Blog
Saddle Up For The Year Of The Horse!
- 12 February 2026
By Eleanor Wong
The Lunar new year is soon upon us again and this year it is the turn of the Horse. On 17th February 2026 anybody born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930 or 1918 will be celebrating their year in the Chinese zodiac. In the traditional zodiac story the horse came 7th in the Great Race, after being surprised by the sneaky snake wrapped around it’s ankle. The snake had hitched a ride the whole way, letting the horse take it close to the finish line, before uncoiling, causing the horse to leap backwards in shock. The snake took 6th place, just in front of the horse.
Christmas In China
- 20 December 2025
By Eleanor Wong
Being in China at Christmas time would look a little different from how it looks here in the UK. Although you would see some familiar faces; Santa (圣诞老人), he may present a little differently.
Only 3-5% of the population in China is Christian, so Christmas is not celebrated as a national holiday. Some rural villages may not mark the day at all, as it holds no relevance. Students don’t get the day off and much of the country just continues as usual.
This does vary however, in Hong Kong and Macau, as there is a heavy Portuguese and British influence in both places, Christmas is marked with a 2 day public holiday, as it is here.
Halloween In China
- 28 October 2025
By Eleanor Wong
Halloween is quickly becoming a real cause for occasion here in the UK. In my youth we pulled on a bin bag and a black hat and off we went round the cul-de-sac with our plastic bags open yelling ‘Trick or Treat’ at anybody behind a door with a single pumpkin glowing with a menacing smile.
Pumpkins with Menacing Smiles (source: https://cityofharrah.com/tag/trick-or-treat/)
Mid-Autumn Festival – Food, Fun and a Full Moon.
- 25 September 2025
Eleanor Wong
As we approach a time for celebration for many East Asian countries, I’m taking a look at how we can celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn festival.
This year the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Monday 6th October; Always the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night.
A day to celebrate, give thanks and worship the moon in all it’s glory. Families gather in celebration with lanterns and watch Fire Dragon dances…..in Hong Kong a famous the Tai Hang Fire Dragon dance sees a 67 metre long wind it’s way through the streets, including narrow alleyways, whilst covered in burning incense sticks. What started out as a 19th Century way of warding off the plague, has now become a Mid-Autumn much loved tradition.
Celebrating the Snake!
- 28 January 2025
Eleanor Wong
As we approach the end of the year of the Dragon, we look forward to welcoming in the year of the Snake; the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac.
If the Snake is your Chinese zodiac animal, then you might be a determined, smart and mysterious character. Snakes are good at talking and are great thinkers. They are loyal and logical and can develop deep relationships with others. Although, they can show quite the jealous streak and can be a little indecisive. At times you may be impatient and find you prefer to be alone. Snakes are opportunistic, wise and naturally attract wealth.
Vegan Chinese if you please!
- 25 November 2024
By Eleanor Wong
As more and more people take the plunge into a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, never has this genre of food been more exciting or inventive.
It seems, on most part, gone are the days of the two standard choices of cauliflower curry or baked aubergine! More and more menus in pubs and restaurants all over the country are embracing a wider, much more enticing variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Yet, still I hear my vegan and vegetarian friends complain that you can’t get good vegan Chinese food. I feel like they must have been looking in all the wrong places. The choice of vegan and vegetarian Chinese food at places like Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant in the heart of Birmingham’s China Town is vast, original and super exciting!
Join Us for the Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 at Chung Ying
- 04 September 2024
Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Birmingham Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 on Sunday 15th September!
Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant is excited to invite you and your family to celebrate this special event with us.
What’s the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time when families gather to celebrate the full moon, share tasty mooncakes, and enjoy lots of fun activities. It’s one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, and it’s all about family, togetherness, and traditions.
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