Lan Su Chinese Garden Chinese New Year Celebration

The Lan Su Chinese Garden hosts a series of events to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

Chinese New Year
Monday, February 8, 2016 through Monday, February 22, 2016

The Year of the Monkey begins February 8, 2016! People born in the Year of the Monkey are generally quick-witted, lively and out-spoken.

Learn more about Chinese New Year, the most colorful and joyous of all Chinese festivals during Lan Su's two-week celebration.  The celebration kicks off on Monday, February 8 with "Rolling in the Wealth," a traditional good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and gold coins through Lan Su's front door. "Rolling in the Wealth" is followed by a lion dance performance , and much more! Every guest visiting on February 8 will also receive a hong bao, or traditional lucky red envelope.

The celebration ends with four nights of Lantern Viewing and dragon processions (February 19-22). A separate admission ticket is required for this event.

Weekends during Chinese New Year feature:  

•     Lion dances
•     Cultural performances
•     Make a Happy New Year card craft activity
•     Chinese Calligraphy demonstrations
•     Martial Arts performances
•     the Chinese wishing tree
•     and more!

Weekdays offer a sneak peek at Lan Su's 2016 events and activities, including Cuisines of China, Lan Su in Bloom, Chinese Fun and Games, and more.

Please note: For the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff, entry may be limited at peak times of visitation to meet fire code regulations. Expect lines at times on opening day and weekend days. Plan for the most auspicious visit by purchasing admission tickets ahead of time and arriving early for your favorite activities! "Rolling in the Wealth" orange and coin rolling is limited to the first 100 visitors.

The Chinese Zodiac - Year of the Monkey 猴年

You are a Monkey if you were born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, or 2016

In accordance with the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Monkey begins on February 8, 2016 and ends January 27, 2017.

The Monkey is the ninth sign in the twelve year cycle of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Traditionally, the number “9” is a favorite as it has the same pronunciation with the Chinese character ? – jiu, which means everlasting. Nine also stands for completeness and eternity. The number was highly favored by the imperial families. Emperors used to wear nine-dragon imperial robes to show their hope for longevity and an eternal reign for their empire.

The Monkey’s Strengths
Monkeys are thought to be curious, creative, smart, optimistic, and adventurous. They are never afraid of being the center of attention. Monkeys are known for being lively, outspoken, and versatile. In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them a long-lasting love life.

The Coming New Year
The 2016 Year of the Monkey falls under the element of fire. According to the Chinese horoscope, the New Year brings to those born under the sign of the monkey many positive and interesting challenges, but as long as they try their best to balance all the aspects in life, it is going be a good year!