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Monday, the 8th of February sees the end to the Chinese new year of the sheep and the start to the year of the monkey in China.
If you are born in the year of the monkey you are supposed to be Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart,(according to Chinese philosophy). The Chinese New Year is the second longest holiday in China, with the new year comes huge celebrations and parades throughout China and of course the incredible firework displays around China.
The harbor is scheduled to roar with a giant half-hour-long fireworks display with lasers and choreographed building lights on the dozens of participating buildings. It is a very amazing event, It is the most important holiday for families, and more than 300,000 people watched the fireworks in 2013 when 23,888 fireworks went aloft (eight is a lucky number in China).The display in 2014 was jaw dropping with thousands upon thousands of fireworks going up, > https://youtu.be/-Nu31L3bpeE?t=6s).The main big firework display in China is held in Hong Kong over Victoria Harbor, where around 300,000 people from all over China come to see the best firework display in the country, and some would say in the world.
If you are lucky enough to witness the Chinese new year fireworks first hand in Hong Kong, then the best place to view them is at the Avenue Of Stars, the incredible amount of Chinese culture and history is really the reason why the Avenue Of Stars is the place to go, from the avenue of stars the main skyline of Hong Kong is visible over Victoria Harbor.
Travel Information
- Time: 8 PM (lasting 20 to 30 minutes)
- Transport to the Avenue of Stars: MTR, Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit L6, and then walk towards the harbor for a few minutes; or Bus 6 or 7 on Nathan Road.
If you do not live in China or are not able to see the spectacle of the Hong Kong fireworks then hope is not lost, London has the biggest celebrations for the Chinese new year outside of China.
London’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations, The huge parade in Chinatown along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue begins at 10am, with ten lion teams performing the biggest lion dance in a European public parade. From midday, Trafalgar Square will see vibrant performances from acrobats, high pole dancers and troupes from China.
This year will also see nine monkey dancers take to the stage followed by a light projection on Nelson’s Column. New Year-themed decorations, special menus and events at the area’s 100-odd restaurants, bars, cafe’s and shops, as well as all sorts of food and craft stalls fill the streets of London for one day on Sunday the 14th of February.
The Magical Chinese Lantern Festival is also incredible from Wednesday, February the 3rd, 2016 to Sunday, March the 6th, 2016
With more than 50 giant hand-sculpted lanterns on display, including an incredible 60 meter-long dragon stretched out across the lake. Life-sized flamingos, zebras, kangaroos and elephants will reside in the Animal Kingdom section. The Enchanted Forest boasts massive glowing mushrooms, plants and flowers. International food and drink available to buy, alongside unique gifts and treats. This makes the lantern festival a definite visit!
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