Prepare yourself for the Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatowns across the world with our handy guide below.

London

Chinese population: 124,250

The main Chinese New Year celebrations take place in London’s Chinatown  – the historic streets that sit between the tourist hubs of Leicester Square and hip Soho. The Chinese New Year parade passes from there via the West End to Trafalgar Square, where there are stage performances and all-day entertainment.

Los Angeles

Chinese population: 566,968

Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown kick off with a midnight ceremony at Thien Hau Temple . And while there is, of course, a parade , if you’re after something different, the city’s Beverly Center mall hosts a special WeChat mascot and sticker workshop. Universal Studios is also celebrating the festival with a Kung Fu Panda event  and LA’s Chinatown hosts a block party to celebrate.

San Francisco

Chinese population: 629,243

San Francisco is home to one of the biggest Chinese New Year parades  outside of Asia. The event has been held since the 1860s. The city also marks the occasion with a flower market, basketball jamboree, Miss Chinatown USA pageant  and a street fair.

Sydney

Chinese population: 487,976

Sydney hosts over 80 events  to celebrate Chinese New Year across the city. Check out the fun on Lunar New Year’s Day as Haymarket laneways transform into a street party , watch the dragon boat races in Darling Harbour  and take a selfie with giant lanterns  in Circular Quay.

Vancouver

Chinese population: 411,470

In Richmond, you’ll find 10-course Chinese banquets. The traditional flower bazaar takes place at the International Buddhist Temple  and you’ll find many cultural events across the city, including art exhibits at the Oakridge Centre  and a dance performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre .

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