Chinese New Year is the most important cultural Chinese holiday, and it is a huge celebration with historical and religious aspects. The New Year marks the end of one lunar year and the beginning of the next, and is marked around the world. Of course, it should come as no surprise to learn that the biggest celebrations are found in China. In China, most residents enjoy a full week off from work and school, and they spend time with family and friends eating traditional foods, indulging, giving out red packets filled with cash, cleaning the home and decorating with red and gold paper. Although China is one of the best places on Earth to celebrate Chinese New Year, the festival is also marked in many places with large Chinese populations or thriving Chinatowns. Read on to learn about some of the most exciting places around the world where you can participate in Chinese New Year celebrations.
Vancouver: More than 400,000 ethnic Chinese residents live in Vancouver, so the Chinese New Year celebration here is anything but dull. Throughout Vancouver’s Chinatown, restaurants get into the spirit by offering lavish themed set dinners, and families usually get together during this time to dine and celebrate. The highlight of the event is the parade that marches through downtown Vancouver and back to Chinatown. The parade features everything from the Vancouver police on motorcycles to pop singers from China and Hong Kong, and more than 3,000 participants are in the parade each year.
Hong Kong: Although Hong Kong is technically part of China, the celebrations here are slightly different. To start, there is no week-long public holiday. All of the festivities are crammed into just two or three days, which can make it more exciting for visitors. In addition, Hong Kong is home to some of the best Chinese New Year fireworks displays in the world. The first night of Chinese New Year is typically marked by a massive and lengthy firework display over Victoria Harbour, and you can actually book to be on a ferry or a private boat during this time in order to see the fireworks up close. The nightlife during Chinese New Year is also incredible in Hong Kong, and the party area of Lan Kwai Fong is so busy that even pedestrian traffic has to be monitored so that you can only go in one direction.
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London: If you can’t make it to Asia for Chinese New Year, the next best thing would be to make your way to London’s Chinatown. This area is home to the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia, and it is an incredible destination to participate in and explore the Chinese culture. The big draw to this event is the food, and particularly the food on Gerrard Street. On this one road, you can find more than 100 restaurants and roughly 200 street vendors selling moon cakes, egg tarts and plenty of other delicious and traditional foods related to the celebration.
Sydney: In Australia’s largest Chinatown, Chinese New Year gets stretched out to be a celebration over several weeks. At the Sydney Town Hall, the occasion is marked with a large Asian art exhibit that is free to visitors and locals alike. If you want to celebrate the festival in style, a formal Dragon’s Ball gives you an excuse to wear your finest attire and dance to traditional music as well as classical hits. There is also a lion dance, a parade through Chinatown and bustling market.
Celebrating Chinese New Year is an incredible way to learn more about the nation’s culture. Even if you can’t make it to Beijing, being at any of these incredible locations will make it feel like you are.