The dragon dance scared and entertained me as a child. If you’ve ever witnessed one, how did it make you feel?

As a child, my memory of celebrating the Chinese New Year was confined to consuming boxes of nian gao (sweet sticky rice cakes dipped in egg batter and then pan fried to golden perfection) and moon cakes, wearing something red, and going to Chinatown to watch the dragon dance make its way through the streets, warding off evil spirits.

Though I always had fun, it also always perplexed my young mind why the Chinese New Year didn’t coincide with the regular New Year on January 1. Today, I know that the former follows a lunar calendar whereas the latter is based on the Gregorian calendar.

On February 14 (Valentine’s day, no less), I will wear red again, and so will people from many parts of Asia, welcoming the year of the Tiger.  Many predictions are being made on how fortunate this year is going to be for us. I for one am all for positive thoughts, looking forward to a bright year.

To celebrate, I may just join one of these festivities. If you know of any festivities that you feel will outdo any in this list, please drop me a line or a link here, on Facebook or Twitter to spread the luck around.

Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone!

China
Celebrated as a 3 week-long public holiday. The meals served during this time symbolize prosperity, fortune, happiness and longevity, the four things the Chinese people hold very dear. Beyond the New Year spread are parades, fireworks displays, themed tours, flower markets, and sporting events.

You might also like Essential Beijing Tour, Best of Shanghai Day Tour, and Hangzhou, Heaven on Earth Day Tour.

Taiwan
Major temples open their doors at the stroke of midnight on Lunar New year’s Eve. Tradition says, the first person to place incense sticks into the temple censer will be blessed with good luck throughout the year. Food tripping on Dihua Street, loudspeaker broadcast of traditional music associated, and end-of-year mall sales also characterize the festivities. What fun!

Want to see more of Taiwan? Try the Taroko Gorge Day Tour.

Thailand
Apart from dragon dances, burning of firecrackers and the consumption of copious amounts of food, the festivities include martial arts demonstrations, parades, exhibitions, floats, and Chinese Opera performances.

You might also wish to explore the Grand Palace and Temples , Ayuthaya (onward by coach, return by cruise) and 6 Days Around Thailand.

Vietnam
A different sort of celebration happens in Vietnam, where New Year’s Day is referred to as “Tet.” Tet is considered the ultimate holiday, lasting from three days to a week. Tradition forbids sweeping during Tet, as it symbolizes sweeping the luck away. Public performances, usually commissioned by prosperous families, and firework displays color the season.

You might also wish to discover Hanoi City Private Tour, Halong Bay Overnight Cruise – Jewel of the Bay, and Hoi An Walking Tour of the Ancient Town.

Malaysia
Penang is the place to be. Visitors can expect fireworks displays, cultural performances, and traditional lion and dragon dances. Many households are decorated with Chinese lanterns and red carpets. As with other countries celebrating the Chinese New Year, Malaysia’s night sky lights up with thousands of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. A must-see are performances featuring classical music or cultural dances, staged at shopping centers all over Kuala Lumpur, and the elaborate decorations sported by shopping complexes, supermarkets and even buses to up the festive mood.

You might wish to see more of Malaysia with Kuala Lumpur City Highlights, Historical Malacca tour and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park activity.

       

Tags: China, Chinese New Year, Chinese New Year Activities, Chinese New Year Destinations, Chinese New Year Travel Ideas, Chinese New Year Travel Tips, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam