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4 Ways to Ring in the Chinese New Year

Where to go, what to do, and where to eat

Shortly after the New Year festivities each year, we join the Chinese community in ringing in yet another occasion with just as much fanfare: Chinese New Year. While the Chinese New Year rings synonymous to lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and large-scale feasts fit for the entire clan, this year, we’re serving up a far-ranging list of suggestions. From celebratory meals to daytime tours, we’ve got you covered.

Binondo

Image via Culture Trip

The district of Binondo, otherwise known as Manila’s Chinatown, is known to be the center of Chinese New Year celebrations in Metro Manila. When the Lunar New Year strikes, Binondo becomes a venue for street parties, gathering both Chinese and Filipino crowds dressed in red to attract good luck. With the parade of dragons and lions in sight, spectators flock to Ongpin and other side streets.

Here, you’ll also find everything you need to shop for to usher the holiday—from Chinese food and snacks to lucky charms, jewelry, and other gift items.

Chinese New Year Walking Tour

Image via Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour

Experience Chinese food, history, and culture in a Special Chinese New Year Tour organized and hosted by Royal Postal Heritage Tour. The event is scheduled on January 25th, with a total of 30 stops and activities to keep participants busy from 7AM to 4PM. Visit iconic shrines and churches, stock up on pastries and breads at popular bakeries, or consult with a feng shui expert. See the full list of activities here!

Registration costs PHP 1,700 for senior citizens and students with valid ID’s, and PHP 1,850 for the general public. The registration fee is inclusive of handouts, meals, entrance fees, a donation fee, a tour guide, and a certificate of attendance.

Diamond Hotel

Image via Diamond Hotel

Diamond Hotel is starting the year of the rat on the right note with a week of fun-filled festivities. From January 20 to 26th, the hotel is offering live dimsum making and noodle pulling demonstrations, dragon and lion dances and a special lunch and dinner buffet priced at PHP 3,180 per person. For couples and families who prefer to spend Chinese New Year in the solace of their own suite, Diamond Hotel also has a Chinese New Year Staycation promo inclusive of an overnight stay, breakfast for two, unlimited Wi-Fi access, massage service, discounted dining and laundry rates, and a complimentary shuttle service to select ares from January 20 to January 26.

Discover the rest of Diamond Hotel’s Chinese New Year offerings here.

Makati Shangri-La

Image via Makati Shangri-La

Makati Shangri-La, one of Manila’s most popular 5-star hotels, brings you a curated assortment of treats and activities to ring in the Chinese New Year. For starters, the Shang Palace features a dinner feast on January 24 and 25, with set menus priced at PHP 2,888+ (Gold), PHP 3,888+ (Jade), and PHP 6,688+ (Diamond). Over at the Lobby Lounge, you and your guests can enjoy live entertainment over a Chinese New Year-inspired high tea set priced at PHP 1450+.

You don’t have to fuss about giving lucky treats to your loved ones: simply visit the hotel lobby where you can buy an assortment of specially prepared sweets and delicacies. Check out their Prosperity Fish (PHP 1,888 per piece), Double Happiness Fish in traditional, mango or lotus flavors (PHP 2,288 for two pieces), and Chinese Cookies (PHP 1088 for 8 pieces). Abundance Baskets filled with customizable goodies are also available at PHP 9888.

See the rest of Makati Shangri-La’s Chinese New Year 2020 offerings here.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! How will you and your loved ones be ringing in the Chinese New Year?