Travel blog & tips on a budget from a 30 year old blogger

Chinese New Year in Perth

Australia Perth
Posted: January 31, 2012

I went to Chinese New Year in Perth on Sunday.

It was the first time I had been in Perth for Chinese New Year and I wanted to see what was going on in Northbridge. It had been advertised as part of the Fringe Festival.

Here are a few recommendations on what to do at Chinese New Year

1) Eat Chinese Food

There was a lot of Chinese food on offer.  The stalls were lined down James Street and the smell of bbq led me and some friends to the beef and pork skewers in the middle of the street. At just $2 each, it was a bargain.  But I didn’t expect it to be so hot and spicey. Luckily there was some rice in palm leaves being sold further down the street at $4 each.

 2) Watch a Lion Dance

It had been many years since I last saw a lion dance and one of the reasons I went to the Chinese New Year celebration.  My friends and I arrived at 6pm in time for the opening ceremony and welcome by the Chairperson and Organising Committee. There was a short lion dance which we just caught the end of.  We did find the lion dances start just behind Shanghai Court.  They started the dance and entered the restaurant with all the customers watching.  We later saw the end of the lion dance at the far end of Northbridge which was an impressive sight.

3) Arrive early

The festival started at 12noon but as it had been 42 degrees the previous day, I decided to arrive when it was a bit cooler, at 6pm. This meant by the time we watched the opening ceremony and the lion dance, some of the stalls were closing for the day.  I did see there were games in some stalls as well as Chinese writing and lucky charms to buy.

I had a good time at the festival, will probably come earlier next year and have Chinese for lunch and dinner.

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