Enter the dragon: Celebrating Chinese New Year in Beijing
THE Year of the Dragon looms large, with Chinese New Year beginning at midnight this Sunday. Signs of the holiday are already evident in the Chinese capital, with locally-owned shops and businesses closing down days in advance. Doorways to homes and restaurants are festooned with bright red decorations. The mass exodus of professional Beijingers has begun as they return to their home provinces to ring in the New Year with relatives.
The New Year is the most significant holiday in the Chinese calendar, signaling not only the beginning of a new year but also the Spring Festival, which lasts for two weeks. Tradition marks this festival period as a time for spring cleaning, of the home and the spirit, feasting and an expression of wishes for good fortune and wealth during the new year.
The Year of the Dragon begins Jan. 23.
Thanks to its imperial namesake, the Year of the Dragon is said to be a special one. According to the Chinese zodiac, the sign symbolizes strength and vitality, and promises a year of grand things to come.
For those who will be bidding the Rabbit farewell and ringing in the Dragon’s reign from Beijing, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and get a taste of what this all-important holiday is about.
Start the celebration on New Year’s Eve at one of several events being hosted throughout the city. Bars such as Luga’s Villa and Q Bar will be serving up dragon-themed cocktails and shot deals to get New Year’s revelers in the party mood.
Check out the gathering being organized by the Beijing Couchsurfing community at the Four Corners restaurant. The first 150 people to arrive can participate in an all-you-can eat buffet; afterward, anyone can join for drinks and dancing. This is sure to be a good time for backpackers and fellow travelers passing through the city. Details are on the Beijing Couchsurfing group page and the event Facebook page.
Whatever you do, find yourself a spot on a rooftop by midnight — rumor has it the hutongs in the Gulou neighborhood have the best views — to watch the fireworks display that promises to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The fireworks go on sporadically throughout the spring festival, though the charm wears off after the official dawning of the New Year.
Dragons symbolize strength and vitality according to Chinese culture.
Dip further into Chinese history and culinary traditions at the Spring Festival cinema showcase, hosted by The Hutong, a popular cultural organization, and Time Out Beijing.
Temple fairs are a staple of the spring festival, and several will be held during the holiday. Take in traditional performances against the poignant backdrop of one of Beijing’s most notorious landmarks at the Royal Temple Fair at the Old Summer Palace. For a modernized version of the temple fair, visit the extravaganza at Shijingshan Amusement Park, which will include a snow and ice carnival in addition to traditional entertainment.
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