Welcome to the online home of the China National Tourist Office in London's Spring Festival celebrations. Discover our fascinating Spring Festival content, learn more about the culture and history of this much-treasured tradition, and find inspiration to celebrate Spring Festival at home with your friends or family. This year's Lunar New Year festivities shall begin on Saturday the 10th of February 2024.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon! Dragons are known as noble and strong creatures in the Chinese zodiac. 2024 is predicted to be a year of opportunity as dragons are symbols of luck, intelligence, and power. Those born in the year of the dragon are believed to be ambitious, knowledgeable, adventurous, and charming!
We hope you all have a prosperous Year of the Dragon, filled with happy memories and marvellous achievements.
Find details of all of the magnificent Chinese New Year events from ourselves and our treasured partners, including what to expect, and how you can get involved in the harmonious spirit of Spring Festival.
Event Schedule
To commemorate the Year of the Dragon, China National Tourist Office London and its partners are proud to present a rich programme of fantastic events. China’s Spring Festival this year begins on Saturday the 10th of February 2024, this traditional celebration reminds us to cherish loved ones near and far. Keep on reading to find out where you can take part!
East Wind IV Concert: All Things in Harmony
The name of the concert is taken from the novel "East Wind: West Wind" by American writer Pearl Sydenstricker Buck, who used her writing to introduce China to Westerners and explore the subtlety and elegance of Chinese women, as well as the beauty of the cultural differences between the East and the West.
Inspired by her, the concert has taken the title "East Wind" from her book. The event is committed to promoting cultural understanding and cooperation between China and the West. We present Chinese culture, history and philosophy through music.
East Wind presents ‘All Things in Harmony’, a concert marrying East and West, ancient and modern, nature and technology through century-old poems and new music to bring into focus the concept of coexistence of home, hope, harmony, and health in honour of Chinese New Year 2024.
When: Saturday 10th of Feb 2024 19:00 - 20:30
Where: St John's Smith Square, SW1P 3HA, London
Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City
Opening on the 1st of February 2024 at the London Science Museum, Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍 will reveal the skills, design and inner mechanisms at the heart of these opulent constructions which combined timekeeping, music and movement in a triumph of artistry and spectacle.
Turn back the hands of time and discover a beautiful exhibition of mechanical marvels... In the 1700s, China’s emperors collected ornate clockwork automata known as zimingzhong and cherished them for their intricate design and technical innovation.
The Science Museum in London presents a new exhibition Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City showcasing a unique collection of 23 stunning pieces, on display in the UK together for the first time.
This exhibition invites you to discover the outward beauty and inner workings of these centuries-old timepieces and their historic role in early cultural exchanges between Britain and China. Translating as “bells that ring themselves”, zimingzhongs were far more than just clocks; they combined timekeeping with sophisticated musical technology and flamboyant aesthetics. Their designs incorporated motifs such as cranes and lotus flowers, expressing British perceptions of a Chinese culture that held powerful sway over the country’s imagination.
When:
Opening ceremony Thursday 1st February 17:00
Late event Thursday 1st February 18:30 - 22:00
Exhibition open until Sunday 2nd June 2024
Where: Science Museum
China-UK International Music Festival
The 6th annual China-UK International Music Festival (CUIMF) shall take place in 2024 and shall be made up of an exciting opening ceremony, a music competition, a fascinating lecture, and traditional concerts. The lecture and concerts are presented as part of UK Chinese New Year celebrations, under the new "Nihao China!" brand. This year's event features performances by Yang Yue, an erhu player from the School of Arts at Sun Yat-Sen University, and Ruan Mingyuan, an accordionist. Through the music festival, performers will engage in in-depth exchanges with Western musicians and music enthusiasts, spreading Chinese culture, and sharing compelling stories about China.
When:
Ruan Mingyuan's Accordion Concert Thursday 1st February 2024
Erhu Performer Yang Yue's Lecture Concert Friday 2nd February 2024
Gold Award Spring Festival Concert Tuesday 6th February 2024
Where: Various venues in London
Book tickets here.
Chinese New Year London Bus Campaign
To celebrate Chinese New Year events in the UK in 2024, and to promote the national tourism logo "Nihao China!" China National Tourist Office London will be running a vibrant bus campaign in London from January 29th to February 12th.
During this period, 50 London buses will feature the "Nihao China!" emblem, the Happy Chinese New Year symbol, the “JiXiang Long/Lucky Dragon” logo, and more! The buses will pass through London landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
The iconic red London buses will perfectly correspond with the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, bringing New Year blessings to the people of China and the UK.
When: January 29th - February 12th 2024
Where: London
Burlington Arcade Spring Festival Pop-Up
As one of the oldest arcades in the world and a significant national landmark, Burlington Arcade is set to collaborate with The UK Chinese Embassy and become a bridge connecting Chinese and Western culture. As the Year of the Dragon approaches in 2024, Burlington Arcade announces a series of exciting creative activities to commemorate the Lunar New Year.
On 10th February 2024, London will be adorned in brilliant Chinese red to welcome the Chinese New Year of the Dragon. This traditional festival is not only a grand celebration for the global Chinese community, but also a profound reflection on culture, emotion, and
history.
On the afternoon of 9th February, a Chinese calligraphy artist will be painting the Chinese character "福" (fu), symbolising good fortune, and presenting them as precious gifts to the Arcade’s visitors. This is not just a performance of calligraphy; it also honours the essence of traditional Chinese culture. The character "福" (fu) is the soul of the Spring Festival culture, representing people's wishes for a good life.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, at 11 am on 10th February, the UK Chinese Embassy will host a special New Year event at Burlington Arcade. Chinese artists will be invited to perform traditional Yingge dance. Sixteen dancers will fly from Guangzhou to London, including national representative inheritor Laifa Chen, to present this New Year’s delight. All visitors to the arcade can enjoy an hour-long dance performance, an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite charm of Chinese art.
When: Friday 9th - Saturday 10th February 2024
Where: Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Lunar New Year
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery celebrate the Lunar New Year with a feast of spectacular performances, stalls, and festivities.
The weekend will feature vibrant song and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts, and educational activities about Chinese culture and heritage.
There will also be a delicious Chinese-inspired menu and beautiful Chinese goods for sale in the museum shop.
This event is sponsored by The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England and supported by China National Tourist Office London and Make it China.
When: Saturday 17th Feb 10:00 - 16:30 & Sunday 18th Feb 10:00 - 16:30
Where: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Sheffield Spring Festival
Performances from Chengdu
Sheffield is excited to be part of Chinese Lunar New Year festivities across the city. To celebrate, we're delighted this year to introduce the compelling talent of a troupe of performers from Chengdu who will engage in thrilling acrobatics and enigmatic traditional art forms.
Chengdu's history and culture, tourist attractions, and special cuisine will be explored, as a famous city of gastronomy, culture, fashion, and history, giving guests a comprehensive understanding of Chengdu.
Find out more below.
Panda Paradise
The internationally renowned giant panda is not only a national treasure of China but also plays a crucial role in China's diplomatic efforts. Adorned in two sets of panda puppet costumes, the acrobatic performers, with a charming demeanour, engage in entertaining and interactive acts such as unicycle riding and handstands on the stage. Through their performance, they showcase the unique charm of giant pandas.
Dragon's Power
Chinese traditional acrobatics has a long history, spanning thousands of years. This program is themed around strength and skill, showcasing the power of China. Talented Chinese acrobatic artists perform this incredible feat of fitness to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
Jiu Jitsu Girl
Contortion, as an ancient and traditional art form in China, formally developed during the Western Zhou period, matured in the Sui Dynasty, flourished in the Tang Dynasty, and entered the imperial court during the Song Dynasty. As a traditional act within the acrobatic family, it is hailed as "body art that transcends limits."
Sichuan Opera Changing-Faces
Sichuan Opera is one of the traditional Chinese opera genres popular in the eastern and central parts of Sichuan, Chongqing, as well as parts of Guizhou and Yunnan. "Changing Faces" is a special technique in Sichuan Opera used to reveal the inner thoughts and emotions of characters. It transforms invisible and intangible abstract emotions and mental states into visible and tangible images, using facial masks.
When: Saturday 10th - Monday 12th February 2024
Where: Meadowhall Shopping Mall, Sheffield University Octagon Centre, & Sheffield Peace Garden
Glasgow Chinese New Year Celebrations
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Glasgow, Scotland!
When: February 2024
Where: Glasgow
Jersey Lunar New Year Festival
Jersey Lunar New Year Festival 2024 is back for its second annual edition! The event shall embark on a cultural journey to engage young minds and the broader community in Jersey.
The event will explore the vibrant traditions with nuances of cultural context. Jersey New Year Festival 2023 was a resounding success that set the stage for this year's festivities. Some of the highlights were the community's enthusiastic involvement and celebration of the cultural heritage.
As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, Jersey has prepared 15 days of captivating celebrations, running from the 10th to the 24th of February. The programme promises a feast of sights, sounds, and experiences, all steeped in cultural heritage, including traditional dragon & lion dances and Asian food markets.
Our red envelope initiative is a nod to the tradition, infusing local commerce with festive spirit through special offers and prizes. This initiative will spread joy and boost community engagement. The children's activity booklet offers a fun and educational way to learn about Lunar New Year. The national dancing troupe from Inner Mongolia will further explore beloved and vibrant Chinese culture.
When: Saturday 10th February - Saturday 24th February 2024
Where: Jersey
Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival
2024 marks the 6th edition of the Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival. From the 3rd to the 24th of February, the city will be infused with the vibrant spirit of the Chinese New Year.
The Festival boasts a diverse array of cultural activities, including the Chinese New Year Concert at the Usher Hall and the Royal Botanic Garden, special cultural events at the Mound, dragon and lion dances at St James Quarter, a Bilingual Ceilidh at St Cecilia Hall, as well as opportunities to experience calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Tai Chi. Additionally, numerous shops and brands will launch Chinese New Year-themed campaigns and sales events.
The festival programme will be a mix of offline and online events, promotions, outdoor celebrations and exclusive offers.
When: Saturday 3rd February - Saturday 24th February 2024
Where: Edinburgh
Edinburgh Chinese New Year Concert
Through the celebration of Chinese New Year, we hope that more people will understand Chinese culture and festivals, as this event provides an opportunity for Chinese people living in Scotland to celebrate together.
The Edinburgh official Chinese New Year celebration began in 2016 and has now become a unique, inclusive and international festival event in Edinburgh that attracts tourists from China, Europe and even around the world.
Edinburgh has been focusing on the development and collaboration of music in the community for many years. This year, they have secured an opportunity for students at the Royal Conservatory of Music to perform alongside ESO. This is not only a chance for children to perform on an international stage, but also an opportunity for them to experience Chinese New Year celebrations firsthand, increasing the cohesion of the Chinese community in Edinburgh.
When: Saturday 10th February 2024 19:30
Where: Usher Hall, Edinburgh
London Chinese New Year Celebrations
London Chinatown Chinese Association will host the largest celebration outside Asia for the Chinese New Year of the Dragon on Sunday 11th February 2024. The Community Celebrations of Chinese New Year in London is organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association and is supported by The Mayor of London and the City of Westminster.
London celebrations will see vibrant parade, traditional customs, phenomenal performances, lion dancing, martial arts, musical talents, and more!
The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, fortune, and success. Our theme for the 2024 celebrations is "Roaring into Sustainable Prosperity and Empowering Youth.”
When: Sunday 11th February 2024
Where: London
Didi & Friends Chinese New Year Concert
The Didi & Friends Chinese New Year Concert with Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra is an annual performance that aims to celebrate Chinese culture with a wider audience, build friendships and encourage mutual respect. It was founded in 2012 by classical pianist Di Xiao, supported by the China Institute and held at the Elgar Hall of the University of Birmingham.
Each Year the show invites talent from a spectrum of artistic genres, including classical, traditional, jazz, folk, pop music, and traditional Chinese face-changing. This popular show has sold out every year since its inception and has become a signature event in the West Midlands Lunar Year calendar!
In 2018, with the support of the Arts Council, the Bridge project was created, with artists going on a national tour to concert venues, schools, community centres, and online, sharing Chinese culture and art with tens of thousands of people.
This year the show will celebrate its 12th anniversary with the famous and uplifting 'Yellow River Concerto' performed by the Birmingham Philharmonic, under the baton of conductor Daniele Rosina.
More info here.
When: Thursday 8th February 2024 19:00 - 20:00
Where: Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham
A Bite of China
As an important sub-brand of the "Happy Chinese New Year" global events, "A Bite of China" aims to promote Chinese culinary cultures internationally. Since its launch in 2016, it has been successfully held in more than 20 countries, becoming a significant platform to deepen the understanding of Chinese culture. In 2019 and 2020, the Chinese Embassy in the UK, in collaboration with the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel in London, successfully organized two editions of the "A Bite of China" events, featuring star chefs from China showcasing the process of Chinese cuisine preparation, with guests tasting the dishes.
"A Bite of China" 2024 will invite six master chefs from the Shenzhen Culinary Association, specializing in Cantonese cuisine. On February 2nd, a tasting event will be held at the Loggia, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel. On February 5th, the team will conduct a Cantonese cuisine master class at the City of Bristol College, where the chefs will teach classic Cantonese cooking methods to the students, and guests will be invited to taste the dishes.
A Bite of China is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the UK and supported by Shen Zhen Culinary Association and Bright Courtyard Club.
When: Friday 2nd February 2024
Where: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Cantonese Cuisine Master Class
On February 5th, the team from A Bite of China will conduct a Cantonese cuisine master class at the City of Bristol College, where the chefs will teach classic Cantonese cooking methods to the students, and guests will be invited to taste the dishes.
When: Monday 5th February 2024
Where: City of Bristol College
National Maritime Museum Lunar New Year
On February 3rd, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich will present a splendid Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring lion dances, ribbon dances, martial arts, Peking Opera Guifei Zuijiu, handicrafts, storytelling, tea ceremonies, mah-jong lessons, and more.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich will also host a Chinese Astronomy planetarium show, guiding you through subjects in ancient and modern Chinese astronomy, including the Sun, Moon, stars and space exploration.
When: Saturday 3rd February 2024 10:00 - 17:00
Where: National Maritime Museum, London
Where Land Meets Sea:
Chongqing Dragon Dance in the UK
Where Land Meets Sea - Chinese Dragon Dance in UK 2024 is a Chongqing Culture Promotion Event that shall take place during the Year of the Dragon! The festivity will feature spectacular dragon dance performances during the Chinese New Year parades, Trafalgar Square celebrations, and the London Eye lighting ceremony on 8th February.
As a representative of Chinese New Year customs and culture, the Chongqing Tongliang dragon will also be showcased in static, presenting the charm of Chinese culture and Chongqing.
The Chongqing Tongliang Dragon dance was included in the first edition of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006, and it has been presented in Beijing for the National Day celebration four times, as well as travelling to more than 30 countries and regions.
Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the UK and supported by Shen Zhen Culinary Association and Bright Courtyard Club.
When: Thursday 8th February, Saturday 10th February, & Sunday 11th February 2024
Where: London
Spring Festival Artwork
Spring Festival Paintings
These delightful paintings by talented Chinese artists reveal the stories of Spring Festival with scenes of quality family time, harvest celebrations, winter frolicking, countryside culture, farming tea, inheriting intangible cultural heritages, fishing, and relaxing in nature!
Be sure to check out each one of these splendid artworks. The motto Hope, Home, Harmony and Health is illustrated throughout these colourful and joyous pieces.
Throughout spring festival, we hope you all get to savour precious moments with your loved ones. The Year of the Rabbit promises a thrilling new adventure.
About Spring Festival
Hope, Home, Harmony & Health
Spring Festival’s spirit, meaning, and offering to the globe is captured in just four words: Hope, Home, Harmony, and Health.
Hope: the festival heralding the arrival of new growth.
Spring Festival’s origins stretch back to China’s ancient Agricultural Calendar, also known as the Xia Calendar as it dates back to the Xia Dynasty. The year was broken into 24 ‘solar terms’, which captured the seasonal changes throughout the year. Throughout Chinese history, households decorated their homes ahead of the beginning of Spring, hoping for a successful and bountiful harvest. This hope, and the reflection of this tradition and its recognition of the connection between humanity and nature, today define what Spring Festival was, is, and will continue to be.
Home: the festival celebrated for family reunion.
In China, the mass migration of China’s huge population across the country is commonplace in the build-up to Spring Festival. At the heart of this movement is the ingrained need to be with one’s family unit for the festivities. The importance of family in Chinese society is high, with great value placed on the deep human relations at the heart of the family unit.
Harmony: the festival shared with the whole world.
Today, Spring Festival is celebrated across the globe, and offers people a window into Chinese culture and traditions. Historically, Chinese New Year was connected to the lunar calendar’s new year, and the term ‘Spring Festival’ wasn’t used to denote the same celebration until around 100 years ago. Countries near China who used to follow the lunar calendar also have their own lunar new year festivities, even those who now follow the Gregorian calendar, contributing to the spread of the annual celebrations around the world. Now more than ever, it is important to have a celebration of harmony across the globe.
Health: the festival as an embodiment of the crucial link between humanity and nature.
As citizens of the same planet, we share many challenges ahead, from ecological and environmental, to the continuing effects of the pandemic. The 3 central ideas behind Spring Festival - hope, home, and harmony - each have their part to play as we work together to ensure the ongoing health of our neighbours, our loved ones, and our planet.
The Visual Identity of Spring Festival
As the recognition and celebration of Chinese New Year has increased around the globe, the need for an instantly recognisable symbol has grown; one which is synonymous with not just the Spring Festival itself but its many important meanings and messages too.
Since 2013, the above symbol has been used to promote Spring Festival across the world. So why this symbol? What does it mean, and what message does it share?
This design was derived from the ‘oracle’ version of the Chinese character for Spring - ‘oracle’ is the oldest form of Chinese writing, carved on animal bones thousands of years ago. It resembles seedlings breaking the ground in a sun-bathed vigorous season full of renewal and hope, symbolising Chinese philosophy of the unity and harmonious interaction between humans and nature.
It also depicts a family sitting around a table together for their New Year’s Eve dinner, an important tradition during Spring Festival, and one which captures the importance of home, family, and togetherness.
Finally, it suggests people singing and dancing around the world, welcoming the arrival of Spring. This message of global unity and harmony is fundamental to today’s Spring Festival.
Discover more about Spring Festival
Discover Chinese nature, life, cuisine, and art beyond your imagination! From traditional rural towns to bustling megalopolises, life takes many forms across China. In this video we travel across the country, taking a small look into the vast and dazzling components that comprise the enchanting Chinese culture.
Explore China’s rich culture through the lens of dazzling colours: emerald green, sapphire blue, champagne gold, silver-white, and ruby red. Stunning natural wonders, ancient temples, and modern cities are all discovered through the brilliant hues of China.
Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate the largest festival in the world, spanning the longest time, with the greatest number of participants. In this video, take a glimpse into Chinese New Year festivities across the globe as millions of people enjoy and celebrate this blissful holiday.
Discover the incredible tourism opportunities along silk road, commonly known as the first global trade route in history. Wonderful sights and marvellous Chinese culture are showcased across this charming region.
Discover the real China! With deep history, delicious cuisine, time-honoured handicrafts, and unique culture. China spans beyond your imagination!
Experience dazzling nature, depth of culture, deep cuisine, and joy in China! We hope to see you soon.
Speciality Food
Learn how to prepare traditional Chinese Spring Festival Cuisine in this mouth-watering series! Find out more about these sensational eats; eight-treasure rice pudding, braised pork balls in gravy, fruit and prawn balls, fried spring rolls and crispy sweet and sour pork.
Budding chefs can study the easiest and most authentic way to create your favourite Spring Festival treats. Discover the story of each dish to celebrate the new year.
Jiaozi
Chinese dumplings (Jiaozi) are enjoyed in different ways across China throughout the festivities. Traditionally, Jiaozi are enjoyed as part of a reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve in northern China, with locals of mountainous regions tucking in for breakfast from the first to the fifth day of the first lunar month.
Tangyuan
Tangyuan are glutinous sweet rice balls made from glutinous rice flour and various fillings, which are cooked and served in boiling water, or fried or steamed. While jiaozi are more popular in the north, tangyuan are more popular in the south. Traditionally, they are eaten on the first day of the lunar new year.
Cooking a Whole Fish
Cooking a whole fish is a cherished tradition for Chinese families during Spring Festival. It is typically served on New Year’s Eve, with some left over for the next day to represent having enough to spare in the year to come, and in the south of China, it is usually the final dish enjoyed at a banquet on New Year’s Eve.
Lanterns
Lanterns decorate houses and streets throughout China during Spring Festival, which culminates with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the new year.
On the 15th day, it’s customary for people to take a walk with their families and enjoy the colourful lanterns on display, and take part in fun activities such as guessing lantern riddles.
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Media Request
If you interested in obtaining marketing materials, including posters, visuals and videos, for any of the Spring Festival events and activities, CNTO London is pleased to offer materials free of charge. Please use the link below to email us with your request and to receive instructions on copyright use. Thank you!
Our Partners
Many thanks to our valued culture and tourism partners for our Spring Festival celebrations.
