Lunar New Year in London
Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year is one of China’s biggest celebrations. It holds great importance and is considered as an auspicious occasion for the Chinese. As London is largely populated by Asian immigrants, the UK metropolis is also seen participating in this festivity.
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The Lunar New Year also known as the Spring Festival usually comes around the first months of the year. The Chinese festivities are organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association on a massive scale attracting many locals and tourists. The vibrant and loud celebrations usually take place in the Charing Cross Road, make their way through Shaftesbury Avenue and end the parade in Trafalgar Square Londoners waited long for this festival parade and often stay in budget hotels in south Kensington for long stays in London.
From costumed parades to multiple folklores and traditional dance performances; the Lunar New Year Celebrations in London must not be missed! We have listed below some of the activities you can indulge in during this festivity.
Chinese New Year Parade in London
Devour Authentic Chinese Food
Chinese food is more than just your usual takeout food. If you’re looking to taste and experience authentic Chinese cuisine, then the Lunar festival is where you should head. You will come across many pop-up restaurants and hawkers that sell scrumptious Peking Chicken, dim sums, dumplings, and more! So, keep a pair of chopsticks ready and try out all the delicious snacks that you see on the way.
Learn About Chinese-British History
The Chinese-British history dates back to almost two decades. The Chinese community settled in London as sailors who shipped rice, tea, milk, and porcelain from their homeland to the British state. Soon the settlements began to increase which led to a densely populated area, known as Chinatown today. The Chinese settlers mainly resided near the Docklands in the East End of London.
Shopping at Chinatown
If you’re thinking to purchase local Chinese ingredients and dainty porcelain pots, then Chinatown is your place to go. Visit the New Loon Moon supermarket, the Red Blossom Tea, and the See Woo supermarkets at Chinatown and gaze at the Chinese variety sourced directly from China. Get your hands on the exotic spices, and rich sauces used in authentic Chinese cooking. This place is also ideal if you’re looking to spend some money on top-quality hand-made tea sets. Chinatown is just few tube station away from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington via direct tube.
Get Your Nails Done
Chinatown’s nail salons are a must-visit. Their 3D nail salons are a great place to get your nails done at a cheaper price. Get yourself a refreshing mani-pedi and a soothing body massage at these local Chinese salons and relax from your stressful daily routine.
Karaoke Fun
Karaoke is a must-do activity for Chinese youngsters. This is a very popular Chinese tradition where people enjoy getting drunk and singing their hearts out after dinners at bars and pubs. You can experience the same at Plum Valley in London where you can indulge in their delectable dim sum variety, taste their aged Sake in their crazy karaoke rooms equipped with a blasting sound speaker system ready for you to test your singing capabilities.