Lunar New Year Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1926 GMT (0326 HKT) December 9, 2020

<strong>Nuanquan Town, Hebei province, China: </strong>Nuanquan Town -- a small town in China's Hebei province -- puts on a unique and spectacular "firework" show every Lunar New Year. For centuries, blacksmiths have been throwing molten metal against a cold stone city wall to create sparks on the 15th day of the first lunar calendar month. It's said that the activity was first invented by blacksmiths in the town who were too poor to buy real fireworks.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Nuanquan Town, Hebei province, China: Nuanquan Town -- a small town in China's Hebei province -- puts on a unique and spectacular "firework" show every Lunar New Year. For centuries, blacksmiths have been throwing molten metal against a cold stone city wall to create sparks on the 15th day of the first lunar calendar month. It's said that the activity was first invented by blacksmiths in the town who were too poor to buy real fireworks.
Hide Caption
1 of 13
<strong>Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina: </strong>Lunar New Year falls within the best time to trek Los Glaciares National Park, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Argentina.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina: Lunar New Year falls within the best time to trek Los Glaciares National Park, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Argentina.
Hide Caption
2 of 13
<strong>Studio City, Macau: </strong>This figure eight-shaped Ferris wheel is the perfect ride to begin a new year. Why? Eight is a<strong> </strong>symbol of wealth in Chinese culture.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Studio City, Macau: This figure eight-shaped Ferris wheel is the perfect ride to begin a new year. Why? Eight is a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture.
Hide Caption
3 of 13
<strong>Ditan Park, Beijing: </strong>More than 100 performers will dress as Qing emperor and imperial guards to take part in a reenactment of an ancient ceremony at the Temple of the Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing during Spring Festival.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Ditan Park, Beijing: More than 100 performers will dress as Qing emperor and imperial guards to take part in a reenactment of an ancient ceremony at the Temple of the Earth in Ditan Park in Beijing during Spring Festival.
Hide Caption
4 of 13
<strong>Hanoi, Vietnam -- Tet flower market: </strong>Known as Tet in Vietnam, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in the country. Dodging motorcyclists while visiting a local flower market is part of the fun of celebrating the festival in Hanoi.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Hanoi, Vietnam -- Tet flower market: Known as Tet in Vietnam, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in the country. Dodging motorcyclists while visiting a local flower market is part of the fun of celebrating the festival in Hanoi.
Hide Caption
5 of 13
<strong>Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong: </strong>The Lunar New Year celebrations at the Sha Tin racecourse is one of the most popular race days in Hong Kong. Held on the third day of the Lunar New Year month, there are live performances and feng shui talks as well as the all-day horse races.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong: The Lunar New Year celebrations at the Sha Tin racecourse is one of the most popular race days in Hong Kong. Held on the third day of the Lunar New Year month, there are live performances and feng shui talks as well as the all-day horse races.
Hide Caption
6 of 13
<strong>Central London:</strong> The British capital hosts the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia. A highlight of the festivities is the new year parade that goes from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Central London: The British capital hosts the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia. A highlight of the festivities is the new year parade that goes from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square.
Hide Caption
7 of 13
<strong>Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea: </strong>Many shops and restaurants will be closed during the Lunar New Year but Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace in Seoul, will stay open with free activities for visitors.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea: Many shops and restaurants will be closed during the Lunar New Year but Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace in Seoul, will stay open with free activities for visitors.
Hide Caption
8 of 13
<strong>Ni hao, Mickey:</strong> Disneyland Resort is hosting special celebrations at the Disney California Adventure Park from January 25 to February 17, 2019.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Ni hao, Mickey: Disneyland Resort is hosting special celebrations at the Disney California Adventure Park from January 25 to February 17, 2019.
Hide Caption
9 of 13
<strong>Around the city, Sydney: </strong>The city's iconic Sydney Opera House gets a red hue in honor of Lunar New Year.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Around the city, Sydney: The city's iconic Sydney Opera House gets a red hue in honor of Lunar New Year.
Hide Caption
10 of 13
<strong>Raohe Night Market, Taipei: </strong>Although it's not the biggest night market in Taipei (Shilin Night Market gets the title), Raohe Night Market offers traditional and intimate charm. The night market is also located next to Wufenpu, a maze-like wholesale market that offers fashion items at a bargain.
Photos: Best locations to celebrate Lunar New Year
Raohe Night Market, Taipei: Although it's not the biggest night market in Taipei (Shilin Night Market gets the title), Raohe Night Market offers traditional and