What better way is there to celebrate the Lunar New Year than with a visit to Manila’s very own Chinatown in Binondo?

Declared a national holiday in the Philippines, Chinese New Year is considered to be one of the most important festivals among the Filipino-Chinese community in the country. Fun and festivity is in the air during this occasion, making it the best time to indulge in the rich cultural experience that a trip to Binondo has to offer. While there, you can partake in delicious food, and engage in traditional rituals and special activities to ring in the New Year.

What are some of the best things to do in Binondo this Chinese New Year? We can name a few. Check out these TikTok videos for some awesome ideas

1. Treat your tastebuds to some authentic Chinese cuisine - https://vt.tiktok.com/Ntr9hK/

@cray.zy Dong bei#Dumplings #Chinese #ChineseFood #Asian
♬ Yiquan - Chinese Traditional

When in Binondo, you will never run out of good food to enjoy. A Chinese New Year feast typically includes lucky foods such as fish, dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, and good fortune fruits. Some restaurant favorites to try are Sincerity Café & Restaurant, Ying Ying Tea House, and Dong Bei Dumplings.

2. Have your fortune read - https://vt.tiktok.com/NnEcrx/

@vegasbengals fortune cookies had four of them only three had a paper in it Happy New Year
♬ Old Days - Fortune Cookies

Visit a Feng Shui master or a fortune-teller to find out what your lucky stars have in store for you in the coming year. Alternatively, you may visit Kuang Kong Temple, and let the wooden half-moons determine your fortune. If you aren’t up for an adventure, you can always pick up a fortune cookie or two at one of the popular bakeries in the area.

3. Participate in Chinese rituals for luck - https://vt.tiktok.com/NWRMCf/

@peoumonychenna Gong si fa cai Wish good luck all #chenna
♬ Know You Better (feat. Tessa) - Sam Feldt x LVNDSCAPE

Attract good fortune and share your blessings with others by participating in lucky rituals this coming Chinese New Year. Some simple traditions you can easily do are the giving of Ang Pao red envelopes with money inside, lighting incense at a temple, and cleaning out old clutter and buying new clothes for the season.

4. Shop for Chinese New Year gifts and lucky charms - https://vt.tiktok.com/NW1SEG/

@yo_itz_dany Lucky Chinese cats #china #featureme #lucky
♬ ZEZE (feat. Travis Scott & Offset) - Kodak Black

Binondo is a great place to go shopping for gifts for friends and family this Chinese New Year. While there, make sure to check out some lucky charms that you can keep or share, as well. Among the popular gifts to give are fruits, tea, alcohol and tobacco, clothes, candies, and school supplies. Some popular lucky charms you can find in Binondo are Chinese Knots, the Lucky Cat, and the Smiling Buddha, among others.

5. Watch a traditional dragon dance - https://vt.tiktok.com/NWdtPd/

@kiminology Binondo kids #chinesenewyear
♬ original sound - John Kimwel Espocia Fungo

The dragon dance is probably the most iconic Chinese New Year custom. In this traditional performance, the dragon symbolizes good fortune, wisdom, and wealth. Often the highlight of a Chinese New Year celebration, it is believed that the longer the dragon, the more luck it can bring to the community.

Are you planning on joining the Chinese New Year fun in Binondo this year? Don’t forget to try any or all of our recommended activities, and if you do, record your own videos on TikTok, and share them using the hashtag #CNYPH2020.

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