Planning holidays for early next year? Haven’t decided where to visit in Spring vacation? Eastern Asia might be a good choice for you! Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years of history. Being one of the traditional Chinese festivals, it is the grandest and the most important festival for people in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Macou. It is also the time for whole families to get together, which is similar with Christmas Day to the westerners. It is a chance for you to experience the bustling atmosphere of this traditional festival around Asia!
Taiwan
I have told all of my foreign friends “we have the best food in Taiwan”, and believe me, I wasn’t exaggerating at all. Taiwan is an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean, but we have almost every kind of food here from around Asia.
Night markets are places you don’t want to miss. 7 p.m. till 11p.m. is the most exciting period of time there. Here, you cannot only sample millions of Taiwanese delicacies, but you can also play fun games. Street vendors are everywhere, and the smell of food is just too appealing to resist.
The world famous Din Tai Fung Restaurant also originates from Taiwan. Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, known for its steamed dumplings called xiaolongbao, beat out McDonald’s and Starbucks to place second on a list of “best franchises for travelers” compiled by CNN Travel. I can’t tell how much I miss its shrimp fried rice with eggs and steamed dumplings. It is the must-go restaurant for tourists from all around the world. But beware! You might need to wait for the long queue before having the most fabulous Taiwanese food. Believe me, it’s worth it!
Hong Kong
This international city has always been so attractive to me with its combination of traditional cultures and its modern look. Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebration was recently listed by Forbes as one of the world’s 10 best festival extravaganzas. Lucky you if your trip to Hong Kong falls in the run-up to or during Chinese New Year, the city’s biggest and most colourful festival!
It is impossible to not be caught up in the energy as you squeeze into crowded temples to pray for good fortune, browse festive markets selling auspicious foods and blooms, and photograph the shock-red lanterns that adorn the city.
China
Xian has a long history, so this traditional festival has typically caught more travellers’ attention. Combining traditional custom and modern technology, it will definitely impress any visitor. The best time to go there would be in the evening, where lion dances, paper-cutting, sugar figurine making and other cultural heritage shows can be seen. Moreover, the Xian City Wall is well decorated with all kinds of lanterns, which are extraordinarily beautiful to see.
Various temple fairs will be displaying their different themes in Beijing. Also, one would get to enjoy the local customs and imperial cultures, as well as a chance to purchase cultural products and have a taste of local snacks there.
There are still many interesting activities that have not yet been mentioned. So come to Eastern Asia this Spring and find out more! You won’t regret it.
