Want to strut your stuff in the Chinese Year of the Rooster. Yes, it's the Lunar New Year; a time when the wheel of destiny decides whether you'll be cock of the walk or just a feather duster in 2017. The Spring Festival, as it is known, usually lasts for 15 days from the first day of the lunar calendar (January 28 in 2017), and is the time when families get together to ring in the changes. While most will go to any lengths to get home to see the family, for some it's a chance to travel. And here are 15 places where you can celebrate Lunar New Year in your own way.
Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong
Held on the third day (January 30, 2017) of the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year Race -- hosted at Sha Tin Racecourse -- is one of the most popular race days of the year. Even if you're not passionate about horse racing, the course throws live performances, a talk from a Feng Shui master and lucky draws to keep you occupied.
Quang Ba Flower Market, Hanoi, Vietnam
The sights and sounds mixed with the fragrance of street food makes for a heady New Year sensual overload.
Awakenings Eindhoven, The Netherlands
If you happen to be in the Netherlands on Lunar New Year day (Jan 28), Eindhoven will be hosting one of the best techno parties in Europe. Now in its eighth year, Awakenings Eindhoven has all the techno essentials; a warehouse, an urban location and one of the world's best techno line-ups.
Nuanquan Town, Hebei province, China
The da shuhua (translated as 'beating tree flowers') tradition is believed to be more than 500 years old and culminates in a jaw-dropping display where the local blacksmith hurls ladles of molten iron at town's city gates producing a shower of sparks.
Chinatown, San Francisco
A series of events are lined up for the 15-day festival, including a parade featuring more than a 100 floats and assorted performances including a 28-foot-long Golden Dragon float.
Ditan Park, Beijing
The highlight of the fair is the reenactment of an imperial ceremony from the Qing Dynasty in which an "emperor" leads a crew of more than 100 performers to the Temple of the Earth to worship the gods.
Sidney, Australia
Lunar Lanterns in the shape of the Chinese zodiac signs will be installed around the city. Highlights include a special Chinese-language tour of Sydney's Australian Museum allowing Chinese visitors to learn more about the story of Indigenous Australians and Pacific culture.
Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, Singapore
Kreta Ayer Square Street Bazaar and the famed Chingay parade in Singapore's Chinatown might seem the obvious way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the city state. In fact, there's no better way to kick start the Year of the Rooster than with a mouthwatering and affordable meal at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.
Raohe Night Market/Wu Lao Guo, Taipei
For many, the Spring Festival is just another name for a two-week eating marathon and as a city famed for its street food, Taipei is an ideal place for a gluttonous holiday. Raohe night market is flanked by street food stalls and nostalgic sideshow games along its 600-meter length.
Central London, United Kingdom
San Francisco may have the biggest Chinatown outside Asia, but when it comes to doing the festival right, London claims to throw the biggest Chinese New Year party outside Asia. The day begins with a colorful Chinese parade that winds its way through the streets of the downtown West End district, followed by stage performances in Trafalgar Square.
Studio City, Macau
Studio City is one of the latest integrated resorts to open in the gaming capital and features a 4D Batman simulator ride and a 40,000-square-foot Warner Bros-themed amusement center. If that's not enough, there's the gigantic golden figures-eight Ferris wheel situated in the Studio City skyscraper.
Allas Sea Pool, Helsinki
In Chinese culture, the preparations ahead of Lunar New Year are almost as important as the day itself. During this period cleansing is an important ritual. What better way to usher in the Year of the Rooster than a deep cleansing spa and sauna?
Maggie Choo's, Bangkok
Situated in the basement of Hotel Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, the bar -- with an understated wooden entrance, private rooms and dim lighting -- oozes secrecy and swagger.
Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina
If getting outside your comfort zone is one of your New Year's resolutions, the Spring Festival is a great time to make the first step. Stamina strengthening can be achieved by trekking the stunning Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina's Patagonia.
Disney California Adventure Park/Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
Imagine Megatron from "Transformers" greeting you with a cheery "Ni Hao" (Chinese for "hello")? Or Mickey Mouse fully kitted out in Chinese attire? No, it's not one of China's numerous copycat theme parks, this is how Los Angeles' most famous amusement parks celebrating the Chinese New Year.
Source : cnn.com
