Editor's note: The Redskins Cheerleaders recently traveled to Hong Kong, China to help celebrate the Chinese New Year. Celebrating the “Year of the Ox,” the cheerleaders traveled halfway across the globe for a five-day visit marked by a variety of performances and sightseeing with Chinese culture and tradition.

Here’s a daily diary of their trip:

January 24, 2009

The 26 cheerleaders arrived in Hong Kong, China after a 16-hour flight and feeling a bit jet lagged. The group stayed in beautiful Wanchai, Hong Kong overlooking the city and Victoria Harbour. It was already late evening in Hong Kong, so the group grabbed a quick bite and caught up on some sleep before a big day of practices.

January 25, 2009
This is the beginning of the holiday for the locals, many of the families gather for a big dinner. At midnight, it is tradition for elders to give red envelopes filled with money to the children welcoming in the New Year.

The cheerleaders began the day with a trip to the Hong Kong Cultural Center in Kowloon. The long day of practices prepared the ladies for the Chinese New Year parade and various performances throughout Kowloon. During the practice, the ladies met several other groups of performers including those from Belgium, Thailand, Australia and Japan!

The ladies were able to have a little shopping time in between rehearsals to buy souvenirs. The big hit was Jade jewelry. In the evening, the cheerleaders visited the local nightlife to celebrate the New Year--and several of the girls’ birthdays!

January 26, 2009

First Lunar Day--This is a holiday in Hong Kong as many of the locals celebrate by gathering with family and celebrating the local performances. The cheerleaders had their final rehearsal to prepare for the New Year’s parade later in the day.

The parade was nothing short of amazing. The route wound through downtown Kowloon, and the cheerleaders performed at various stops along the way. The parade route was lit with decorations on all of the buildings and the streets were packed with people.

Traditional Chinese dragons helped ring in the New Year.

January 27, 2009

The cheerleaders experienced traditional Chinese culture with a sightseeing tour and Dim Sum lunch. A bus tour took the ladies to the top of Victoria Peak overlooking the city and Victoria Harbour. There was a great view of the International Finance Center where one of the scenes from the Batman movie “The Dark Knight” was filmed.

Along the way, they learned about the history of Hong Kong, Feng Sui and traditions celebrated by the people of China. Next, it was off for a little shopping at Stanley Market and the street vendors.

The cheerleaders experienced a short boat trip around the harbor and ending at Jumbo Restaurant. The opening scene of the movie “Enter the Dragon” with Bruce Lee was filmed there.

The Dim Sum lunch was fantastic with a variety of dumplings and traditional dishes. Next, the cheerleaders performed for the locals at the New World Center.

To celebrate the evening, the women watched the fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Coming from three different boats, the fireworks display was the largest that they had ever seen.

January 28, 2009

On the cheerleaders’ last day in Hong Kong, the events included performances at the New World Center and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Many of the cheerleaders had never been to a horse race and got to experience it right from the track.

After a long day of performing, the group had one final dinner at the “Peak” to celebrate an amazing trip!

The Redskins Cheerleaders would like to thank of all those that made this trip possible. It was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the cheerleaders will never forget!