The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Chinese culture. As such, this event provides a great opportunity to learn more about the rich Chinese traditions. While traveling to China to celebrate the occasion seems like the best way to immerse yourself in these customs, you don’t necessarily have to be in the heart of the country to lean into the fun. Here are a few of the best places to think about if you’re searching for the most authentic experience.

Beijing

The Chinese capital city of Beijing is clearly a great place to be for the Lunar New Year. Throughout the city, the landscape is dotted with vibrant marketplaces, which date back a full millennium to the Liao Dynasty. Visitors can browse the various stalls that sell a myriad of folk art pieces, crafts, snacks, and more. Be sure to catch a music or dance performance, which bring to life the ancient culture of Beijing and beyond. Residents and tourists alike flock to the pedestrian streets in the area near the famous Tiananmen Square to gather with other revelers. The city of Beijing truly comes to life during this annual celebration.

Kuala Lumpur

The rich Asian culture of Kuala Lumpur makes this Malaysian city a natural place to visit for the Lunar New Year. Obviously, the best places to catch the festivities are in the more predominant Chinese neighborhoods, including Old Klang Road, Petaling Jay, and Chinatown. Activities to put on your itinerary include watching the lion dances, catching a fireworks show, and visiting the dedicated shopping areas. One visit to Kuala Lumpur and you will understand that this is the city’s most important festival of the year.

San Francisco

It’s no surprise to learn that San Francisco is home to the largest Lunar New Year celebration in the United States. The city has had a vibrant Chinese population for over 150 years, so the celebration has been a tradition in Chinatown since the 1860s. The festivities in Chinatown and the surrounding areas take place over the course of a month, featuring flower market fairs, a basketball tournament, pageants, and more. The highlight of the celebration though is its iconic night parade and its massive golden dragon that weaves through the streets of Chinatown.

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Spokane, Washington

While Spokane, Washington may seem like an unlikely place to celebrate the Lunar New Year, this city tucked in the northeastern corner of Washington state goes all out for the celebration. Indeed, Spokane boasts a long tradition of celebrating this Chinese holiday, dating back nearly a century when residents lit off rockets and firecrackers to commemorate the turning of the lunar calendar. In modern times, the celebration features a number of fun cultural events, including musical performances, family activities, a Lunar New Year photo booth, and authentic cuisine. The aim of the celebration is to bring together the various Asian and Native Hawaiian Pacific Island communities for days of fun and revelry that honor these cultures.

London

Lastly, the city of London prides itself on being the best place to celebrate the Lunar New Year outside of Asia. The culturally diverse city leverages its international vibe to put together an amazing Lunar New Year celebration. Visitors will delight in the many parades, martial arts acts, acrobatic performances, dragon dances, delicious food and drink, and more. The heart of the celebration can be found in the city’s West End. Be sure to leave time to visit the numerous craft stalls that line Gerrard and Wardour Streets in Chinatown. This is also the best place to indulge in the cornucopia of Chinese food that is a centerpiece of the festival. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking of heading to London to join the festivities.

Do you know any other cool place to join the Chinese New Year celebrations? Let us know in our comments section below!