Get ready to indulge in the magic of a Chinese New Year-themed afternoon tea. This festive twist on the classic tradition brings an explosion of flavors and culinary wonders, weaving together the essence of Chinese New Year in every delightful bite.

Picture a spread adorned with auspicious desserts, savory delights echoing Chinese culinary heritage, and an explosion of vibrant colors that mirror the festive spirit. It’s not just afternoon tea; it’s a jubilant feast that tantalizes taste buds and wraps you in the warm embrace of the festivities.

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center’s “Warm Winter” Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center’s Lobby Lounge presents a “Warm Winter” Chinese New Year-themed afternoon tea, featuring 14 sweet and savory treats and 15 coffee and tea options. Enjoy creative European delicacies such as lobster cream puffs, white tea raspberry mini-cakes, and citrus Italian panna cotta. Traditional Chinese snacks include steamed cakes, rice cakes, roasted radish pastries, silver ear fungus soup, and a chocolate dragon with auspicious meaning.

Chinese New Year-themed cakes from the Kempinski Deli offer both a whole “orange”-themed Big Red Robe chocolate mousse cake for sharing with friends and a single-serving Red Fruit mini-cake for personal indulgence.

Afternoon tea service until February 29. Cake service from February 5-18. For details or reservations, follow Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center’s official WeChat account.

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing’s “British Bear” Centennial Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea

The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing presents a whimsical Lunar New Year-themed afternoon tea in collaboration with a century-old toy brand – Hamleys. Indulge in delightful desserts like chocolate bears, raspberry coconut mousse cakes in lucky bag shapes, and cheesecakes in firecracker shapes. Pair these with savory options like foie gras puff pastry and homemade beetroot salmon with avocado. The tea set also includes two Lunar New Year gift baskets with premium ingredients such as Chinese sausage, Jinhua ham, sea cucumber, and abalone, along with handmade desserts and champagne.

Afternoon tea service until March 10. Gift basket service until February 15. For afternoon tea details or reservations, call 010-59088180. For gift basket details or reservations, call 010-59088161.

NUO Hotel Beijing’s “Auspicious Dragon” Chinese New Year Limited Afternoon Tea

NUO Hotel Beijing’s Lobby Bar introduces the “Auspicious Dragon” Chinese New Year limited afternoon tea, blending Chinese flavors with Western-style pastries. The tea set features creatively shaped items like firecrackers, candied hawthorns, and lucky mandarins made from Chinese ingredients like persimmons and hawthorns.

Afternoon tea service until February 24. For details or reservations call 010-59268281.

Hilton Beijing’s New Chinese Afternoon Tea

Hilton Beijing’s afternoon tea brings a touch of red to this winter. The rich Chinese red tea aroma fills the air, combined with six kinds of dried fruit preserves and four classic desserts for a delightful chat. Seasonal fruits act as a finale, filling the mouth with sweet juice, awakening the taste buds, and refreshing both the mind and body.

Available until March 31. For reservations or inquiries, scan the QR code on the poster.

Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel’s “Dunhuang Reflections” Collaborative Afternoon Tea

Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel collaborates with the Dunhuang Art Academy to present the “Dunhuang Reflections” art exhibition. The hotel also introduces a collaborative afternoon tea, using micro-landscapes to depict a sunset camel caravan. This creative fusion of contemporary Chinese and Western elements connects art and food.

Afternoon tea service until February 29. Reservation are required 24 hours in advance. For more information or reservations, call 010-57988996.

Peninsula Beijing’s Paper Folding-Themed Afternoon Tea in Partnership With Mr. Liu Tong

Peninsula Beijing collaborates with Chinese origami artist Mr. Liu Tong to create the dragon paper folding-themed Lunar New Year afternoon tea. Traditional paper folding art and valley philosophy are creatively presented in a feast for the taste buds, featuring delicacies such as coconut pineapple Peninsula hat cakes, red currant hawthorn chocolate mousse cakes, and raspberry hazelnut white chocolate cakes displayed in an origami-style afternoon tea stand.

Afternoon tea service until March 10. For details or reservations, follow Peninsula Beijing’s official WeChat account by scanning the QR code.

Empark Prime Hotel Beijing’s Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea

Located on the first floor of Empark Hotel, the Mansion is the perfect place to gather with friends for a relaxing break. They are introducing a Chinese New Year-themed afternoon tea, where a variety of colorful desserts carry blessings. Enjoy a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors while indulging in light conversations during the leisurely afternoon.

Afternoon tea service available until February 29th. For details and reservations, scan the QR code on the poster.

Images: courtesy of hotels

In the heart of Beijing’s vibrant cultural tapestry lies a time-honored tradition that beckons families to partake in the joyous festivities of the Chinese New Year – the annual Temple Fairs. It’s a place to explore traditional performances, eat local treats, and soak up the festivities of the holiday season.

Want to check out a few of Beijing’s famous temple fairs? Here’s a handy cheat sheet on this year’s festivities … by the way, we were unable to find specific hours for each fair, so your best bet would be to turn up midday as they could take some time to get going in the morning and are likely to wrap up in late afternoon.

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic. 

In Chinese culture, the celebration of the Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in traditions and symbolism, and one culinary element that takes center stage during these festivities is fish. Eating fish during the Chinese New Year is considered an essential and promising practice, laden with symbolic meaning. The Chinese word for fish, 鱼 yú, sounds similar to the word for abundance, 余 yú, making it a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. As a result, fish dishes, particularly whole steamed fish, are prominently featured on New Year’s Eve feasts. This straightforward dish is healthy and delicious. Check out this recipe with our recommendation of kid-friendly fish (the ones without the teeny-tiny bones).

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (such as sea bass or tilapia), cleaned and scaled
• 3 slices of ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Pro Tip: We recommend using sea bass or tilapia since these two types of fish are mild in flavor and don’t have small bones. To make your fish extra flavorful, we recommend making cuts or slashes along the sides of the fish to help the flavors penetrate and to make it easier to eat.

Instructions:

1. Clean the fish thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Make 2-3 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, ensuring they go through to the bone. This helps the flavors penetrate the fish.
3. Place the fish on a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer.
4. Scatter ginger slices and half of the green onions over the fish.
5. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and salt until well combined.
6. Pour the sauce over the fish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
7. Bring water to a boil in your steamer. Once boiling, place the dish with the fish into the steamer, cover, and steam for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
8. Carefully remove the dish from the steamer, sprinkle the remaining green onions and fresh cilantro over the fish.
9. Serve the steamed fish with the sauce from the dish poured over the top.

Curious about more CNY foods? Check out this article on traditional CNY foods. 

Images: Bing, Uni You

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic.

Lion dancing has been an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities for centuries. Rooted in ancient folklore and martial arts, this vibrant and dynamic art form combines the grace of dance with the symbolic power of the lion. Emerging from the heart of Chinese culture, lion dancing is not just a captivating spectacle but a deeply symbolic expression that embodies luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

As the lion dancers move in tandem to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, the mythical creature comes to life, captivating audiences with its lively movements and energetic spirit. It’s an essential part of celebrating Chinese New Year and here’s where you can see it in Beijing.

The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun on Feb 4 from 11am-1pm

To celebrate the upcoming year of the Dragon, BSB Sanlitun is hosting a Chinese New Year Temple Fair on Sunday, Feb 4, from 11am-1pm. This is a free-entry community event – everyone is welcome! Come along and bring your friends and family to enjoy dragon and lion dances, kung fu, and face-changing performances, as well as Chinese arts and crafts for children! Shop for some authentic gifts and enjoy traditional Chinese food!

Find it:
Primary Campus: 5 Xiliu Jie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

Conrad Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 10.18am

In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Conrad is pulling out all the stops for an extravagant celebration. Brace yourself for the mesmerizing presence of lion dancers and the auspicious blessings from the Goddess of Fortune as they grace the hotel with their well wishes for the upcoming year. The festivities will kick off right in the heart of the hotel, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for all.

Find it:
29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路29号

Empark Prime Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.19am

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with an exhilarating lion dance performance scheduled for Sunday, Feb 10, at 8:19am in the lobby. You are warmly invited to witness this auspicious performance and receive blessings from the lively lion as well as greetings from the God of Fortune.

Find it:
2 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街2号

Hilton Beijing on Feb 10 at 9.58am

Hilton Beijing has created a host of fun and entertaining activities to ensure an auspicious year ahead. The highlight of this year’s celebrations is the Lion Dance which takes place outside the hotel lobby. This traditional Chinese New Year welcome will surely get the Year of the Dragon off to a spectacular start! You’ll be amazed at the incredible acrobatic moves and performances choreographed with utmost precision to crashing cymbals and drums. So come to the Lobby and celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival!

Find it:
1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号

Hotel Jen on Feb 10 at 9.28am

Join the festive spirit at Hotel Jen’s lobby! Experience the energy of traditional lion dancing without a cost. Don’t miss this captivating celebration as they welcome the new year in style. Best of all, this captivating celebration comes to you entirely for free. Gather with family and friends for an unforgettable experience in welcoming the New Year.

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

Sheraton Grand Dongcheng on Feb 10 at 10.58am 

On the first day of the Lunar New Year at 10:58am, Sheraton will be hosting their annual lion dancing. Swing by to soak in the festivities to celebrate the new year, meet the God of Fortune, and catch the lively lion dance in action!

Find it:
36 Beisanhuan Lu, Dongcheng District
东城区北三环路36号

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.28am

Embrace the New Year early in the morning at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing as they unfold a mesmerizing symphony of colors and energy. Brace yourself for a feast of sight and sound with a spectacular lion dance that will set the stage for a year filled with joy, prosperity, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Find it:
48 Liangma Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路48号

The Peninsula Beijing on Feb 15 at 11am

The rhythmic drums are beating in unison, the dragon is soaring, and the lion is leaping. It’s an auspicious way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the Chinese Year of the Dragon. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, The Peninsula Beijing continues its tradition of creating memorable occasions for guests by presenting a dragon and lion dance performance celebrating the spirit of Spring Festival. Guests and their families can enjoy the colourful festive show by a professional dance troupe inspired by traditional Chinese folk customs.

The opening drumbeat at the auspicious hour of 11am will herald the start of the spectacular dragon and lion dance performance at The Peninsula Beijing forecourt. This follows a traditional “dotting of the eyes” ceremony performed by the hotel’s general manager and management team to herald the lion’s birth.

Find it:
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号

Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing on Feb 19 at 9.38am

For those who like to greet the day with an early start, the lion dancers will kick off the festivities right in the hotel’s lobby. And here’s a special perk for the early birds: discover the hidden gem of Townsquare Cafe on the ground floor of Artyzen. Doors open at 6:30 am, this charming spot offers a delightful breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, refreshing juices, and robust coffees – the perfect way to kickstart your day on a delicious note.

Find it:
Building 11, No.1 Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京东城区香河园街1号院11号楼

East Beijing Hotel on Feb 20 at 2.28pm

The duo of lions will commence their vibrant routine in the hotel lobby before gracefully making their way to Domain and Feast on the 2nd floor, spreading joy and festive energy throughout the venue.

Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Images: Courtesy of organizers, Bing, Pexels

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic. 

The Year of the Wood Dragon is about to be everywhere. In the spirit of Chinese New Year and the blessings that it brings, let’s delve into a collection of lucky greetings that will add a touch of good fortune and joy to your year to come. Keep these handy when you want to impress your Chinese-speaking friends for Chinese New Year.

财源滚滚 (Cáiyuán Gǔngǔn) – Rolling in Prosperity

财源滚滚 (Cáiyuán gǔngǔn) signifies an abundance of wishes for wealth and prosperity. Share this phrase to wish your friends financial success and good fortune for the coming year.

龙腾虎跃 (Lóngténg Hǔyuè) – Soaring Like the Dragon and Tiger

Encourage your loved ones to reach new heights with 龙腾虎跃 (lóngténg hǔyuè), a phrase that visualizes the dragon and tiger soaring together. This phrase expresses courage, strength, and success as people navigate the challenges and opportunities of the year.

恭贺新禧 (Gōnghè Xīnxǐ) – Congratulations and Best Wishes for the New Year

Wrap up your greetings with the classic 恭贺新禧 (gōnghè xīnxǐ) which means to extend your best wishes for the New Year. This versatile phrase encompasses overall good fortune and is a perfect way to conclude your heartfelt messages.

Then there is the more classic Chinese New Year greeting that works for any zodiac year.

恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ Fācái) – Wishing You Prosperity

恭喜发财 (gōngxǐ fācái) translates to “wishing you prosperity!” This classic phrase is the most simple way to convey your sincere wishes for wealth and success to your friends and family.

So there you have it, an arsenal of lucky greetings for the Year of the Dragon!

We wish you a year filled with the magic of 财源滚滚 (Cái Yuán Gǔn Gǔn) and the vitality of 身体龙马精神 (Shēn Tǐ Lóng Mǎ Jīng Shén). Here’s to a dragon-sized dose of luck, success, and all-around awesomeness in the coming year!

Images: Pexels, Bing

As we gear up for Chinese New Year, there’s this awesome tradition that’s the most satisfying prep step leading up to the big holiday – decluttering! So, here’s the deal: Getting rid of all the extra stuff isn’t just about making your home neater; it’s also meant to bring in good luck for the coming year. Think of it as a total reset button for your space and your vibes. By tossing out the old, you’re making way for all the new cool stuff the coming year has in store. So, let’s get rid of the clutter, welcome in the good juju, and kick off the lunar calendar with nothing but good vibes!

Want a tip on how to efficiently declutter your home? Check out this cheat sheet from Astra Holmes.

What do you do with all the stuff you’ve decided to get rid of? You can join one of the many buy-sell WeChat groups or you can give your things a second chance with a new family by donating them to Roundabout.

Roundabout is essentially Beijing’s very own Salvation Army. This volunteer-run organization takes pre-owned things and sells them out of their giant warehouse store in Shunyi and through their mini-program on WeChat. And the best part of all is the proceeds they make go right back into the community, helping those less fortunate. It’s a win-win-win for everyone!

If you’ve got a big bundle of stuff to donate, they’ll even send a truck to pick it up. Scan the QR code below to get in touch with the Roundabout pickup team.

Pro tip: Get eco-friendly and organize a drop-off point in your building so all your neighbors can declutter together.

Leading up to Chinese New Year, Roundabout will be closed Feb 7-21, and they won’t be able to do pickup during that time. But their big blue donation baskets will still be in front of the store, and you’re welcome to drop off your donations there anytime.

What CAN You Donate to Roundabout?

• Daily necessities: working electronic products, washed clothes, kitchen supplies, bags, shoes, hats, all sorts of furniture, storage supplies, bedding, electric heating lamps, etc.
• Children’s equipment: child car seats and strollers, puzzles, toys, and games.
• Outdoor sports equipment: bicycles, helmets, swimming equipment, ski equipment, etc.
• Jewelry: jewelry, crafts, interior decorations, ornaments, works of art.
• Others: fitness equipment, animal products (non-perishable), gardening equipment, outdoor furniture, etc.

Things Roundabout Won’t Accept:

• Broken daily necessities. Please make sure all electronic donations are in working condition. Damaged furniture or furniture with missing parts, old phones, tablets, and other such items aren’t accepted.
• Clothing: underwear, socks, pajamas, and other personalized items that are not brand new.
•  Stationary: back issues of magazines, exercise books, school textbooks, advertising albums, non-book accessories, damaged or stained toys.
• Children’s equipment: dirty or old child seats, puzzles, and games that are missing parts.
• Outdoor sports equipment: anything that cannot be properly used or is incomplete.
• Jewelry: incomplete jewelry.
• Others: things that aren’t meant to be reused or are damaged.

Images: Roundabout, Bing, Pexels

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic.

Drumroll, please! The highly anticipated results of this year’s Hongbao Survey are in! We asked the Beijing community how much they’re putting in each person’s hongbao for Chinese New Year (or if they’re putting in anything at all). Be sure to check out this post and some of our picks of this year’s coolest hongbaos. 

Images: Bing, Joey Guo

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic. 

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, family reunions, and vibrant celebrations. In Beijing, this holiday is marked not only by colorful festivities but also by a rich culinary tradition. The city comes alive with the aroma of special dishes that have been passed down through generations, each holding symbolic significance.

The culinary traditions of Chinese New Year vary between Northern and Southern China, reflecting the diverse cultural and regional influences across the vast country.

In Northern China, particularly in cities like Beijing, dumplings take center stage during the celebrations. Families come together to make them with their family’s signature stuffing, representing prosperity. Additionally, steamed fish (qingzheng yu) is a common feature on Northern Chinese New Year tables, symbolizing abundance and unity.

On the other hand, Southern China, exemplified by cities like Guangzhou, embraces a sweeter palette. Sticky rice cake (nian gao) is a beloved delicacy, emphasizing the wish for growth and good luck. Additionally, Southern Chinese New Year feasts often include various sweet treats, reflecting the region’s penchant for desserts. While both regions share the joy of family reunions and the symbolism behind certain dishes, the nuances in flavors and ingredients showcase the rich diversity within China’s culinary tapestry. So let’s take a look at what you’re about to feast on in Beijing.

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without the presence of jiaozi. In Beijing, families often gather to make these dumplings together on CNY eve, turning the activity into a bonding experience. Jiaozi symbolize wealth and prosperity, making them a must-have dish for the New Year.

Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Nian gao, or sticky rice cake, holds a special place in Beijing’s New Year celebrations. This sweet and chewy treat is believed to bring good luck and growth in the coming year. Often sliced into rounds or squares and pan-fried, nian gao is enjoyed for its symbolic significance as the Chinese word for sticky (黏 nián) sounds like year (年 nián), signifying the promise of a better and more prosperous year ahead.

Qingzheng Yu (Steamed Fish)

Steamed fish, known as qingzheng yu, is a staple on the Chinese New Year menu in Beijing. The Chinese word for fish, 鱼 yú, sounds like the word for surplus (余 yú), symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Families often choose a whole fish, representing unity and completeness. The fish is typically steamed and served with soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, creating a flavorful and auspicious dish. This dish is incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing a recipe for this in the coming days.

Cabbage

Chinese cabbage (baicai) is often included in New Year’s dishes for its association with wealth and prosperity. The pronunciation of cabbage (白 ​bái) in Chinese is similar to the word for hundreds (百 bǎi) or “wealth.” Stir-fried baicai is a common dish during the festival, bringing not only a burst of color to the table but also a representation of financial success in the coming year.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a symbol of wealth and prosperity due to their resemblance to gold bars. They are often eaten during the New Year festivities. Plus, they’re delicious and easy to make. We always have a packet of frozen ones in the freezer.

As Beijing welcomes the Chinese New Year, the city’s residents embrace a culinary journey that goes beyond mere sustenance.

Traditional foods not only tantalize the taste buds but also carry deep symbolic meanings, connecting families to their cultural heritage. From the auspicious jiaozi to the symbolic nian gao, each dish tells a story of hope, prosperity, and the promise of a bright future in the heart of the Chinese capital.

Images: Pexels, Bing

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic.

At first, this one didn’t seem that cool. It looks like a box that’s shaped like a gold brick. But to get the money out, you roll it on a flat surface, and the money gets laid out in front of you like a neat stack of poker cards.