Chinese New Year in Beijing

As twilight settles over Beijing on January 28, 2025, the city prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year, one of the most vibrant and meaningful traditions in Chinese culture. From temple rituals to lantern-lit streets, experience the magic of Lunar New Year 2025 in Beijing through local traditions and unique festivities.

Here’s your guide to experiencing Chinese New Year in Beijing through the eyes of its people—with Bridge to Locals as your cultural compass.

Temple Rituals

Beijing’s temple fairs and rituals are iconic during the Spring Festival, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural heritage.

• Baiyun Temple (16-24 Feb): Join locals in “throwing coins through a hole” for luck or touching the stone monkey to ward off illness.

• Guangji Temple (New Year’s Eve): Gather with crowds to hear the bell ring at midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve and pray for a prosperous year.

• Ditan Park & Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park: Wander lantern-lit paths amid immersive performances.

Lantern Fantasies

Lantern festivals are a highlight of Chinese New Year in Beijing. These dazzling displays combine light, art, and storytelling, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors:

• Beijing Thousand Lantern Night (Wenyuhe Park): Traverse 100 acres aglow with 1,000+ Zigong lanterns, depicting myths from the Jade Rabbit to futuristic cities.
• Jingcai Lantern Carnival (Garden Expo Park): Stroll seven themed zones under dragon-shaped lanterns, nibbling candied hawthorns and watching artisans mold sugar figurines.
• Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival: Marvel at ice-carved pagodas and neon-lit tunnels—a frosty ode to creativity.

Family Feasts: Beyond the Dinner Table

The Spring Festival reunion dinner is a sacred tradition in Chinese culture. Travelers can embrace this local experience by joining a Beijing family to wrap dumplings, share stories, and savor authentic holiday dishes.

Many Chinese families warmly share this tradition—if you’re lucky, a local friend might invite you to join!

• Reunion Dinner with a Local Family: The tradition of Chinese new year is wrap dumplings and have dinner together. Join a Beijing household to wrap dumplings (ask to hide a coin for luck!) if you have chance, savor braised pork belly, and share stories over cups of jasmine tea.
• Hutong Homestays: Spend an evening in a centuries-old courtyard. Help hang spring couplets (春联), learn mahjong from a grandma, or sip baijiu with newfound friends.

Bridge to Locals Tips: If you are invited, remember to bring a small gift, oranges, candies, or a red envelope including some money if there are children in the home—to show gratitude to the family.

Temple Fair: The Local Market (Starting Jan 29)

Save energy for post-eve chaos! Top picks:

• Ditan Temple Fair: Feast on lamb skewers and candied crab apples while watching Qing Dynasty ceremony reenactments.
• Badachu Park’s Digital Human Cabin: Pose with holograms of historical figures or design a virtual red envelope.
• Grand View Garden’s Literary Fair: Dress in Hanfu and join parades inspired by Dream of the Red Chamber.

Bridge to Locals Tips: Arrive early—temple fairs get packed by noon!

Bridge to Locals Tips:

• Transport: Pre-book taxis—public transit slows post-6 PM.
• Dining: For last-minute plans, try open venues like Quanjude Roast Duck or Sanlitun’s international eateries.
• Gifts: If you are invited to a local’s home during new year, bring gift like fruits, foods, or wines. If the family have children, carry red envelopes (红包) to them—even a token amount (¥20) would be very kind.

How to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Bridge to Locals

Skip the pre-packaged tours this Lunar New Year! With Bridge to Locals, you’re not following a script—you’re sharing real traditions with welcoming locals who open their hearts and homes to you.

✨ Avoid the Pre-Planned Tours – Our hosts aren’t just guides—they’re new friends, inviting you to experience authentic Lunar New Year celebrations as they would with family.

✨ Engage and Share Your Traditions – Bring your own New Year customs to the celebration! Locals love to exchange cultural traditions, making the experience even more meaningful.

As the Year of the Snake unfolds, dive deep into the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year in Beijing. Whether you're folding dumplings inside a cozy hutong home, wandering under glowing lanterns, or mingling with locals at festive temple fairs, Bridge to Locals makes every moment personal and unforgettable.

Ready to celebrate Chinese New Year like a true local?
Book your customized Beijing experience with Bridge to Locals today—and create memories that will warm your heart for years to come!