The Year of the Dragon is almost here, and Beijing has already prepared for Chinese New Year celebrations! Spring Festival officially starts on February 10, and many businesses and shops have jumped into the festive spirit with dragon decor and the lucky color red.
Get your camera ready because I’ve rounded up some of the most Instagrammable spots, cafes, and New Year art installations to soak in the Spring Festival festivities and capture the Year of the Dragon in all its glory.
Follow along for a guide to Beijing’s coolest and most picture-perfect Spring Festival locations!
- 1. Sugar House Coffee: View of Beijing’s Drum Tower
- 2. Huixian Hall Cafe by Shichahai Lake
- 3. Bingoo Bakery: Bakery on Gulou Street
- 4. LEGO China New Year Carnival at Sanlitun Taikoo Li
- 5. Chinese New Year Art Lantern Exhibition at Indigo Winter Garden
- 6. Dragon Lantern s at Beijing Olympic Water Cube
- 7. Golden Dragon Magic at BEAST in Sanlitun Taikoo Li
- Celebrate Spring Festival in Beijing
1. Sugar House Coffee: View of Beijing’s Drum Tower
Nestled near Shichahai Lake, Sugar House Coffee (糖房咖啡) offers a spacious interior with warm seating and scenic window and terrace views. The wooden, rustic Chinese-style decor complements the overall ambiance. On its rooftop you can capture the panoramic view of Drum Tower and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
Location: West City District, Qianhai East Along 22 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-21:00
2. Huixian Hall Cafe by Shichahai Lake
Huixian Hall Cafe 会贤堂 is a cute rooftop cafe that has been filled with various Spring Festival decorations, offering an array of props for photography. Enjoy the unique experience against the backdrop of traditional architecture and a clear blue sky. The cafe overlooks Shichahai Lake, so you can enjoy watching people ice cycling on the frozen lake!
Location: West City District, Qianhai North Along 13 Hui Xiantang Main Gate Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00-23:00
3. Bingoo Bakery: Bakery on Gulou Street
Situated on Gulou Street, Bingoo Bakery (Bingoo面包店) has become a local favorite, especially during the festive season. Adorned with Lunar New Year decorations, including a dazzling golden dragon installation, the bakery promises a delightful atmosphere. Explore the new Year of the Dragon-themed pastries and enjoy the festive treats.
Location: West City District, Di’anmen Outer Street, No. 11 Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00-21:00
4. LEGO China New Year Carnival at Sanlitun Taikoo Li
LEGO has collaborated with Taikooli to make a pop-up Dragon Year themed installation (乐高龙年快闪展览三里屯太古里). Capture festive moments with Chinese New Year-themed photo booths and enjoy these larger-than-life sized classic LEGO figures.
Location: Sanlitun Taikoo Li (ongoing until February 18)
5. Chinese New Year Art Lantern Exhibition at Indigo Winter Garden
This immersive Lunar New Year art exhibition features a 6-meter-high, 8-meter-wide giant dragon, symbolizing good luck and prosperity with its pink hue. Marvel at the intricate art installations, breathtaking scenes, and the joyful lantern festival. Explore the artistic wonders of Chinese New Year at Indigo Winter Garden.
Location: Indigo Winter Garden, 1st floor, No. 18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Exhibition Period: Ongoing until February 25
Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-22:00 (Late January to Mid-March).
6. Dragon Lantern s at Beijing Olympic Water Cube
Embrace the festive spirit at the Water Cube with the “Dragon Shines at Water Cube” series of events. This special showcase includes exhibitions, performances, markets, and lantern displays from late January to mid-March. Don’t miss the stunning zodiac-themed lanterns, each representing the spirit of the twelve animals, offering a perfect backdrop for photos. Admission is free, making it an ideal spot for capturing the vibrant essence of the Lunar New Year. (There are additional events you can pay extra for too).
Location: Water Cube, No. 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Event Period: Ongoing until Mid-March
Hours: All day (Lights are illuminated in the evening)
7. Golden Dragon Magic at BEAST in Sanlitun Taikoo Li
Behold the dazzling golden flower dragon at BEAST, front and center in Sanlitun Taikoo Li Square! Drenched in gold and red hues, this installation seamlessly merges the majestic dragon figure with vibrant Lunar New Year flowers, creating a festive Instagrammable spectacle.
Location: BEAST (Sanlitun Taikoo Li South District)
Address: L1, S5-13, No. 19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00-22:00
Celebrate Spring Festival in Beijing
Whether you’re sipping coffee in a traditional hutong or exploring the imaginative world of LEGO, each location promises a unique and memorable celebration of the Chinese New Year in Beijing!
Happy Year of the Dragon!
