Whether you're a newcomer to China or just completely
clueless regarding what's in store for the next week or so, here comes
something to make sure you don't miss out on the festivities and frantic
craziness that is Chinese New Year. For one thing, take some advice from Andrew
Hustad, an experienced laowai: "Stay as far away as humanly possible from the
train and bus stations. Everyone in China travels home for the holidays, so
imagine the largest crowd you've ever seen, and multiply that by a thousand."
The Chinese New Year or "Spring Festival" signals the largest human migration on
the planet as native Chinese from all over the world return to their hometowns
to enjoy reunion dinners and a week of vacation. So take it from us, stay put in
Beijing and make use of this survival kit; you'll not only survive, but enjoy
all that Beijing has to offer.
Blow Something Up
According to legend, there was once
a beast-the fearsome Nian-which would come down from the mountains, sneak into
people's houses and devour whomever it could get its claws on. The only things
the Nian was scared of were the color red and extremely loud noises. Beijing
residents were easy pickings for the Nian before 2005 when the ban on fireworks
inside the city was lifted. So light up like there's no tomorrow, just be
careful not to blow a finger off. The Beijing Government is even instituting
special 30-minute no-traffic zones inside the 5th Ring Road beginning at 11:45
p.m. on February 17. Cars will not be allowed to drive through any one of 64
select communities (the number could increase to 100) so that people will be
free to blow up as much as possible. To get your hands on some fireworks, go to
any one of 2,500 designated stands around town. They're easy to spot. But we
recommend you head out beyond the fifth ring to Huairou to score the best stuff.
Eat and Drink Like a Pig
Baijiu: Anywhere from 80 to 120 proof, this potent potable is available
in a myriad of different varieties and flavors. This is the stuff you want if
your idea of ringing in the New Year is blacking out while singing terrible KTV.
Two brands come especially recommended: Wulianghe Maotai and Kongfu Jiajiu (the
stuff Confucius would drink with his mates).
Dumplings: Spring Festival
is a time for families to make and eat dumplings together. It symbolizes
togetherness. Mrs. Huang, a newly arrived expatriate, discovered first hand at a
Din Tai Fung class that "they are indeed tricky little things to make. What I
learned is that it's not so much the secret recipe as it is the technique." Make
your own, buy frozen ones or order a plate from quality restaurants like Hongmao
Jiaozi (Tel: 6495-9311) or Gu Zhen Huang (Tel: 6613-9641).
Niangao:"Sticky cakes" or "year cakes" are a sweet treat especially enjoyed
during Spring Festival. While not exactly a traditional favorite in Beijing
(they're more popular in southern China), you should give them a taste
regardless. If you're lucky enough to snag one shaped like a fish, you'll be
rich and prosperous in the coming year.
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