As Chinese New Year is approaching, the question is: where are you going? If you didn’t book yet, chances are: you are not going anywhere. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We have compiled a list of things to make the most of your staycation.
1 Prepare
The Chinese New Year is a family holiday. Big Time. With everyone and their grandma leaving for their hometown, most supermarkets, shops, fresh markets, restaurants, and the like will close for Spring Festival. While the 6th is still a working day, plan ahead and make sure you have enough drinks and water (for your water dispenser) to be self sufficient. You might not be able to order in, so stock up your pantry in advance. Shopping Malls like Taikooli will be open, while not all shops follow the regular opening hours. Expect shops to close earlier in the late afternoon. A fair share of small shops will not open until after the holiday. Small food stalls are very likely to disappear during this time of year. On the evening of the Chinese New Year, bigger restaurants might be open, but will most likely be cooking family dinner. So call in advance if you plan to dine outside.
While the official holiday lasts from February 7th till 13th, many workers already left this week and some may not return until February 22nd: The Lantern Festival. Expect the firecracker spectacle to start on the evening on the 7th, but basically the whole week will be dominated by the sound of firecrackers. So just join the fun and make sure you buy your own ones.
2 Things to do
Explore the nature surrounding Beijing
Get active and explore some of the nature surrounding this mega city. If you are not sure were to go, just join the Beijing Hikers on one of their excursions: Upcoming hikes and trips in Beijing | Beijing Hikers. Like a hike to Gubeikou on February 13th.
Take advantage of the art shows
Indulge in the performing arts and head to the National Center of Performing Arts. Check their upcoming shows here National Centre for the Performing Arts or buy tickets directly via the english page of Damai Concert Tickets at Damai.cn Like Sleeping Beauty performed by the Russian National Ballet Theatre on February 10th and 11th.
Channel your inner child
Enjoy the winter wonderland at the Bird’s Nest. For a sneak peek for the Olympic Winter Games 2022, head to the Ice and Snow Festival.
More Information
Address: Bird’s Nest, No.3 Anding Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Time: Jan.01 – Feb 28 2016
Tickets: Spring Festival: 160 RMB; Weekends: 160 RMB; Weekdays: 120 RMB
Tel: 010-84373008
Master the art of Chinese cooking
Learn how to make Jiaozi like a pro – the traditional Chinese Dumplings that are typical for Chinese New Year. Just sign up for a class at the Hutong. You may check their calendar here: The Hutong – Calendar. Try their Traditional Chinese Dumplings course on February 11th.
Dive into local culture
Do as the locals do and head to a temple fair. The Ditan Temple Fair is your best bet. Prepare for crowds, but this energetic and vibrant celebration calls for it. The fair offers a program including the Chinese lion dance as well as dragon dance. Or indulge in the wide range of food offered in small booths. Visit from February 8th till 13th.
Make a Day Trip
The Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival is about 50 miles outside central Beijing. It is usually open from the middle of January until the end of February. If you think the trip to Harbin is a bit far (and too cold), this is your best bet. See more information about Longqing Gorge here.
