27 Dec How do foreigners spend their NYE in China?
Posted at 18:00h
in News
After a tough year of stressful, hard-working days, we all need to take a break, relax and enjoy the holidays. But what if you are living in a country where Christmas and NYE are not on the celebrations list?
Welcoming in the new year in China is surely different from the West. If you are an expat in China, you might also be experiencing that weird feeling of being far from home and missing your relatives during the festivities. We understand, we’ve all been there!
As we know, the cultural gap between Chinese and Western cultures is quite significant in many aspects of daily life. This factor is also particularly relevant when dealing with festivities and traditions. In this article, Eastant will try to clarify the doubts of foreigners who would like to experience a Shanghainese NYE. Make the most of your night with us!
However, if you are Chinese, this article could be also useful to learn more about a western-style NYE and embrace the meaning of this important celebration. And why not? Maybe, even joining in with your expat friends!
NYE in the West
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to look back on your achievements and set new objectives for the coming year. Thus, it represents a symbolic date for saying goodbye to “the old” and welcoming in “the new”. Since Chinese people follow the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year’s Eve date does not correspond to the Western version of this festivity. In addition, the meaning and the traditions to celebrate this day highly differ.
Although numerous local variations and details are present, most Western countries tend to present common features such as the ritual of dinner, resolutions for the upcoming year and fireworks shows. However, it is also interesting to appreciate the distinctive traits among Western countries themselves. Just to name a few:
– Italy: NYE Dinner must include lentils, which are the symbol of luck and thought to bring money and success in the new year.
– Spain: During the last 12 seconds of the countdown, people ought to eat 12 grapes. According to the Spaniards, those who manage to do it will have a new year full of luck and many prosperous months ahead.
– Hungary and Austria: Pork meat is definitely a “must-have” item in the typical NYE dinner because of its cultural meaning, which is attributed to prosperity.
– United States: We cannot avoid mentioning the worldwide famous scene of the NYE celebration in New York, where the audience assists with the Times Square Ball Drop. Furthermore, throughout the years, more and more US cities have been adopting this practice to mark the stroke of midnight.
– The Netherlands: Round and ring-shaped treats are widely appreciated. The line of the circle represents the year, which comes to a conclusion when completing the full circle.
– Norway and Sweden: Rice pudding must be served containing a hidden almond. The person who finds it is the one who is believed to have fortunate months in the upcoming year.
What about NYE in SHANGHAI?
Due to the intercultural differences mentioned above, you might be wondering whether foreigners can still have the chance of having a proper celebration while being in China.
First of all, we want to reassure expats: Yes, you can!
Due to the increasing influence from western countries traditions and a large foreign presence, most developed Chinese cities offer a variety of options to make this important event memorable.
In this article, we will focus on Shanghai, where the foreign community and tourism industry are subject to constant growth. While walking throughout the main areas of the city, you can easily perceive the festive atmosphere. In fact, you can be witness to many Christmas decorations, lights and songs in shopping centers and the central districts of Shanghai.
Although it is considered to be a working day by most companies, the 31st of December presents a busy schedule of events. As a matter of fact, there is a wide range of alternatives ready to meet and overcome expats expectations.
Dining & Events
Several restaurants and hotels offer special NYE dinner menus, buffets and deals including a wide selection of wines and champagnes. Most of them offer the opportunity to share the adrenaline of the count-down to the New Year on indoor screens.
Another benefit deriving from celebrating NYE in Shanghai is the presence of Roof Tops Bars and Restaurants with an outstanding view over the Pudong skyline and fireworks shows. In fact, the Huangpu river will be brightened by an impressive 3D firework show prior to the 2019 countdown. However, depending on the interests, foreigners can also choose to continue the night by attending a number of activities ranging from nightclub events and concerts with special guests, to bars and pubs located in the more central areas. Finally, for those who would like to include a touch of Chinese culture in their NYE, KTV and street food markets could be a great option.
An insight into the experience of Expats
In order to verify the degree of satisfaction of expats living in Shanghai and other Chinese cities, we collected some personal opinions from people coming from different countries about how they normally spend their NYE in their country compared to how they spend and perceive NYE in China. Let’s find out whether China could be your new location for 2019!
Raphael – Brazil – Shanghai: “Our tradition starts by having a big dinner at 8pm, where everyone must be dressing in white. At 11 we go to the beach to see fireworks. After that, the religious among us usually go to the sea front to throw white roses into the water asking for protection and wealth. Everything ends with entertainment events and parties. I don’t think I would celebrate like this in Brazil as now it’s high summer there. This year I will be celebrating my first NYE in China with my new friends on the 91st floor of Park Hyatt Shanghai. It will different, but surely a new and exciting experience!”
Natalie – Mexico – Suzhou: “In Mexico, the new year is celebrated with the family all together at home. Lots of food, music and dancing! Even though you may miss your family, you can do something similar in China with your close friends. The alternative is to attend one of the fancy events and parties taking place at hotels. But this year I would like to organize something more intimate. I believe the difference between Mexico and China is the lack of atmosphere and empathy towards this celebration.”
Shane – Ireland – Chongqing: “In my opinion, celebrating New Years in China is a lot like in my home country, the excitement, the celebrations and of course the extravagant meals and celebratory drinks are all very similar, but obviously everything is bigger in China! However, due to the huge population it is quite difficult travelling around during this time, my advice would be to choose a place you like to celebrate the New Year with your friends and loved ones and stay there for the night and remember to Gan Bei 干杯!”
“Denise – Italy – Shanghai: “In Italy, we celebrate NYE with friends by organizing home-made dinners or going to a restaurant. The dress code should be quite elegant, but togetherness and happiness are the most important aspects. A vast amount of food is served, including lentils and typical dishes according to your particular region. After dinner, fireworks and the countdown to the new year are a must, especially in the main squares of the city. Big screens are set up and people end up hugging each other and wishing the best of luck for the next year. This year, the NYE in Shanghai will be a welcome surprise that I am eager to try. I am sure Shanghai and its events will not deceive my enthusiasm and expectations.”
In conclusion, even though foreigners may have to adapt their traditions to international standards, entertainment and new joyful experiences are guaranteed. China will try its best to make feel expats feel at home and create beautiful memories.
Whatever you plans for NYE are, just remember: Home is people, not a place. Surround yourself with the people you love and the place will be just a frame for your picture.
Happy New Year!
Another benefit deriving from celebrating NYE in Shanghai is the presence of Roof Tops Bars and Restaurants with an outstanding view over the Pudong skyline and fireworks shows. In fact, the Huangpu river will be brightened by an impressive 3D firework show prior to the 2019 countdown. However, depending on the interests, foreigners can also choose to continue the night by attending a number of activities ranging from nightclub events and concerts with special guests, to bars and pubs located in the more central areas. Finally, for those who would like to include a touch of Chinese culture in their NYE, KTV and street food markets could be a great option.
An insight into the experience of Expats
In order to verify the degree of satisfaction of expats living in Shanghai and other Chinese cities, we collected some personal opinions from people coming from different countries about how they normally spend their NYE in their country compared to how they spend and perceive NYE in China. Let’s find out whether China could be your new location for 2019!
Raphael – Brazil – Shanghai: “Our tradition starts by having a big dinner at 8pm, where everyone must be dressing in white. At 11 we go to the beach to see fireworks. After that, the religious among us usually go to the sea front to throw white roses into the water asking for protection and wealth. Everything ends with entertainment events and parties. I don’t think I would celebrate like this in Brazil as now it’s high summer there. This year I will be celebrating my first NYE in China with my new friends on the 91st floor of Park Hyatt Shanghai. It will different, but surely a new and exciting experience!”
Natalie – Mexico – Suzhou: “In Mexico, the new year is celebrated with the family all together at home. Lots of food, music and dancing! Even though you may miss your family, you can do something similar in China with your close friends. The alternative is to attend one of the fancy events and parties taking place at hotels. But this year I would like to organize something more intimate. I believe the difference between Mexico and China is the lack of atmosphere and empathy towards this celebration.”
Shane – Ireland – Chongqing: “In my opinion, celebrating New Years in China is a lot like in my home country, the excitement, the celebrations and of course the extravagant meals and celebratory drinks are all very similar, but obviously everything is bigger in China! However, due to the huge population it is quite difficult travelling around during this time, my advice would be to choose a place you like to celebrate the New Year with your friends and loved ones and stay there for the night and remember to Gan Bei 干杯!”
“Denise – Italy – Shanghai: “In Italy, we celebrate NYE with friends by organizing home-made dinners or going to a restaurant. The dress code should be quite elegant, but togetherness and happiness are the most important aspects. A vast amount of food is served, including lentils and typical dishes according to your particular region. After dinner, fireworks and the countdown to the new year are a must, especially in the main squares of the city. Big screens are set up and people end up hugging each other and wishing the best of luck for the next year. This year, the NYE in Shanghai will be a welcome surprise that I am eager to try. I am sure Shanghai and its events will not deceive my enthusiasm and expectations.”
In conclusion, even though foreigners may have to adapt their traditions to international standards, entertainment and new joyful experiences are guaranteed. China will try its best to make feel expats feel at home and create beautiful memories.
Whatever you plans for NYE are, just remember: Home is people, not a place. Surround yourself with the people you love and the place will be just a frame for your picture.
Happy New Year!