And if you have any worries, inform police officers, who will be present on the day. If you can, steer clear of congested streets or wait until the blockage has cleared. Avoid pickpockets by keeping your valuables out of sight and out of easy reach. However, as with any large event in London, staying aware and alert is important. The London Chinese New Year events are lively, fun and welcoming, with dragon and lion dances, stage shows and the famous Chinese New Year parade. Find out more about the traditions of Chinese New Year. Paper-cut window grilles, lanterns and tiger toys are all ideal decorations to have for celebrating Chinese New Year and bringing good luck. London's Chinatown is a fantastic place for authentic Chinese shopping. To bring luck to your year, Chinese tradition dictates that you should buy something red for yourself or your house. Book a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown ahead to beat the crowds, or head to one of the top 10 Chinese restaurants in London. If you’re following northern Chinese culture, you should opt for dumplings. The whole chicken dish means “happiness for the whole family” and the fish dish means “may there be surpluses every year”. If you want to enjoy Chinese New Year Cantonese-style, order a whole chicken dish and a fish dish. If you’re taking your kids to the event, let them bring tiger decorations or paint their faces with tiger motifs. You can dress up with a red scarf, jumper or shoes – this will bring good luck for the coming year. Red is the key colour of Chinese New Year. You’ll find out more about the Year of the Tiger during the festival, which is a fantastic opportunity to experience Chinese culture. The Chinese zodiac decrees that people born this year are brave, passionate and confident – people born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010 were all born in the Year of the Tiger. In 2022, the lunar calendar sees the arrival of the Year of the Tiger. You can also wish each other a prosperous New Year by saying " Gong Xi Fa Cai" (pronounced gong she fa tsai) in Mandarin or " Gong Hei Fat Choi" in Cantonese. It’s polite and fun to respond in the same language: “Happy New Year” in Cantonese is “ San Nin Faai Lok” (pronounced san knee fy lock) and in Mandarin is “ Xin Nian Kuai Le” (pronounced sing nee-ann koo-why ler).
![happy new year in cantonese happy new year in cantonese](https://i2.wp.com/pacifica-cantonese.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Happy-New-Year.jpg)
![happy new year in cantonese happy new year in cantonese](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/81/df/1481df26eae16c6d45856d599a8ff94e.jpg)
People will say “Happy New Year” to you mainly in Cantonese and Mandarin. You’ll probably be taking photos or holding decorations most of the time, so make sure to wear a pair of warm gloves. Remember to bring an umbrella in case it rains during the celebrations.
![happy new year in cantonese happy new year in cantonese](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/46577452/compr-r85/6516/65163892/3drose-gong-hey-fat-choy-happy-chinese-new-year-in-cantonese-kanji-characters-potholder.jpg)
You’ll be on your feet all day, so wearing sturdy shoes and being comfortable and warm are key to a fun day out.