Chinese New Year, celebrated between late January and February each year, never fails to captivate crowds with its vibrant displays of colourful fireworks, glowing lanterns, and energetic dancing. If you're wondering where to spend Chinese New Year in the UK, you don’t have to travel far to be part of the festivities. Join CrossCountry as we take you on a journey to discover our favourite UK Chinatowns, where you can experience this magical occasion and so much more, right on your doorstep.
Manchester
After London, Manchester is home to the largest Chinatown in the UK. The settlement of the Chinese community here dates back to the turn of the 20th century. However, the Manchester Chinatown as we know it didn’t emerge until the 1970s, with restaurants accompanied by medicinal shops, supermarkets and cultural stalls. Today you can find a plethora of Chinese eateries jostling for position with local businesses in this bustling area in the centre of Manchester.
As you nose your way through the grid-like layout of the streets, you will find plenty of architectural delights, including a famous arch that is popular with tourists from around the world. The archway can be found on Faulkner Street, and is the perfect spot for the Instagrammers among us to take a snap.
Of course, Chinatown in Manchester has plenty to offer those looking for a bite to eat. Happy Seasons is a customer favourite for good reason; if you’re willing to brave the often incredibly long line, you will find an array of delicious and reasonably priced dishes. Traditionally vegetarian food is eaten over Chinese New Year, making Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen an excellent choice, with its focus on tasty but healthy foods.
Birmingham
Birmingham is home to the delightful Chinese Quarter just a few minutes’ walk from Birmingham New Street Station. Whilst exploring its lively pedestrianised streets, you will find everything from restaurants and cafés to supermarkets, bars and bakeries. One of the best-known landmarks is a stone pagoda, and Chinese architectural flourishes have been added to many of the surrounding buildings.
Whether you’re around for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure to find something in Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter. Early in the day, head to Wah Kee Bakery tucked away in the Arcadian Centre, where you can buy a selection of mouth-watering pastries. These include Hong Kong-style egg tarts, delicately-filled pastries and savoury puffs filled with melt-in-the-mouth pieces of pork. You only have to head a few doors down to find the perfect spot for an evening meal. Although the steamy windows of Peach Garden might not immediately draw you in, the copper-hued ducks hanging in the window have tempted many a passing tourist. When paired with pillows of fluffy white rice – well, quite simply, there’s nothing better.
After you finish dinner, head out to one of the area’s many karaoke bars, and comedy venues. The Glee Club is a particular favourite and plays host to some of the biggest names in comedy, as well as being a wonderfully intimate music venue.
Newcastle
Another northern favourite, Newcastle Chinatown can be found just a stone’s throw from Newcastle station, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to grab a bite to eat and explore before they head into the city. Stowell Street forms the backbone of the area, with other restaurants, cafés, and various businesses dotted around.
Newcastle is home to a community of around 20,000, centring on the Stowell Street area, where as well as the restaurants and supermarkets; you will find a busy Chinese Community centre. While events are held throughout the year, the highlight is the Chinese New Year celebrations, which are a riot of sound and colour.
Food is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and there’s plenty of choice. Sky Chinese Cuisine is a local favourite, and those lucky enough to snag a table behind its ruby-coloured doors will get an authentic taste of Hong Kong. Well known for the quality of their dim sum, the value for money here cannot be beaten. Landmark is another popular choice, and a completely unique one – situated on the ground floor of a parking structure, the food is far from pedestrian. Serving a delicious array of flavours and cuisines, there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s tastes.
London
The UK’s largest Chinatown is, of course, found in its capital. Found within the hustle and bustle of the West End, between Soho and Leicester Square, London’s Chinatown is an iconic destination for food, culture, and festivities. It first began to take shape in the 1950s when Chinese immigrants settled in the area, bringing their vibrant culture and cuisine with them. Today, it’s a sprawling network of streets filled with lanterns, colourful shopfronts, and the tantalising aroma of sizzling woks.
Gerard Street is the central artery of London’s Chinatown, where you’ll find authentic Chinese restaurants alongside bakeries, bubble tea shops, and souvenir stalls. Four Seasons is a must-visit, famed for its roast duck, often hailed as some of the best in the world. Alternatively, dim sum aficionados should head to Dumplings’ Legend, where the soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Beyond food, London’s Chinatown is a hub for cultural celebrations, particularly during Chinese New Year. Expect lion dances, dazzling parades, and a festive atmosphere as the streets come alive with music and performances. Whether you're there to celebrate or simply to explore, the ornate Chinese gates and decorative red lanterns create a truly magical experience.
Celebrating Culture and Community in Chinatown
Chinatowns across the UK are so much more than just places to grab a bite to eat; they’re vibrant cultural spots full of history and character. These communities reflect the resilience and contributions of Chinese immigrants who brought their traditions, values, and heritage to the UK. Of course, food plays a big part in the celebrations, but Chinese New Year is also about family, coming together, and honouring ancestors. Chinatowns are home to cultural centres, historical landmarks, and events all year round that give you a real taste of the culture. Visiting isn’t just about enjoying great food; it’s also about taking in the history, art, and sense of community that make these places so special.
If you're planning to celebrate Chinese New Year, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia