In Chinese astrology, each year is represented by an animal. And this year, 2023, is the Year of the Rabbit.
The Rabbit was also celebrated in 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927.
The Rabbit is traditionally a representation of longevity, peace and prosperity.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on London’s West End to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, and to wish each other “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “Sun Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese).
Enjoy the lively, fun events on offer. Watch dragon and lion dances as London is transformed.
If you’d rather avoid driving into town at this busy time, take the train and book accommodation in London’s Chinatown. But don’t delay. Book soon!
Get in the mood by wearing red….
Red is the key colour of Chinese New Year. You can accessorize with a red scarf, jumper or shoes and this will, apparently, bring good luck for the coming year. If you’re taking your children to the event, you can encourage them bring rabbit decorations or paint their faces with rabbit motifs.
And at home…..
To bring luck to your year, Chinese tradition dictates that you should buy something red for yourself or your house. Visit London’s Chinatown and do some authentic Chinese shopping. Suitable decorations for celebrating the New Year include paper-cut window grilles, lanterns and rabbit toys.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most charming parts of the West End. With its four ornate oriental archways it is like stepping into another world….. It has been London’s focus for Chinese residents since the 1950’s when a number of Chinese restaurants opened in the area. It has since become one of the capital’s major attractions. Enjoy shopping at some 70+ authentic Chinese supermarkets, gift shops and street stalls.
It is located in the City of Westminster and borders Soho to the north and west and London’s Theatreland to the south and east. Well known streets in the area include Gerrard Street, Wardour Street, Rupert Street and Rupert Court, part of Shaftesbury Avenue and Lisle Street, Macclesfield Street and Newport Place, Newport Court and Little Newport Street.
Local architecture
Chinatown has buildings and streets decorated with Chinese symbols such as dragons, stone lions, lanterns and contemporary sculptures. Look out for the distinctive street signs, which are written in English and Chinese. The ornamentation in this area offers excellent photo opportunities and gives an insight into Chinese culture and religion. This is particularly the case during seasonal celebrations.
It is an area that is easy to access by public transport. And it is easy to get around as it covers a small area, much of which is now pedestrianised.
The Chinese New Year
This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday 22 January and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on 5 February 2023.
There is entertainment across the West End and around Chinatown, as well as many pop-up food and craft stalls. You will see red lanterns on display throughout.
The main event celebrated in London is the Chinese Near Year. London’s celebrations are some of the biggest outside Asia.
Restaurants
London’s Chinatown is full of good value restaurants offering delicious fare for hungry visitors to London.
As well as restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine you will find other oriental establishments offering Vietnamese, Malaysian, Korean and Japanese fare.
Some of the most notable restaurants in Chinatown are: Baoizi Inn (Northern Chinese rustic street food including dim sum), Four Seasons (famous for roast duck), Olle (Korean barbecue with in-table grills), Golden Dragon (Cantonese and Pekinese cuisine with dim sum), Leong’s Legend (Bamboo-panelled establishment offering Taipei street food), Bubblewrap Waffle (trendy waffles filled with gelato and toppings), Plum Valley (upmarket contemporary Cantonese restaurant with extensive dim sum menu), Rasa Sayang (traditional Malaysian and Singaporean restaurant), Shu Xiangge (featuring table top cook your own Chinese hotpots), Imperial China (huge Chinese restaurant).
Chinatown is one of the most instagrammable parts of London and offers many opportunities for photographers to click away…..
Shopping
Excellent supermarkets include New Loon Moon and See Woo where you can shop for exotic ingredients, fruits, vegetables and spices.
Nearest underground stations
The closest underground stations to London’s Chinatown are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Tottenham Court Road is also fairly nearby.
Are you coming by bus?
The following buses stop nearby 14, 24, 27, 29, 134, 168, C2.
Accommodation in the area
Would you like to stay in the neighbourhood? There are some very convenient short stay apartments and hotels nearby for you to choose from.
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