Chinese new year decorations with chinese lanterns and peach, cherry & plum blossoms.

Chinatown Precinct Association, Myer, Emporium Melbourne and other Shopping Arcades in Chinatown off er shoppers, visitors and tourists with an exclusive opportunity to be greeted by the “Gods of Prosperity, Wisdom and Longevity” in their various trading outlets. The “Gods” will off er well wishes, wisdom and health for the New Year – fortune cookies will be handed out as they roam throughout the streets, buildings and shops, including blessing the Players and visitors at the Courts.

Local and International roving musicians, artists and performers will take to the streets of Chinatown. Traditional figures in Chinese mythology, Chinese traditional musicians and artists will enthral passers-by.

Learn to play Mahjong for beginners with players able to play all night … to the drumbeats of the Chinese Drums. Test your prowess on the Chinese Chess and Checkers too. Lots of deep thoughts and then … wham! the slam of the winner will make you go scurrying off , like the Rat!

An outdoor cinema springs to life at Chinatown Square, with movie like Ratatouille, with our friendly Rat scurrying in the year and our aff able Pig exiting with the “oink! oink!”

Come gather in Melbourne Chinatown … along with the DJs who will warm up the crowd with New Year competitions and riddles for onlookers whilst the local and international artists and performers come out into the streets and stage. Cultural performances will keep you entertained as we count down to the New Year. The traditional Lion Dancers will ward away any evil spirits and as the Pig goes squealing out with its “oink! oink!”, the Rat will come scurrying in, giving everyone an ecstatic scream!

Join in the celebration of Australia Day, Chinese-style! There will be a BBQ, with the meats and vegetables seasoned with Chinese and Asian herbs and spices, fl avoured with Chinese and Asian sauces! Free event – but be quick as there will be free food for the 1st 100 guests!

The streets are awash with a cacophony of rhythmic drumming as Chinese Lions bring in the New Year by blessing the businesses of Chinatown. Evil spirits are scared away with fi re crackers by the Lion dance performances. The Melbourne Millennium Dai Loong will bestow and user in prosperity on each shop front in the coming year. Performed by Chinese Masonic Society Lion Teams Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne Lion Teams Melbourne Dai Loong Association Lion Team

In a cacophony of rhythmic drumming, the Chinese Lions bless the businesses of Chinatown. Melbourne’s very own Dai Loong emerges from the Chinese Museum with onlookers in awe. Truly heralding the commencement of this Spring Festival.