year.

Complementing this, the phrase "Glorious like a flower in full bloom" (光彩如華) adds a layer of brightness and grace. "Radiance" (光彩) symbolises success and brilliance, while "like a blooming flower" (如華) conveys beauty, honour, and the joy of renewal. In harmony, the tree and flower motifs capture both strength and splendour—the essence of a life that is not only prosperous but also vibrant and fulfilled.

This year, Standard Chartered has invited an illustrator to bring the concept to life through a fresh artistic perspective. The hand-drawn approach adds a human touch and emotional dimension to the design, reflecting the connection between nature and people—a visual expression of growth nurtured by care, creativity, and community.

The red packets are distributed at branches or through relationship managers on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

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