Cologne Carnival in Beijing

Carnival is the so called fifth season. But celebrating Carnival in Beijing? Really? Really! The tradition of carnival in Europe dates back about 5000 years. It has changed a lot over time, but the core idea remains the same.

If you are looking to indulge in some traditions of your home country, or want to explore something new, head to “Landgraf” for their famous Cologne Carnival in Beijing. Cologne Carnival is one of the most famous carnival celebrations, dating back to 1823. Nowadays it is one of the largest street festivals in Europe. To experience a Beijing version of carnival, “Landgraf” is your best bet. It is a restaurant and hidden gem of Cologne Culture, bringing the German Carnival to Beijing twice a year. Tucked away in Fangzhuang (between south second and third Ring Road) you will find hearty German food, all your favorite Carnival Hits, K?lsch (traditional beer from Cologne) and great atmosphere. The traditional start of the fifth season is 11 minutes past 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month. With the time difference and all, it usually starts at 8:11 pm. But the spirit is authentic.

In February it is time for the big carnival again, but with Chinese New Year taking place on the same dates this year, the celebration of the Cologne Carnival in Beijing is happening on January 23rd 2016.

So get ready and join this fun evening!

 
Costumes
 

If you are still in need of a costume, don’t despair. Beijing has many options to buy something. You might try online shopping, one of the multiple markets in Beijing, or might get lucky at Roundabout, if you don’t want to buy anything, you can opt for a costume rental.

Of course feel free to get all crafty and design your own costume.

 
Taobao

Taobao is the solution to all your problems (well, at least those that money can buy). Just ask a Chinese friend or colleague for support for this shopping spree. When searching for a costume, you might try “化装舞会服装“ or “cosplay” (generally more revealing) as initial keywords and click through a variety of costumes.

Or maybe you want to pick one of the following costumes, just click on the link (see pictures above):

Fred Flinstone https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a220m.1000858.1000725.136.dMWEvu&id=521141965477&skuId=3118131423754&areaId=110000&cat_id=2&rn=b71443b1b43d5d8e977935578f8c0b95&user_id=730082562&is_b=1,
Pirate https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a220m.1000858.1000725.136.dMWEvu&id=521141965477&skuId=3118131423754&areaId=110000&cat_id=2&rn=b71443b1b43d5d8e977935578f8c0b95&user_id=730082562&is_b=1,
Cleopatra https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a220m.1000858.1000725.136.dMWEvu&id=521141965477&skuId=3118131423754&areaId=110000&cat_id=2&rn=b71443b1b43d5d8e977935578f8c0b95&user_id=730082562&is_b=1,
or Sherlock Holmes https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a220m.1000858.1000725.136.dMWEvu&id=521141965477&skuId=3118131423754&areaId=110000&cat_id=2&rn=b71443b1b43d5d8e977935578f8c0b95&user_id=730082562&is_b=1

 

Roundabout
 
In their Shunyi Retail Store they sell all sorts of exciting finds, including a vast variety of costumes. All purchases in this charity store will make a difference to the life of someone less fortunate. As the items they sell change every day, you may want to call ahead, to check what they have in store.

Details
Yuyang Road West, adjacent to Yosemite Villas, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District

北京市顺义区后沙峪镇榆阳西路（邻近优山美地别墅区）

+86 1371 8053 814

Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm

If you prefer to rent a costume and keep that closet space, here are two great options. Let’s be realistic, most likely you won’t be wearing that costume a second time anyways.

 
Dong Fang Mei Costume Rental

With a wide selection of rental costumes, you may order from their website or head to their small Shuangjing location (inside an apartment building) to choose the right one in person. No matter if Power Ranger, Pirate, Pilot, or Princess they most probably have what you are looking for. Prices of costumes range from 80RMB to 150RMB per day.

Details
http://www.fuzhuangguoji.com/

Room 1008, Bldg 18, Baihuanjiayuan, Shuangjing qiao, 66 Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区双井桥,66号广渠路,百环家园18号楼1008室

 
Shang Pin Yi Ran Clothing Rental

This is another costume rental in an apartment complex. It is possible to select something online or see the costumes at their shop. They offer everything from traditional Chinese clothing, to Star Wars costumes or Prince.

Details
http://www.spyr.cn/

Room 204, Bldg 2, Baihuanjiayuan, Shuangjing qiao, 66 Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang District

朝阳区双井桥66号广渠路百环家园2号楼204室