Where to See Lion Dancing in Beijing for FREE

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

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Lion dancing has been an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities for centuries. Rooted in ancient folklore and martial arts, this vibrant and dynamic art form combines the grace of dance with the symbolic power of the lion. Emerging from the heart of Chinese culture, lion dancing is not just a captivating spectacle but a deeply symbolic expression that embodies luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

As the lion dancers move in tandem to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, the mythical creature comes to life, captivating audiences with its lively movements and energetic spirit. It’s an essential part of celebrating Chinese New Year and here’s where you can see it in Beijing.

The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun on Feb 4 from 11am-1pm

To celebrate the upcoming year of the Dragon, BSB Sanlitun is hosting a Chinese New Year Temple Fair on Sunday, Feb 4, from 11am-1pm. This is a free-entry community event – everyone is welcome! Come along and bring your friends and family to enjoy dragon and lion dances, kung fu, and face-changing performances, as well as Chinese arts and crafts for children! Shop for some authentic gifts and enjoy traditional Chinese food!

Find it:
Primary Campus: 5 Xiliu Jie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

Conrad Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 10.18am

In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Conrad is pulling out all the stops for an extravagant celebration. Brace yourself for the mesmerizing presence of lion dancers and the auspicious blessings from the Goddess of Fortune as they grace the hotel with their well wishes for the upcoming year. The festivities will kick off right in the heart of the hotel, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for all.

Find it:
29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路29号

Empark Prime Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.19am

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with an exhilarating lion dance performance scheduled for Sunday, Feb 10, at 8:19am in the lobby. You are warmly invited to witness this auspicious performance and receive blessings from the lively lion as well as greetings from the God of Fortune.

Find it:
2 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街2号

Hilton Beijing on Feb 10 at 9.58am

Hilton Beijing has created a host of fun and entertaining activities to ensure an auspicious year ahead. The highlight of this year’s celebrations is the Lion Dance which takes place outside the hotel lobby. This traditional Chinese New Year welcome will surely get the Year of the Dragon off to a spectacular start! You’ll be amazed at the incredible acrobatic moves and performances choreographed with utmost precision to crashing cymbals and drums. So come to the Lobby and celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival!

Find it:
1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号

Hotel Jen on Feb 10 at 9.28am

Join the festive spirit at Hotel Jen’s lobby! Experience the energy of traditional lion dancing without a cost. Don’t miss this captivating celebration as they welcome the new year in style. Best of all, this captivating celebration comes to you entirely for free. Gather with family and friends for an unforgettable experience in welcoming the New Year.

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

Sheraton Grand Dongcheng on Feb 10 at 10.58am

On the first day of the Lunar New Year at 10:58am, Sheraton will be hosting their annual lion dancing. Swing by to soak in the festivities to celebrate the new year, meet the God of Fortune, and catch the lively lion dance in action!

Find it:
36 Beisanhuan Lu, Dongcheng District
东城区北三环路36号

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.28am

Embrace the New Year early in the morning at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing as they unfold a mesmerizing symphony of colors and energy. Brace yourself for a feast of sight and sound with a spectacular lion dance that will set the stage for a year filled with joy, prosperity, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Find it:
48 Liangma Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路48号

The Peninsula Beijing on Feb 15 at 11am

The rhythmic drums are beating in unison, the dragon is soaring, and the lion is leaping. It’s an auspicious way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the Chinese Year of the Dragon. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, The Peninsula Beijing continues its tradition of creating memorable occasions for guests by presenting a dragon and lion dance performance celebrating the spirit of Spring Festival. Guests and their families can enjoy the colourful festive show by a professional dance troupe inspired by traditional Chinese folk customs.

The opening drumbeat at the auspicious hour of 11am will herald the start of the spectacular dragon and lion dance performance at The Peninsula Beijing forecourt. This follows a traditional “dotting of the eyes” ceremony performed by the hotel’s general manager and management team to herald the lion’s birth.

Find it:
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号

Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing on Feb 19 at 9.38am

For those who like to greet the day with an early start, the lion dancers will kick off the festivities right in the hotel’s lobby. And here’s a special perk for the early birds: discover the hidden gem of Townsquare Cafe on the ground floor of Artyzen. Doors open at 6:30 am, this charming spot offers a delightful breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, refreshing juices, and robust coffees – the perfect way to kickstart your day on a delicious note.

Find it:
Building 11, No.1 Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京东城区香河园街1号院11号楼

East Beijing Hotel on Feb 20 at 2.28pm

The duo of lions will commence their vibrant routine in the hotel lobby before gracefully making their way to Domain and Feast on the 2nd floor, spreading joy and festive energy throughout the venue.