The Year of the Rooster is upon us. If you’re staying in Beijing this year, that means fireworks, hongbao, lazy days, traditional New Year’s feasts and a few late-night parties. It might seem like the whole of Beijing is fleeing town – and like a lot of bars and restaurants are closing – but we assure you there are plenty of events going on in the capital during Chinese New Year.

Parties

Jan 27: Orchid New Year's Eve Party

Great Leap Brewing and The Orchid are throwing their annual Chinese New Year party. With things like all-you-can-drink Great Leap beer, snacks galore provided by Toast and a killer view of Beijing’s fireworks it’s bound to be a good time. Seriously, what better way to ring in the Year of the Rooster?

Fri Jan 27, 9pm-late; RMB300. The Orchid Hotel. For more information, click here. To purchase tickets go to any GLB location or add TheOrchidHotel on WeChat. 

Jan 27: Eclectic Electric Second Anniversary

Eclectic Electric is celebrating its second year with a night of electronic music brought to you by DJ Half ‘N’ Half. Expect to dance until really, really late. 

Fri Jan 27, 10pm-late. Dada.

Jan 27-28: Modernista's Special Chinese New Year Party

Modernista is partying hard for Chinese New Year. And when we say hard, we mean it. They’re going to be throwing an epic, two-day bash on Friday and Saturday night. Expect great tunes, red envelopes, fireworks, food and drinks. Note that Modernista will close temporarily after their big CNY party. But they’ll be up and running again on February 10 for a full moon Red Lantern Party.

Jan 27-28. 10pm-late; Modernista.

Jan 28: Straight Outta Beiluo

Are you an N.W.A. fan? If you answered yes, then this party's for you. 8-Bit is screening Straight Outta Compton (the movie, not the album). And at 10pm, you can expect some old school hip-hop beats from DJ SocraG and DJ Jack Rabbit Slim.

Sat Jan 28, 6.30pm-2am. Free entry, 8-Bit.

Jan 28: Street Kids presents Anti Social Dance Club

Street Kids is going all out with the latest installment of their Anti Social Dance Club. As always, expect an eclectic selection of music to keep you dancing all night long. Dancehall, garage, breakbeat... anything goes. The lineup includes Dirty Dishes, Puzzy Stack, Anto Anto, Cad73 and Watermelon. 

Sat Jan 28, 10pm-late; Free entry; Dada.

Food Events & Hotel Dinners

Jan 25: The Hutong's Chinese New Year Cuisine

The Hutong is celebrating the New Year as only they can – by supplying you with traditional Spring Festival dishes from across China. You can expect culinary delights like braised chicken with mushrooms, 4 happiness meatballs and steamed fish with ginger.

Wed Jan 25, 10.30am-1pm. RMB300/RMB260 (for members). The Hutong, for more information or to register, click here.

Jan 27: Feast of Abundance @ Kerry's Kitchen

Kerry’s Kitchen will be hosting a fun-filled, family-friendly CNY event on Jan 27. There will be a buffet dinner, traditional music, lucky-draw prizes and a live broadcasting of CCTV’s New Year Gala Show. Kids will be able to play in the Adventure Zone too.

Fri Jan 27, Kerry’s Kitchen, see event listing. 

Jan 27: Free Dumplings and Baijiu @ Capital Spirits

Capital Spirits will be giving out free dumplings and baijiu to any patrons who stop by on the night of Friday January 27.

Jan 27-28: JIA's Chinese New Year Dinner

Bring the family together this Chinese New Year with a home cooked meal at JIA, NUO Hotel Beijing’s signature Chinese restaurant. Chinese Executive Chef Tam Yin Chan, will be serving up an array of traditional, seasonal dishes.

Fri Jan 27 (dinner), Sat Jan 28 (lunch). Private Room Set Menu Price at RMB5,000/RMB8,000/RMB10,000 (10-12 people). For more information or to make a reservation, please call +86 10 5926 8281.

Jan 27- Feb 11: Chinese New Year Packages @ The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Pull out all the stops for the New Year and dine in style at one of The Westin's award-winning restaurants. Choose between the Seasonal Tastes buffet (RMB258 per person, minimum 25 people), a Japanese-style meal at Mai (RMB500 per person, minimum 8 people) or a traditional Cantonese spread at Zen5es (RMB1,888-RMB4,888 per set for 10 people).

Jan 27-Feb 11, 11.30am-10.30pm. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang.

Festival Set Menus @ 8 Qi Nian

Ring in the Year of the Rooster at 8 Qi Nian. They're serving a few delicious Festival Set Menus, à la carte dishes and authentic Poon Choi created by their expert Chinese chefs (RMB1,388, serves up to 10 people.

Starting Jan 9; 8 Qi Nian Set Menu Pricing (includes a complimentary bottle of red wine or Chinese spirits): RMB1,988 for 4 people, RMB3,888 for 8 people, RMB4,888 for 10 people. For reservations call +86 10 5960 8822 or email dining.beijing@newworldhotels.com.

Events 

Jan 26: The Hutong's Chinese New Year Dumpling Party

Chinese New Year is a time for dumplings. So get in the spirit of things at The Hutong's dumpling-making party. Their culinary team will teach you how to roll dough, make fillings, wrap and then eat homemade dumplings. Not only will you learn how to make dumplings, but you can eat as many as you want and drink as much beer and mulled wine as is humanly possible.

Thurs Jan 26, 6-9pm. RMB200, RMB180 (members), RMB150 (under 13). The Hutong; for more information, click here.

Jan 27-Feb 10: Ski with Imagine During Chinese New Year

If you’re looking for something a bit more active to do during the holiday why not go skiing? Imagine will have a few different ski trips to choose from between January 27 until February 10. Spaces will fill up quickly so make sure to make reservations by January 24. For more information on prices, itineraries and times, click here. 

Jan 27-Feb 10, RMB900 per day (3 day minimum).

Jan 28: Beijing Temple Fair Tour

Temple fairs have played a huge role in traditional Beijing life for hundreds of years. So if you want to get a little bit cultured this Chinese New Year, join the China Culture Center for their Temple Fair Tour to check out spectacular variety shows, unique folk performances and amazing acrobatic feats from all over China. There will also be plenty of local xiao chi (snacks) available. For more information, click here.

Sat Jan 28, 9am-3.30pm; RMB370 adults/ RMB300 kids 5-11 or RMB300 advanced/ RMB250 kids 5-11 advanced. China Culture Center (CCC).

Jan 29: White River Ice Hike

Hike Miyun District's frozen river on Sunday January 29. During the hike you’ll walk down the canyon and traverse the river eight times. Basically this hike will be beautiful. For more information click here and to purchase tickets click here. 

Sun Jan 29, 9am-6pm; RMB400 (RMB360 for members, RMB200 under 12). Beijing Hikers.

Jan 29-Feb 2: Irish Gaelforce Dance

Dancers from around the world have come together with a shared passion for this ancient culture and its traditional music. The troupe will be performing at NCPA from January 29 until February 2.

Jan 29-Feb 2, Times Vary; RMB180-1080. National Center for Performing Arts.

Jan 30: CNY Overnight @ Yu County’s Ancient Walled Towns & Fireworks of Molten Iron

Yu County is home to ancient pagodas, temples, pavilions and walled towns which serve as relics of the Zhou, Liao, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Explore the area during this two-day trip. Make sure to book early, because this trip is going to be popular.

Mon Jan 30, 8.30am-8pm; RMB1,800 (RMB1,620 for members, RMB1,200 under 12). Beijing Hikers.