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Chinese New Year - Paris 2012

By Siobhan Griffin
Last updated at 15:02:00 PM on 27 January 2012

The Chinese community in Paris will celebrate Chinese New Year on 23 January, 2012. Celebrations will welcome the Year of the Dragon, one of the strongest symbols of the Chinese zodiac. The Dragon is the Emperor of China's symbol. Some famous Dragon's include, John Lennon, Nicolas Cage, Rihanna and Russell Crowe.

Paris' Chinese New Year celebrations take place in Chinatown, which is located in the 13th arrondissement. The main party kicks off at 1.30pm on 29 January with a free parade of flags, dragons, dancers and other performers moving through the streets. Over 200,000 people flock to the area on the day to be part of the fun. You will get to see elaborate, brightly coloured costumes and decorations throughout the area, and of course hear the loud noise of firecrackers. However, you can also experience festivities in the 3rd arrondissement on 25 January. When there will be face painting for kids. Back in the 13th arrondissement a traditional market will run from 14 January until 29th January. While in the area make sure to check out one of the many Chinese restaurants.

If you can't make it to Paris at the end of January, you can still experience New Year celebrations from 11 - 13 March at the Palais des Congres de Paris (Paris Convention Centre). The centre will host just four shows of Shen Yun dancing. Shen Yun has a 5,000-year history. The dances tell stories from Chinese myth, focusing on grace, values and wisdom.

The 13th arrondissement is in southern Paris and you will find Chinatown in it's southeastern corner. If you're staying in central Paris, you can easily reach Chinatown on the métro; take Ligne 7 to Tolbiac. You can also take Ligne 14 to Olympiades station and walk from there through the Oslo shopping centre and into Chinatown