BEIJING, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- This month China will be swarming with travelers as people prepare to celebrate the Chinese New Year with family and friends. The 2010 Chinese New Year will be on February 14th and is the biggest holiday for the country, similar to Christmas in the West. The holiday nights will be filled with fireworks and good food as the year of the tiger is welcomed in. The China Guide, a Beijing-based travel company (http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ), is excited for another New Year celebration and makes some suggestions for the holiday and year ahead.
Fireworks are the predominant theme witnessed by visitors during the New Year. The city explodes with color every evening as all city dwellers spend hours setting off small displays. Visitors can find groups of people participating throughout Beijing and join in the fun. The China Guide recommends a visit to the Drum and Bell Tower in the evening, located in the Houhai Lake area. The large courtyard separating the towers is popular for firework displays and makes a uniquely traditional backdrop for New Year photos. During the day, the Drum and Bell Tower area is a great place for visitors to explore Beijing's traditional neighborhood and see the old style local life.
Food is also a major part of the Chinese New year. Families gather together over many big meals, similar to Christmas celebrations in the West. Dumplings (jiaozi) are a popular dish in Northern China and eaten during the holiday. The China Guide offers dumpling making classes for visitors to Beijing. Guests have the opportunity to learn the art of preparation, folding and cooking these small delicacies which are similar to raviolis. Dumpling making takes place in a traditional family home as part of a Hutong Tour in Beijing's historic area which also features a cycle rickshaw ride and a trip up the Drum Tower.
Beijing is full of culture and entertainment and the coming year of the Tiger will bring more visitors to China looking to experience this unique destination. "The tiger is characterized by bravery and competitiveness and I think we will see China become a more competitive travel spot," says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide. "There is a great mix of history and tradition with modern elements and growing service levels. Visitors can get the best of both worlds."
Chinese New Year is the busiest travel time in China all year. If you are intending to come to China over the holiday, please book as far in advance as possible to secure flights.
For a Beijing tour with dumpling-making, visit: http://www.chinatourbuilder.com/tour/itinerary_out.php?id=1586
For photos and information on the Drum and Bell Tower, visit: http://www.thechinaguide.com/drum_tower/index.html
The China Guide
The China Guide, http://www.TheChinaGuide.com , is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.
