Chinese New Year Celebrations in and around Gauteng

Everybody loves having something to celebrate. It’s a reason to kick-back, have some fun, relax with friends and family and enjoy new experiences.  We can’t think of a better reason to celebrate right now than the Year of the Rabbit.

Yes, it’s Chinese New Year once again and the next two weeks will give you countless opportunities to indulge in delicious Chinese food, be enthralled by dragon dancing and be awe-struck by giant firework displays happening across Gauteng.

We’ve picked the best places for you to catch all the Chinese New Year action, and here they are.

1. The Nan Hua Budhhist Temple, Bronkhorstspruit

The Nan Hua temple is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa and, fittingly, will play host to a Year of the Rabbit celebratory festival that will last for several days. 

On February 6, the temple will be awash with visitors taking part in tea ceremonies, sampling traditional Chinese food, and watching firework displays and dragon dancing. 

This main event is a Festival of Chinese Culture and visitors will experience, amongst other things, an “Offering Light Dharma Function”, lantern-painting and Chinese handicrafts.

2. “Old” Chinatown, Commissioner Street, Johannesburg CBD

At the bottom end of Commissioner Street, near the Newtown precinct, you’ll find remnants of Johannesburg’s original Chinatown. 

Not much remains in this area when you compare it to the hustle and bustle of Derrick Avenue, but it is still home to a number of Chinese restaurants and to the biggest Chinese firework display this side of Beijing. 

This is the place to be on Saturday February 5, from 18h00 onwards as festivities kick off with lion and dragon dancing. 

Commissioner Street itself will be cordoned off between Miriam Makeba Street and Alexander Street and, with both Metro Police and SAPS on patrol, you don’t have to worry too much about the safety of being downtown Johannesburg at night. 

Last year’s firework display was spectacular and this year’s display, scheduled to start at 21h00pm promises to be awe-inspiring.  Get there early to find yourself a parking space.

3. Chinatown, Derrick Avenue, Cyrildene

Derrick Avenue has, for all intents and purposes, taken over the mantle as Johannesburg’s official Chinatown. 

It’s jammed packed with all manner of restaurants, grocery stores, butchers and fishmongers and is both a delight and assault on the senses.  

This year, Derrick Avenue will host its Year of the Rabbit celebrations on Saturday February 12, starting at 18h00. 

As you’ve come to expect, you can look forward to dancing and firework displays but, be warned, the fireworks aren’t nearly as impressive as those you’ll see on Commissioner Street.

We suggest getting there before 6pm to get a seat at one of the many popular restaurants on the street. 

You’ll find delicious and cheap meals at Shun Duk (do try the steamed prawns with garlic), The Fishermans Plate (the sparerib and crab dishes are excellent), China Town restaurant (the best sizzling chicken we’ve had) and Yue Hua, to name but a few. 

On the corner of Derrick Avenue and Marcia Streets, you’ll find Sai Thai, an award winning Thai restaurant.

4. The Brightwater Commons, Republic Road, Randburg

Also on Saturday February 12, The Brightwater Commons in Randburg will be hosting their Chinese New Year festival. 

This takes place during the day, allowing you to experience the thrill of dragon and lion dancing in the afternoon, before heading over to Cyrildene for some evening action.

As you’d expect, you’ll be able to shop for Chinese memorabilia and fill up on delicious Chinese food!

• Author: Clare Appleyard
• Categories: My Gauteng, Experiences
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