London is a great place to see in the Chinese New Year, with the British capital hosting the largest celebrations outside of Asia.
The Chinese year of the monkey began Feb. 8, with festivities starting the day before and continuing until the 15th day of the New Year, known as the Lantern Festival. In the Chinese calendar, each year is assigned one of 12 animal signs, and 2016 is the year of the monkey.
Those born in a year of the monkey are supposed to be quick-witted and mischievous, but for everyone else it is allegedly one of the unluckiest years.
In London, celebrations begin with a parade which will end in Chinatown, near Soho. After you’ve worked up an appetite watching the parade, duck into one of the many Chinese restaurants to celebrate in style. Head to Barshu for some fiery Sichuan cuisine, or splash out at Michelin-starred Hakkasan, which serves suitably high-end Cantonese fare.
In the afternoon, or the next day, go to the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens. In 2016, the festival runs to March 6, and features 50 hand-sculpted giant lanterns as well as a 60-meter-long dragon.
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