Chinese New Year is nearly upon us and, as the Year of the Rat dawns, it represents the beginning of a new day filled with wealth and surplus. We know the Emma Wallace Woman will want to celebrate the event in style so, this week, we’re giving you the run down of the most exciting cities to ring the Lunar New Year in!
Check out our top picks…
Guangzhou, China
The recently re-developed city has fast become one of China’s top attractions. For Chinese New Year head to the flower fairs which are held annually during the Spring Festival. The streets are decorated with fragrant and beautiful fresh flowers, and miniature landscapes. Enjoy the various folk performances whilst local artists showcase their paintings and calligraphy works. If you fancy something a little more decadent, head to the Rosewood hotel and take the lift to level 95 for dinner with a view at Patina. Serving up comforting Chinese classics, it’s the perfect way to celebrate as you survey the bustling city below and plan out what the new year has in store for you!
London, UK
Naturally China Town in the capital city explodes into action to kick start the New Year. On the 25th head to Charring Cross where dragons and lions will shimmy through the streets. At noon, Trafalgar Square’s main stages will spring into action with traditional dance shows, contemporary hip-hop acts and Chinese performers. If you get peckish then book a table at Kym’s where head chef Andrew Wong has created a special menu for the occasion. The dishes include prosperity salad (raw veggies topped with salmon and plum sauce), roasted duck jiaozi, black truffle pumpkin with salted duck egg emulsion, seabass with double deluxe soy and ginger spring onion, longevity noodles, and yuzu layered cake. The staff will also be handing out fortune cookies to all guests, which are filled with prizes and offers for the restaurant - which will also be decorated with traditional red lanterns offering the perfect Instagrammable backdrop to showcase your fun online!
Hong Kong
Whilst the fireworks over Victoria Harbour are one of the most well-known elements of Hong Kong’s impressive celebrations for a more relaxed and reflective moment try visiting Lam Tsuen, a 700-year-old residential area in Tai Po. In the past, villagers and visitors would write their wishes on a placard, attach it to a mandarin and throw it onto the wishing trees. It’s believed that the higher the branch the placard landed on, the more likely the wish would come true. These days, to protect the trees from damage, wishes are made by tying joss paper to nearby wooden racks or imitation trees. If you have big plans for 2020, then head down and be sure to cast your most desired wish and spend the year making it happen!
San Francisco, USA
The American city boasts the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, and it’s annual Chinese New Year Parade reflects this! With elaborate floats and costumes, lion dancers and a 288-foot-long Golden Dragon the event is not to be missed. For the culture vultures amongst you, check out the artists at the Oakland’s Dragon School who will also be painting a dragon-inspired mural across multiple interior and exterior hotel walls!
Dubai, UAE
Get competitive and head to Hala China who will be hosting a traditional Lion Dance competition that’s sure to impress. Taking place on Saturday January 18 from 10am until 5pm at Dubai Parks and Resorts, the competition will see more than 30 teams from China compete for the title of the Best Lion Dance 2020, Dubai. Keep that winning high rolling and head to Buddha Bar for a real party - the venue will be going all out to celebrate Chinese New Year. For its ‘World Session 4’ party, they will be flying in DJ Till Von Sein from Germany for one-night only to bring his pumping tunes, while an aerialist performer will kick off the gig. Perfect for the party animals amongst you.
With so many ways to celebrate The Year Of The Rat, it’s the perfect time of year to kick start an adventure! Where will the New Year take you?
