Top 5 Cities to celebrate Chinese New Year

Today is Chinese New Year, the first day of the new lunar calendar for 2015, the year of the sheep! Around the world paper dragons will dance through the streets, fireworks will explode in a riot of colour and families will come together, not only in China but all around the world. As China’s biggest annual holiday, the celebrations are echoed around the planet, where around a sixth of the world will join in with the parades, fireworks and feasting. The festivities last over 2 weeks, with each day having different significance – ending with the Lantern Festival on day 15 when parades march through the streets holding swaying red lanterns. Wherever you are in the world, there will be local celebrations happening, so here are our top 5 cities where you can experience the excitement of Chinese New Year!

Beijing

The capital of China was always going to be top of the list – Beijing buzzes with a contagious energy around New Year. The largest human migration on the planet happens as families scattered around the country take to the trains to gather in their hometowns for 2 weeks of celebrations and fun. Beijing is filled with flower markets, lion dances and fireworks shows that unmatched anywhere in the world. Millions of people join in with sparklers and firecrackers – this is the perfect place to experience the craziness of New Year as well as the traditional cultural festivities that have been taking places for thousands of years.

San Francisco

Home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the USA, San Francisco hosts a parade that takes it straight to the top of New Year celebrations outside Asia. The Golden Dragon that dances through the parade is over 200 feet long and is the finale of the celebrations and emerges from the smoke and bangs of thousands of firecrackers! It takes a team of 100 people to work the writhing beast and the effect is spectacular. Collapse after an exhausting day of festivities with a bowl of dumplings – ready to start it all again tomorrow!

Sydney

If you’re headed down under, why not hit Sydney for the biggest Chinese New Year festivities in Australia? Sydney-siders gather to perform in an array of different events, from street markets to set price meals celebrating the Lunar Feasts. Dragon boats race to the finish line along Cockle Bay while the Twilight Parade lights up the streets as the floats and performers dance and run through Sydney. Head down to the Fish markets for lion dancing and a delicious sea food lunch as you celebrate New Year by the harbour!

Singapore

At this time of year Singapore is awash with red lanterns and decorations bring in the New Year in this melting pot of cultures. Endless market stalls spring up throughout Chinatown, selling clothing, presents and all sorts of delicious street food snacks. New clothes are traditionally worn to bring in the new year, whilst trying to squeeze in a visit to every activity that Singapore jams into its bustling New Year Celebrations - from street performers to professional Chinese opera and music.

New York

With the largest Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere, Manhattan Island is the place to be on Chinese New Year. The exciting Firecracker Ceremony wards off evil spirits while the parade is a real highlight, with jumping dragons and lanterns heading down the street with over 5000 people joining in! Grab some dim sum and chow down on some dumplings while you watch the iconic celebrations take place.