10 ways to enjoy Chinese New Year

Want to join in the Chinese New Year celebrations?

It's year 4702 in the Chinese calendar - the new year starts with the onset of the new moon and ends officially 15 days later. Focus of the celebrations is around Chinatown with parades, singing, martial arts and cookery demos.

Soho's Chinatown started in Gerrard Street, WC1, in the Fifties and mushroomed as its popularity grew. But Limehouse was the original Chinatown. Good Friends restaurant in E14 opened in 1960. Good Friends 139-141 Salmon Lane, E14 (020-7987 5541).

New Year is one of the best opportunities to watch a lion dance. Most of the dancers are trained in martial arts or acrobatics and it's a competitive sport in the Far East. Order a performance from Yi Dao Dragon And Lion Dance Troupe 11 Brentvale Avenue, Alperton, Middx (07956 234 462). www.liondance.co.uk

The Percival David Foundation has 1,700 pieces of pottery from the 10th century onwards. Percival David Foundation Of Chinese Art 53 Gordon
Square, WC1 (020-7387 3909). www.pdfmuseum.org.uk

The Chinese pagoda at Kew was built in 1762 for George III's mother and stands nearly 50m high. Unfortunately the original tile and dragon decorations are long gone. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey (020-8332 5655 ). www.kew.org.uk

Feasting is integral to the new year and you can sample special cakes at Sun Luen bakeries. 13 Little Newport Street, WC1 (020-7437 0251).

For a culinary treat with a difference, head to a Chinese superstore. Wing Yip has all the ingredients you need for a wok spectacular. Wing Yip 544 Purley Way, Croydon (020-8688 4880) plus branch at 395 Edgware Road, NW2 (020-8450 0422). www.wingyip.com

Celebrate the New Year at the Victoria & Albert Museum. This family event, with lion dancing, chess and tea ceremonies will be fun for all ages. Victoria & Albert Museum Sat 24 Jan, 11am-5.30pm free