Take part in Chinese New Year London events and welcome the Year of the Rat in traditional, vibrant Chinese style.

Live performances
Trafalgar Square will be transformed with a diverse selection of live performances on Sunday 10th February 2008. Although Chinese New Year takes place on the Thursday 7th, the London parade and dances happen on Sunday 10th February. Traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances will be met with modern music and dance, featuring a line up of visiting Chinese performers from the Guizhou province in China. The day will start at 11am with a full two hour parade featuring a procession of performers and dancers as they make their way through central London. The Grand Parade starts at 11am in the Strand and continues across Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue.

A cultural explosion
Enjoy colourful Chinese New Year London celebrations in Leicester Square, with firecrackers and fireworks being set off at 2pm and 6pm. Visitors can also sample authentic Chinese cuisine served by restaurants and stalls in Chinatown, whilst dancers keep the crowds entertained.Far Eastern fun
Last year's Chinese New Year London celebrations drew over 50,000 people to a grand parade and welcoming ceremony at Trafalgar Square. This year’s event is expected to be just as big an occasion. After an official opening ceremon at 12pm in Trafalgar Square you can see traditional lion and dragon dances along with performances from top Chinese artists until 6:30pm. New for 2008 is a special kids and families area at St Anne's Garden off Wardour Street.

China in London 2008
A season of events and activities will mark the start of China in London 2007, which recognises and celebrates Chinese culture in London. On Wednesday 6th February the season will be officially launched with a lantern lighting ceremony over Oxford Circus.Events at National Maritime Museum
Head to the National Maritime Museum on 3rd February for a free family-themed event to bring in the Year of the Rat.Chinese New Year at National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is celebrating Chinese New Year with a live performance from some Chinese musicians.Chinese New Year at Museum in Docklands
Celebrate the Year of the Rat at the Museum in Docklands, close to London's original Chinatown in Limehouse, with plenty of fun and educational activities for kids, including guided walks, karaoke and storytelling.Bejing 2008
An exhibition on China, ancient and modern shows how the city is preparing for this year's Olympic Games is on show at City Hall from 6th February to 10th March 2008.

Chinatown Arts Festival
Head to the Royal Opera House for some unusual Chinese hip hop rap from the Dragon Tongue Squad.London Zoo
London Zoo celebrates the Year of the Rat with a special children's activity trail and a chance to try out life as a rat.Chinese Film at Everyman Cinema
See brand new film Hero from Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou at Everyman Cinema Club this Chinese New Year and get delicious dim sum to eat during the screening.Chinese New Year at Southbank Centre
Celebrate 5,000 years of Chinese culture from 22nd to 24th February with Chinese Spectacular at Royal Festival Hall.Recommended Chinese Restaurants
Celebrate with a meal (or two) at our pick of the best Chinese restaurants in London.

Ping Pong
Ping Pong is going all out to celebrate Chinese New Year in London with two fabulous cocktails and two special New Year menus. Celebrate the Year of the Rat in style here.Lotus Chinese Floating Restaurant
Lion dancing and magicians coupled with a ten course banquet make for a very special Chinese New Year meal.Chinese beer
The Chinese may not be renowned for their beer, but Harbin is one such beverage. If you fancy a tipple of this unusual Chinese drink, then head to one of the venues below to toast the Year of the Rat.If you're still hungry for other delicious Chinese dishes, here's a list of other recommended Chinese restaurants in London that will definitely hit the spot.