Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jc1257]

Has anyone been to China, specifically Beijing, for Chinese/Lunar New Year? I'm thinking about going, but after doing some looking around online it doesn't look like there is much going on.

Since it costs so much for Americans to get in, I don't want to go over a short break unless there is some pretty cool stuff going on (parades with dragons and the like). Otherwise I think I could just head out to Chinatown in Incheon.

Is it worth it to go during a short break from work or should I just plan on going when I have a longer break and the weather is warmer?

Thanks

[zhanknight]

I've never seen it in China itself, but the Chinese New Year celebrations I've seen in Chinese communities have been really cool. Kuching, Malaysia was covered in lanterns, very impressively so. It's very Chinese influenced. I always imagined China proper and Taiwan would be really awesome. Oh yeah - look into Taiwan for it.. you could kick those visa costs into the slightly more expensive ticket if you see something down there you would like. I bet there is something going on at the 101.

[4024anna]

We were in Shanghai for Chinese New Year 2010, and assumed there would be lots of exciting stuff going on like lantern displays/parades and general festivities but it was kind of the opposite. Chinese New Year is a very family orientated time, so people spend time at home with their families, not out on the streets partying like we do on December 31st. The majority of shops and bars were shut, and the streets were dead. There were lots of fireworks going off everywhere (like actually getting thrown out of apartment block windows!!!!) but there weren't any public displays, just small groups of locals setting off bangers they had bought from convenience stores.

Beijing may be a different story, and you may find that there are some events on to cater to tourists, but going by my experience in Shanghai I wouldn't expect much to be happening.

[4024anna]

p.s However, there were lots of pretty lanterns and decorations everywhere so the cities do look very pretty!

this website was very useful for any china related queries we had (we spent a couple months there travelling around) http://www.travelchinaguide.com/
it may help you find more info...

[dongjak]

I've lived in Beijing during Chinese New Years. Chinese New Years is a time for people to spend with their family, since a large chunk of the Beijing population is made up of internal migrants, they usually go back to their hometowns during the New Year. The city is emptied and Beijing local people stay at home with their families. The most you will get is the sound of never ending fireworks.

[machoman]

i was in hongkong for chinese new year and the streets were DEAD. worst time to be in china if you're looking for something exciting.

[jc1257]

Thanks for the info. Does anyone know if Chinatown in Incheon is worth checking out during the Chinese New Year?

Thanks.

[Poker]

Chinese New Year is all about family gatherings. People don't normally party it up outside during that time. The Chinese in Incheon will be spending the time with their families too. I don't know what the Koreans do during that time though.

[jc1257]

I'm not really interested in partying, I just want to see the basic equivalent of "Christmas lights" but for Chinese New Year.

Do they have lanterns and stuff set up in Chinatown?

[mohair_blues]

I was about to ask the same question (almost)

was thinking of travelling either to Macau, HK, the Phillippines or Japan during the Lunar/Chinese New Year

but wondering what the scene will be like in any of those places

[interestedinhanguk]

[ktkates87]

Can someone give me a rough idea of how much a visa will cost? My friends and I think we might go to Beijing for Lunar New Year too. 3 of us are canadians and 1 is american. Expedia has wicked deals (310 pp for flight and hotel for 3 nights) but not sure if it'll still be a good deal if the visa costs alot. Thanks!

[balzor]

I'll be in Bangkok at that time. How is the party there?

[C00LAS1CE]

[interestedinhanguk]

It's not that surprising. Look around here on the holidays. Likewise, think of back home on holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving. People are hardly celebrating in the streets.