Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is the biggest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. It is no surprise that many regions in China compete to celebrate the New Year in a grand and festive manner.
Experiencing Chinese New Year firsthand in its country of origin can be an unforgettable experience. From the glittering lanterns lining the streets to lively parades in major cities, here are some famous places in China that you must visit during the Chinese New Year celebration.
Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing is the perfect place to celebrate Chinese New Year. The festivities in Beijing are among the most vibrant and rich in tradition throughout China.
A key tradition during Chinese New Year in Beijing is visiting temples to participate in festivals and spring fairs. Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), Ditan Park (Temple of Earth), and the Temple of Heaven are among the central locations, attracting thousands of people who come to pray.
Throughout the celebration, the entire city is decorated with large red lanterns hung across streets, buildings, and homes. As with other places celebrating Chinese New Year, dragon and lion dance performances are highly anticipated and usually held across various districts and city centers.
The celebrations in Beijing conclude with the Lantern Festival during the Cap Go Meh period, with major events taking place at locations like Houhai Lake and Beihai Park. Thousands of lanterns light up the night sky, symbolizing hope and good fortune for the year ahead.
Shanghai
As one of the largest metropolitan cities in China, Shanghai offers a wide array of activities and attractions during Chinese New Year. One of the highlights is the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival.
During this festival, Yuyuan Garden is adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns. Each year, the festival adopts a different theme, showcasing designs that represent symbols of luck, dragons, and the zodiac animal of the year.
Additionally, spectacular fireworks displays are held along The Bund; Shanghai’s iconic waterfront area. Colonial and modern buildings along the Huangpu River are illuminated with red decorations typical of Chinese New Year.
Be sure not to miss the special Chinese New Year celebrations at Shanghai Disneyland.
At Shanghai Disneyland, beloved Disney characters appear dressed in traditional Chinese New Year costumes, and the park is filled with red lanterns and festive decorations. Special parades and Chinese New Year-themed fireworks displays add to the festive atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for families during the celebrations.
Harbin
In Harbin, Chinese New Year is celebrated alongside the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival — the world’s largest and most famous winter festival, showcasing giant ice sculptures, sparkling ice palaces, and intricately designed snow sculptures illuminated at night.
Additionally, Harbin’s main streets, such as Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie), are decorated with red lanterns and traditional New Year ornaments. The Russian-style architecture lining the street looks even more charming adorned with festive Chinese New Year elements, creating a unique atmosphere unlike any other city in China.
Despite the extremely cold temperatures in Harbin during Chinese New Year, the festivities remain lively with parades and fireworks displays. Dragon and lion dances are performed on snowy streets, providing a beautiful contrast between the traditional red of Chinese New Year and the white snow covering the city.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou has a unique tradition not commonly found elsewhere: the Spring Festival Flower Market.
Leading up to Chinese New Year, large flower markets open throughout the city, especially in areas like Tianhe, Liwan, and Yuexiu. It is a common belief that purchasing flowers brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Large parades, as well as dragon and lion dances, fill Guangzhou’s streets with festive spirit. The Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street areas often serve as hubs for traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and live music.
Guangzhou is also known for its grand fireworks displays along the Pearl River during Chinese New Year. After the main festivities, night markets and lantern festivals continue to attract visitors, with Yuexiu Park and Haizhu Park being among the most popular locations for these events.
Xi’an
The Xi’an City Wall serves as the center for various Chinese New Year celebrations in Xi’an. Large lanterns and red decorations are installed along the wall, creating a stunning nighttime display. Visitors can walk atop the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the city illuminated by lanterns and fireworks.
Visitors can also experience Chinese New Year celebrations at Tang Paradise.
This large cultural park, designed to replicate the architecture of the Tang Dynasty, hosts traditional performances such as Tang Dynasty opera and classical music concerts during the New Year festivities. Lantern festivals and fireworks displays within the park further enhance the celebratory mood.
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