Chinese New Year, CNY for the texters out there, is approaching fast. Often referred to as Spring Festival, Lunar New Year, or Chunjie, this holiday has more names than Larry King has had wives. It serves as the paramount holiday throughout most of East Asia, and many people around the world take the opportunity to light off a few roman candles. I am in the process of getting hyped up for traveling, fireworks, and Chinese food, while mentally preparing myself for the 8 hours in front of the TV for this year's Spring Festival Gala. Some good and not so good things make this holiday unique. Luckily I plan to walk you through them and guide you to all the wonderful Spring Festival events, while steering clear of the pitfalls.
The Good
Temple Fairs - Temple Fairs are like giant garage sales that occur at temples during Spring Festival. Usually they offer tacky souvenirs and fireworks at cut rate prices. They also provide great opportunities to visit some of Beijing's lesser known temples. Make sure to take the opportunity to practice your Chinese bargaining skills.
Food - The traditional meal for Chinese New Year is of course dumplings. The boiled variety to be exact. Making them with the family makes for a wonderful experience and cooks up a few precious memories. However, eating them certainly is the highlight of the holiday's culinary adventures. Fish is also a traditional meal around the holiday season, but I advise sticking with the dumplings. They usually don't have bones like the fish.
Spring Festival Gala - Okay, Okay. I know I made a joke about this earlier, but the Spring Festival Gala is an important part of any CNY celebration in Mainland China. The world's most watched yearly TV program (take that Super Bowl), the Gala boasts an array of comedians, performers, and musicians. Many of China's very important and recognizable celebrities make appearances. The program is also notable for the first appearance of Canadian, Mandarin speaking sensation DaShan 大山. I certainly enjoyed last year's Gala for the ironic performance of a dancing troop performing an interpretive dance about punishing land owners for China's elite and well-connected.
Hongbao - Children receive red, money-filled envelopes for CNY from their relatives. Called a Hong Bao, these envelopes contain money. Now, I am a little old for Hong Baos, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might receive a Hongbao or two this holiday season.
The Bad
Fireworks - I know setting off fireworks is fun, and the novelty of lighting off fireworks in their homeland is an opportunity not to be missed, but the fireworks really go overboard. Expect a 6 a.m. wake up call consisting of cherry bombs and bottle rockets. Also, be prepared for minimum regard for human health and safety. Be careful out there people. It's like a warzone.
The Ugly
Travel - Traveling in China during Spring Festival is an absolute nightmare. The government estimates that over 2 billion journeys will be undertaken during this year's season, so prepare for long waits, delays, and traffic jams. On the upside, staying put has its advantages. Beijing is largely deserted during Chinese New Year, giving the whole city the feeling of an episode of Life After People. Last I even got a seat on Line 10 during the holiday season. A feat unlikely to ever be repeated.
Chinese New Year represents the cultural Holy Grail for sinophiles looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. A word of advice; make sure to set goals for yourself during the holiday season, so you don't spend everyday on the couch watching reruns. This year I am hoping to step up my Mahjong game and become a serious contender.
The Good
Temple Fairs - Temple Fairs are like giant garage sales that occur at temples during Spring Festival. Usually they offer tacky souvenirs and fireworks at cut rate prices. They also provide great opportunities to visit some of Beijing's lesser known temples. Make sure to take the opportunity to practice your Chinese bargaining skills.
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| Boiled Dumplings |
Spring Festival Gala - Okay, Okay. I know I made a joke about this earlier, but the Spring Festival Gala is an important part of any CNY celebration in Mainland China. The world's most watched yearly TV program (take that Super Bowl), the Gala boasts an array of comedians, performers, and musicians. Many of China's very important and recognizable celebrities make appearances. The program is also notable for the first appearance of Canadian, Mandarin speaking sensation DaShan 大山. I certainly enjoyed last year's Gala for the ironic performance of a dancing troop performing an interpretive dance about punishing land owners for China's elite and well-connected.
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| Canadian superstar Da Shan running with what appears to be the Olympic Torch |
Hongbao - Children receive red, money-filled envelopes for CNY from their relatives. Called a Hong Bao, these envelopes contain money. Now, I am a little old for Hong Baos, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might receive a Hongbao or two this holiday season.
The Bad
Fireworks - I know setting off fireworks is fun, and the novelty of lighting off fireworks in their homeland is an opportunity not to be missed, but the fireworks really go overboard. Expect a 6 a.m. wake up call consisting of cherry bombs and bottle rockets. Also, be prepared for minimum regard for human health and safety. Be careful out there people. It's like a warzone.
The Ugly
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| Recent incidents have made flying in China unappealing. Why not take the bus instead? |
Travel - Traveling in China during Spring Festival is an absolute nightmare. The government estimates that over 2 billion journeys will be undertaken during this year's season, so prepare for long waits, delays, and traffic jams. On the upside, staying put has its advantages. Beijing is largely deserted during Chinese New Year, giving the whole city the feeling of an episode of Life After People. Last I even got a seat on Line 10 during the holiday season. A feat unlikely to ever be repeated.
Chinese New Year represents the cultural Holy Grail for sinophiles looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. A word of advice; make sure to set goals for yourself during the holiday season, so you don't spend everyday on the couch watching reruns. This year I am hoping to step up my Mahjong game and become a serious contender.
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