Becoming Chinese, One New Year Goods Fair at a Time

Ready to take your “Becoming Chinese” journey to the next level? A traditional New Year goods fair is the place to be.

At the 30th Old Beijing New Year Goods Fair in Chaoyang District in Beijing, the festive atmosphere is unmistakable. Vendors from across China - including Hunan, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia and Yunnan - bring together a rich selection of New Year goods, such as cured meats, ham, pastries, sea food and seasonings. From time-honored snacks to fresh ingredients, everything needed for the holiday is on offer.

Beyond shopping, the fair also offers an immersive glimpse into traditional Chinese culture through a wide range of intangible cultural heritage handicrafts. Clay figurines of the iconic Beijing Tu’er Ye, traditional sugar figurines, and Year of the Horse–themed paper cuttings and decorations turn everyday objects into symbols of the Spring Festival's cultural memory.

Stalls lined with red paper cuttings, Spring Festival couplets, the character Fu (good fortune), Chinese knots and lanterns create a sea of festive color. Combined with the lively calls of vendors, the scene captures the warmth, energy and excitement of preparing for the Chinese New Year. More than just a marketplace, the fair is a place where people gather, connect, and share the simple joy of welcoming a new year together.