Top 10 suggestions for Chinese New Year
With Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) being the most important holiday, not only in China but for Chinese people all over the world, we thought we’d pull together a list of the top 10 things to do in and around Dundee.
1 – ‘Little Year’ starts on February 8th
The start of the Chinese New Year is a time of cleaning and clearing out – so get your bin bags and brushes out and sweep away any bad luck that may be lurking.
Get your flatmates involved and you’ll all be starting the New Year feeling positive. It’s a little like the ‘Spring Cleaning’ tradition we have in the UK. 2018 is the Year of The Dog so what does this mean for you?
2 – Stocking up for the big day
It’s also a time for stocking up and cooking all the dishes traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Eve. We’re blessed with a couple of Asian supermarkets – Wing Fung on Trades Lane and Matthews Foods on Gellatly Street so head down there for ideas and ingredients. Time to get cooking…
3 – New Years Eve is 15th February
Traditionally this is the day when all the family gets together for a feast so why not gather your friends around or head out for a meal? We have a number of options here in Dundee including DaiPai recently blogged about by our student blogger Navin.
Once you’ve had your fill of traditional food (and make sure you leave a little to signal that you will have a year of plenty) then you can watch the Chinese New Year Gala on Chinese Central TV which you can access through YouTube
4 – Happy New Year to you all on 16th February
Today you can celebrate in style!
From 11.30am – 2pm join Matthews Food at The Hub as they give everyone a chance to try Xiang Yuan dumplings. With dumplings and spring rolls being among the most traditional foods over the New Year you can come and have a little taste.
5 – DUSA’s Chinese New Year Celebration in The Global Room 16th February
From 12pm – 4pm If you haven’t already visited The Global Room (Old College Hall) this is a perfect opportunity to come and say hello. Grab a few friends and join us for lantern making and decorating, traditional calligraphy sessions and other activities. Festive treats will be provided – yummmmm. You will be able to purchase tickets for the Chinese New Year Gala being held on 25th here…
6 – University of Dundee Malaysian Society’s (DUMAS) CNY A-Fair
7 – University of Dundee Singapore Society’s Festive Feast 17th February
Sing Soc’s offering this year is a fantastic feast in The Chaplaincy Centre from 6pm. Tickets can be purchased on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th from 1pm-3pm in the Library. Bring your flatmates and enjoy traditional food, karaoke, Yu Sheng, games and other performances – what a perfect way to spend a Saturday evening.
8 – The University of Dundee Hong Kong Society February 20th
Who doesn’t love Street Food and this year the Hong Kong Society is promising us just that. New Year Food Street from 11am right through until 5pm in DUSA. Come and try lots of different traditional dishes – yes please….
9 – The Giant Lanterns of China
If you feel like making a bit of a trip then head for Edinburgh Zoo and The Giant Lanterns of China. Finishing on 25th February this spectacular display of 34 enormous, animal-themed lanterns will be a treat for the whole household and who doesn’t love a trip to the Zoo…
10 – Chinese New Year Gala February 25th
Presented by Dundee Chinese Student and Scholars Association DCSSA an evening of live performances by contributors from all over Dundee and the surrounding area. From 6.30pm – 9pm in The Caird Hall you’ll be immersed in Chinese culture with the dragon dance, singing, fan dance and a host of other displays, this is always a true spectacle.
Tickets can be purchased this Friday 16th from 12pm-4pm in The Global Room at the Chinese New Year Celebration and also on 13th in the Dalhousie foyer from 11am-4pm and on 13th & 14th in the Institute of Sport and Exercise (ISE) foyer from 4pm-8pm.
