Discover Top Destinations for Celebrating Chinese New Year: Your Guide to Where To Go in 2022
Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in China. Every year, millions of people flock to cities and towns to celebrate with family and friends. If you’re wondering where to go to experience the true essence of this festival, then read on for some ideas.
Did you know that Chinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival? The holiday falls on different dates each year, usually between late January and mid-February. In 2021, Chinese New Year begins on February 12 and lasts for 16 days.
One of the best places to go during Chinese New Year is Beijing’s Temple Fair. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to witness acrobatic performances, traditional music, and a dazzling display of fireworks. Here, be sure not to miss the famous Chinese Dragon dance!
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, head over to Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden. This historic garden is transformed into a sea of red lanterns, where visitors can take part in traditional activities such as lighting incense and writing wishes.
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is another top destination during Chinese New Year. The harbour is lit up with a spectacular fireworks display, while onlookers feast on traditional snacks like dumplings and steamed buns.
Are you a foodie? Then you’ll love Guangzhou, the birthplace of dim sum. During Chinese New Year, the city’s streets are filled with food stalls selling all kinds of delicacies. Don’t forget to try the traditional Cantonese dish, poon choi!
If you’re traveling with kids, then Disneyland Hong Kong is the perfect place to go. The theme park comes alive during Chinese New Year, with special parades, decorations, and appearances by popular Disney characters.
For a truly authentic experience, head to the ancient city of Pingyao. This well-preserved walled city is the perfect place to witness age-old traditions such as lion dances, temple fairs, and paper-cutting.
But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, why not visit Harbin’s Ice Festival? Held in the coldest city in China, this festival is a wonderland of intricately-carved ice sculptures, snow activities, and lantern shows.
Lastly, if you want to avoid the crowds altogether, consider visiting the countryside. Rural areas offer a quieter, more intimate setting for Chinese New Year celebrations. Experience the traditional way of life by joining in on local customs such as making rice cakes and lighting lanterns.
In conclusion, no matter where you go in China during Chinese New Year, you’ll be sure to experience a unique and unforgettable celebration. So book your tickets now and get ready to ring in the Year of the Ox with a bang!
"Chinese New Year Where To Go" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year Where To Go: Celebrate the Festive Season
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival celebrated in China. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is a time for families to come together, enjoy festive food, exchange gifts, and usher in luck and prosperity for the coming year. If you are looking for a place to experience the vibrant celebrations of the Chinese New Year, read on to discover some of the top destinations to visit during this festive season.
Beijing, China
The capital city of China is home to some of the most spectacular celebrations during the Chinese New Year. The city comes alive with vibrant red lanterns, fireworks, and dragon dances. You can explore the city's many temples and shrines, indulge in the local delicacies, and take part in the many traditional activities on offer.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is another great destination to visit during the Chinese New Year. The city's famous Victoria Harbour lights up with a stunning display of fireworks, while parades of colourful floats and lion dances take place on the streets. You can also head to the temple areas to glimpse the local traditions and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei boasts an impressive line-up of events during the Chinese New Year, including parades, temple fairs, and fireworks displays. The highlight of the celebrations is the Yanshui Fireworks Festival, in which thousands of rockets are launched into the sky in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics. Make sure to sample the local street food and try your luck at the many traditional games on offer.
Singapore
Singapore's Chinatown district is the hub of the Chinese New Year celebrations in the city. The lively streets are adorned with lanterns and decorations, and visitors can enjoy a range of cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional activities. Don't miss the stunning Chingay Parade, which features colourful floats, dragon dances, and acrobatic performances.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney boasts one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. The city's iconic Opera House is illuminated with bright red lights, while dragon boat races take place on the harbour. The festivities culminate in a grand parade featuring floats, lion dances, and acrobats. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Chinese food and browse local markets.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur's Chinese New Year celebrations offer a unique fusion of traditions and cultures. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city's Chinatown district, which features bustling markets, traditional performances, and colourful decorations. There are also fireworks displays and lantern parades, as well as a lively lion dance competition showcasing the best performers from across the region.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver's Chinese New Year celebrations are becoming increasingly popular, with the city's many attractions drawing visitors from far and wide. You can enjoy festive parades, cultural performances, and a range of traditional activities, as well as savour the flavours of Chinese cuisine at local restaurants. The historic Chinatown district is a must-visit, with its ornate gates, vibrant street art, and eclectic mix of shops and businesses.
New York City, USA
New York City's Chinese New Year celebrations are centred around the vibrant neighbourhood of Flushing, Queens. Visitors can enjoy colourful parades, dance performances, and traditional Chinese music, as well as sample the city's best dim sum and other Cantonese delicacies. There are also lantern festivals, dragon dances, and fireworks displays to add to the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top destinations to visit during the Chinese New Year. Whether you're looking for traditional celebrations steeped in history and culture or high-energy modern festivities, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this vibrant and exciting time of year. Plan your trip now and get ready to usher in luck, prosperity, and good fortune for the lunar new year!
Comparison of Chinese New Year Celebration Places
Introduction
Chinese New Year is a significant festival celebrated by the Chinese communities across the world. It is a time of family reunions, long-standing traditions, and cultural activities. With the ongoing pandemic, this year's Chinese New Year celebration is likely to be different than before. However, individuals can still find ways to make the most out of the celebrations by visiting various places that offer unique experiences. In this blog, we will compare some of the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year.Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a hub for Chinese New Year celebrations. The city boasts of vibrant decorations all around its streets, from red lanterns to cherry blossoms. During this festive season, you can't miss visiting the iconic Victoria Harbour which lights up with a stunning fireworks display. Besides, the Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park are two must-visit destinations that offer exciting activities for both adults and children.Pros:
- A beautiful view of the harbor fireworks
- Plenty of family-friendly attractions
- Traditional temple fairs
Cons:
- Crowded streets
- High prices for accommodation and travel
Singapore
Singapore is another destination to consider for celebrating the Chinese New Year festival. The island-city transforms into a massive street party during this festive season, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Be sure to visit the Chinatown district, where the streets are lined with traditional lanterns, street performers, and music. Singapore also holds many large-scale performances that showcase Chinese culture.Pros:
- Well organized street parties and performances
- Delectable Chinese cuisine
- Clean and safe environment
Cons:
- Expensive travel prices
- Crowded streets and long queues
Beijing, China
China is the birthplace of Chinese New Year, and where better to celebrate than in its capital city, Beijing. The city's festive decorations and fireworks display make it a perfect destination for those seeking traditional celebrations. During this season, the city also hosts many events and performances, showcasing Chinese artwork, music, dance, and opera.Pros:
- Authentic Chinese New Year traditions
- Local cultural activities
- Delicious Chinese cuisines
Cons:
- Heavy pollution and smog
- Large crowd during festive season
- Language barrier may impact enjoyment of the visit
Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a small island located on the west coast of Malaysia. Although a small place, it is rich in history, culture, and diversity. Penang is also known as one of the top destinations for Chinese New Year celebrations. The Island gives a unique experience with its colorful street decorations, vibrant markets, and traditional lion dance parades.Pros:
- Small and easy to navigate, making it less crowded than larger cities
- Beautiful scenery and beaches to visit after the festivities
- Inexpensive travel prices
Cons:
- Smaller scale celebrations compared to larger cities
- Less family-friendly attractions
- Language barrier for non-Chinese speakers
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year celebrations are a great way to experience the Chinese culture and traditions. Each place has its unique offering, but choosing one depends on personal preferences, budget, and travel time. Regardless of where you choose to go, be sure to embrace the festivities and soak in the vibrant colors, street performances, and authentic Chinese cuisines.Chinese New Year Where To Go: The Best Places to Celebrate
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural events in Asia. Millions of people around the world celebrate this holiday, and it's a time for family reunions, feasting, and traditional rituals. If you're wondering where to go to celebrate Chinese New Year, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best places to experience this vibrant and festive occasion.
1. Beijing, China
There's no better place to celebrate Chinese New Year than in its birthplace – China. And the capital city of Beijing is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience an authentic celebration. Visitors can witness the famous temple fairs, join in on the local cuisine (such as dumplings), and witness the traditional lion and dragon dance performances.
2. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is another fantastic destination for Chinese New Year celebrations. During this time, the city is adorned with decorations, illuminations and markets. Moreover, the entire harbour lights up with a brilliant fireworks display. Alongside that, there are also parades, cultural performances, and special New Year's Eve countdown events that are well worth seeing.
3. Taipei, Taiwan
If you're looking for an immersive cultural experience this Chinese New Year, Taipei - the capital city of Taiwan - is an exceptional choice. During the holiday, many temples hold ceremonies such as lighting incense to bring luck and good fortune. The popular Shilin Night Market will also be filled with street vendors selling food packed with traditional flavors and artisan crafts.
4. Singapore
Singapore is another great destination for Chinese New Year celebrations. With vibrant decorations and a wide range of events, it's hard not to get swept up in festive revelry. Chinatown is the best place to start with colorful streets filled with dragon and lion dance performances, song and dance shows, traditional game stalls and competitive lion dance competitions. Besides that, Singapore's skyline gets created with beautiful midnight fireworks right on the eve of New Year.
5. Sydney, Australia
When it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations, Sydney - in Australia - puts out a brilliant display too. The festivities include parades with enormous floats, energetic dance performances, and stunning dragon and lion dances. Besides that, the city also holds various cultural events, including a traditional Chinese herb garden tour and a dumpling-making workshop to learn cooking techniques from famous chefs.
6. New York City, United States
As one of the most diverse cities in the world, New York City has an extensive Chinese population and a well-known Chinatown. During this special event, the city is decorated with red lanterns, and residents hold street fairs, lion dances and firecracker displays that draw crowds. With cultural activities such as art exhibitions, martial arts performances and film screenings, New York City offers various opportunities for attendees to experience Chinese culture at its finest.
7. London, England
London is an excellent destination for experiencing the Chinese New Year, whereby the celebration is held either in Soho or Chinatown. The party kicks off with a colourful and magical Parade, followed by an impressive stage show featuring traditional dances, martial demonstrations and artistic performances. Besides that, special menus and traditional Chinese dishes adorn menus in different bars and restaurants across town.
8. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has a vibrant Asian community that has perpetuated the area's Chinese traditions year after year. The city holds many events throughout the Spring Festival, including the Vancouver Chinese New Year parade with over 100 floats and hundreds of performers. In addition, there are family-friendly activities such as the annual lantern festival lighting that takes place in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
While not the traditional destination for Chinese New Year celebrations, Bangkok offers its own unique twist to this annual event. During the festival, shopping centres and famous temples will have plenty of red decorations, cultural stages and performances, and traditional food treats. In addition, the Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) is also abuzz with activities and street markets, alongside dragon and lion dance performances.
10. Phuket, Thailand
The southern island of Phuket goes all out for Chinese New Year with an exceptional party thrown over several days. The streets glow with imposing decoration; the old town borough transforms into a massive stage for live music acts and street parades featuring Chinese dragons and young girls in dragon dance costumes. The festivities culminate with a fantastic fireworks spectacle top of the hilltop.
Final Thoughts
There are many incredible destinations globally to celebrate Chinese New Year and each one offers various opportunities to experience the festival vibes. Whether you choose to stay near to your home or decide to travel abroad, immerse yourself in the festive vibes, soak up the traditional culture, and enjoy the celebrations.
Chinese New Year Where To Go: A Guide to Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in Asia and across the world. This traditional holiday is rich in culture and history and is filled with bright lights, delicious food, and exciting activities. If you're looking to join in the festivities and celebrate this Chinese New Year, there are plenty of great places to visit. From vibrant festivals to peaceful cultural locations, here are some ideas of where to go.
Visit a Chinatown
If you're looking for an authentic Chinese New Year experience, visiting a Chinatown is a must. Many major cities around the world have their own Chinatown, where you can find lanterns hanging from every street corner, lion dances, and street performers. San Francisco's Chinatown is a popular destination for many Chinese New Year tourists, as is London's Chinatown. In addition, there are plenty of smaller Chinatowns around the world that offer a more intimate and unique experience.
Experience the Festivals
Chinese New Year is marked by many different festivals and events around the world. Some of the most popular festivals are held in China's major cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Here, you'll find large parades with colourful floats, dragon dancers, fireworks, and much more. Other great places to experience Chinese New Year festivals include Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Sydney.
Go On a Lantern Festival Tour
One of the highlights of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the Lantern Festival. This Festival takes place on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, and features a stunning display of beautifully lit lanterns. Some of the best places to visit for the Lantern Festival include Taiwan, Singapore, and China's Beijing and Xi'an cities.
Visit Temples and Shrines
If you're looking for a more peaceful Chinese New Year experience, visiting temples and shrines can be a great option. Many Chinese temples and shrines hold their own New Year's celebrations, which often include performances, food offerings, and traditional rituals. Some of the most popular temples to visit during Chinese New Year include Hong Kong's Wong Tai Sin Temple and Singapore's Thian Hock Keng Temple.
Explore Museums and Art Galleries
During Chinese New Year, many museums and art galleries around the world offer special exhibits and events that celebrate this festive occasion. For example, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has an annual Lunar New Year Festival that features workshops, performances, and family-friendly activities. The National Museum of Singapore has a special exhibition that highlights the iconic red packet tradition, ang bao, while China's National Museum has exhibits on the Spring Festival.
Try the Foods of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for enjoying some of the most delicious foods of the year. From dumplings to hot pot, spring rolls to nian gao, there are plenty of delicacies to enjoy during this festive season. If you're looking for a way to immerse yourself in Chinese New Year culture, trying some traditional foods is a great place to start. You can visit Chinatowns around the world and sample the local delicacies or even take cooking classes to perfect your skills.
Join a Traditional Family Gathering
For those who want to experience the real essence of Chinese New Year, joining a traditional family gathering can be a great way to do so. During this time families gather together to eat, chat, and play games. This can be a great way to experience what life is like during Chinese New Year, and can give you a more intimate appreciation of the culture. If you have any acquaintances or friends celebrating Chinese New Year, it is worth extending an invite!
Experience Fireworks Displays
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without a fireworks display. Seeing the sky light up with bright colors is a magical experience. You can find some of the world's most spectacular fireworks displays in China, including those in Beijing and Hong Kong. However, many cities around the world also hold their own fireworks displays during Chinese New Year festivities and are guaranteed to put on a good show.
Learn Some Chinese New Year Traditions
There are many Chinese New Year traditions that you can learn and participate in during this time of year. For example, setting off firecrackers has been a long-standing tradition of welcoming good luck and scaring away evil spirits. Another popular tradition is the red envelope, which contains a small amount of money and is handed out to children in order to bring them good fortune. When in doubt, ask locals to educate you about new Year traditions and customs.
Enjoy the Festivities Wherever You Go!
No matter where you choose to celebrate Chinese New Year, remember that it is a time for joy, fun, and togetherness. Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the many vibrant and exciting events that take place throughout the season. We hope you have an amazing Chinese New Year and that these ideas provide inspiration for where to go and what to do.
Happy Year of the Ox!
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year: Where To Go
What are some popular places to celebrate Chinese New Year?
There are many great places to celebrate Chinese New Year around the world.
- China - Of course, there is no better place to celebrate Chinese New Year than in China itself. Many cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have large-scale celebrations and parades, while smaller towns and villages may have more traditional celebrations.
- Taiwan - Taiwan also has some great Chinese New Year events, with parades, fireworks, and traditional lion dances. Taipei is a popular destination for visitors during the holiday.
- Singapore - Singapore has a large Chinese population, and the city celebrates Chinese New Year with street markets, lion dances, and other cultural performances. The famous River Hongbao event is a highlight of the festivities.
- Hong Kong - Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebrations include a parade, fireworks display, and a flower market selling traditional decorations. The city also hosts a dragon and lion dance competition.
- Malaysia - Malaysia is another Southeast Asian country with a large Chinese population. Kuala Lumpur is a great place to celebrate with festive decorations and lion dances.
- United States - In the US, many cities with sizeable Chinese populations have annual Chinese New Year parades and festivals, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.
What are some traditional Chinese New Year activities?
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebrating the coming of a new year. Some traditional activities during the holiday include:
- Dragon and lion dances - These are colorful performances that involve performers dressed in dragon or lion costumes, dancing to the beat of drums and cymbals.
- Fireworks - Fireworks are a major part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Many people set off their own fireworks, while cities around the world put on spectacular displays.
- Red envelopes - Red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The amount of money is usually an even number and never includes the number 4, which is considered bad luck.
- Reunion dinner - Families gather together on the eve of Chinese New Year for a big feast. Foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cake are often served.
- Decorations - Red is the color of the holiday and is used throughout decorations during the festivities. Other traditional decorations include lanterns, paper cutouts, and banners with auspicious phrases.
What should I wear to a Chinese New Year celebration?
It's always important to dress appropriately for any event you attend. For a Chinese New Year celebration:
- Wear red - Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture and is the most popular color for Chinese New Year. Incorporating red into your outfit is a great way to show your festive spirit.
- Avoid black or white - Black and white are the colors of mourning in Chinese culture and are not suitable for festive occasions.
- Dress conservatively - Depending on the location and type of celebration, it may be more appropriate to dress conservatively rather than in revealing or flashy clothing.
- Comfortable shoes - Chinese New Year celebrations can involve a lot of walking or standing for long periods, so comfortable shoes are a must-have.
- Consider cultural dress - If you're attending a more formal event or want to fully embrace the culture, consider wearing traditional Chinese clothing such as a qipao or changshan.