How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in London

It’s that time of year again. A New Year, a Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year. 2019 is the year of the Pig. 

On February 5th, the spring festival for the Chinese New Year officially begins and ends on February 19th 2019.

The year of the Pig (the 12-zodiac animal of the Chinese zodiac calendar, known as Sheng Xiao). The most recent year of the pig are people born in 1935, 1947, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019 are known to have beautiful personalities and blessed with good fortune in life. 

Here are some fun facts:

Most compatible zodiac animals with the pig are: tiger, rabbit and goat. 

Least compatible with the pig are: snake and monkey. 

Lucky colours are: yellow, grey and brown. 

Unlucky colours: green and blue

Lucky numbers: 2, 5 and 8. Unlucky numbers 1, 7, 9

Mineral: Agate

Direction of wealth: northeast. 

Direction of love: North

Chinese New Year in the City of London

A huge benefit of studying, living or visiting London is that the city is bursting with multicultural diversity for all to enjoy.

Chinese New Year in London is one of the largest celebrations outside Asia, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun.

Here’s how to make the most this vibrant lunar celebration:

Get Close to Chinese Culture, Make your way to the West End

Be immersed in a colourful street parade from Shaftsbury Avenue down to Trafalgar Square

Indulge in traditional Chinese food in London’s Chinatown and Leicester Square 

Be entertained with free live stage performances, workshops and activities in Trafalgar Square, Shaftsbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road.

How to Plan Ahead:

Chinese New Year London Travel Guide

Chinese New Year Programme in London

Tips from Smart Student Accommodation in London:

Wrap-up Warm

Dress up in yellow, grey or brown

Learn how to say ‘Happy New Year’ in Cantonese and Mandarin

Buy something in yellow, grey or brown to bring you luck in 2019

Keep valuables out of sight

Keep your friends and family close

Have an awesome time!