A couple of weeks ago we travelled up to London to watch the Chinese New Year celebrations! This was the first time I had seen them in London and I wasn't expecting such huge crowds! But it was worth the trip. The celebrations included a vibrant and colourful parade in central London; starting in Trafalgar Square, travelling along Charing Cross Road up past Leicester Square station, turning into Shaftesbury Avenue and eventually reaching China Town. There were also traditional ceremonies in China Town itself including the 'Lion dance' where dancers dressed as lions visit local businesses that have left lettuce and red envelopes hanging in their doorways. The lions perform a dance to the beat of a drum outside each shop and finally eat the lettuce and red envelope, before spitting the lettuce out over the crowd symbolising the spread of good luck and fortune! It was an amazing tradition to watch. Meanwhile in Trafalgar Square, dancers, musicians and performers entertained the crowds from the main stage. Although cold, it was a lovely day out! I'm sharing some photos of the event and have included some handy tips for travelling in the future.
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| The lion dance in China Town |
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| Chinese New Year in Trafalgar Square |
Tips for celebrating Chinese New Year in London
1. Arrive early!
2. Avoid Leicester Square station as it was super busy by the time we arrived.
3. Wrap up warm.
4. Bring snacks.
5. Be prepared for long queues and crowds especially in China Town and Trafalgar Square!
6. Visit different areas.
7. Enjoy the food, culture & surroundings!
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Have you been to Chinese New Year celebrations? What was your experience?
I've never been to Chinese New Year celebrations but I'would love to.
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Wow, I'd love to see that, in London or anywhere else. Just don't like the crowds :) #citytripping
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! I would love to watch a Chinese New Year parade!! ChinaTown in London is really awesome! I only got to quickly visit, so would like to explore more! #CityTripping
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Such a lovely sight to see! I've never seen a Chinese New Year celebration in person and I'm sure it's so exciting and entertaining. I love the colors and the costumes and everything else! Sounds like a treat!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about Chinese New Year celebrations are the vibrant bright colors, especially red. It is so eye catching and interesting to look at.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I'm surprised they have such lavish Chinese New Year celebrations in London! It rivals the ones we have here in Las Vegas with all those bright colors and a parade! Looks like it was a blast!
ReplyDeleteOhh wow what an amazing event! I love the colours and the different costumes, I would love to go and watch that parade!
ReplyDeleteWow! This seems like so much fun! I love the dragons, all the bright colours and the tradition that is associated with Chinese new year.
ReplyDeleteAttended one such parade in Taiwan and it was pure awesome. Would love to do that again. Your pictures reminded me of that day! Thanks
ReplyDeleteWow, I love attending chinese New year celebrations, they are so full of colours and are majestic. But yes arriving early with snacks is a key!
ReplyDeleteDespite the crowds and cold, I bet this was a wonderful thing to be able to experience. Great captures - such a vibrancy to them.
ReplyDeleteNever been to a London Chinese New Year celebration, but I have been to a few in Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Lovely photos, looks like a great time.
ReplyDeleteAh! This looks like it would be so amazing to attend. The colors are gorgeous, and I love how traditional their decorations are. So lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteI love old traditions like this! Something about the way that older cultures celebrate is super attractive to me as an American. There's just so much history, and rituals. And celebrations always feel really special.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a colourful and enjoyable experience. How lovely to see celebrations of different cultures in the UK.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is so vibrant and beautiful. I have never attended such parade so I am sure I am missing out some real fun. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat great pictures - somehow I never seem to be around for Chinese New Year in London, despite all the years I've lived here, I've not seen the parade. Loved learning about the lettuce! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
ReplyDeleteI'm a Malaysian of Chinese origin - it's nice to see Chinese New Year celebrations overseas especially in cosmopolitan cities such as London, NY. Love your pics of the parade - very festive! :-) #Citytripping
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to go to Chinese New Year and take my daughter who is 3, she has not yet been but I know she would of loved all the bright colours and entertainment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your Chinese New Years celebration, it is a great time of year
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