About this Event
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime cultural extravaganza as we bring the enchantment of Prince Kung’s Palace Museum—a national first-class museum and one of the most prestigious cultural treasures of China—to the heart of New York City.
This year’s festival will transport you to the grandeur of Beijing with an authentic and dazzling celebration featuring rich traditions, interactive workshops, and mesmerizing performances for all ages. Join us for a journey that promises to inspire, educate, and delight the entire family as we ring in the Lunar New Year in an unforgettable style!
🌟 Festival Highlights:
- Pop-up Showcase: Prince Kung’s PalaceImmerse yourself in the elegance of Prince Kung’s Palace with stunning installations of Yin’an Hall, the Grand Theatre, and palace gates. Capture unforgettable moments with family and friends!
- Spectacular Lion Dance Kickoff: Watch the crowd-favorite lion dance come to life in a burst of color and energy!
- Captivating Music Performances: Enjoy the rich sounds of Chinese Drum and Gu Qin music, performed by official inheritors of China’s intangible cultural heritage!
- Interactive Workshops and Experiential Stations with Master Artisans: Create your own Lunar New Year keepsakes tailored for all ages. Activities include:
Shadow Puppet Making (workshop)
Fragrant Sachet Designing (workshop)
Chinese Opera Facial Mask Painting (workshop)
Traditional Wood Crafting (workshop)
Chinese Knotting (workshop)
Lacquer Fans Crafting
New Year Woodblock Printing
Paper Cutting
Instant Family Photos
Stamps Collecting
🎟 Due to the high popularity of the Lunar New Year Family Festival, tickets sell out very quickly. We recommend you sign up now to secure your place in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
🎟 Workshops are first-come, first-served as spaces are limited. Sign-up for workshops will be available at check-in.
Prince Kung's Palace Museum 北京恭王府博物馆
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, Prince Kung's Palace Museum stands as a testament to China's rich cultural heritage. Recognized as a nationally protected cultural relic, a first-class museum, and a prestigious 5A-level tourist destination, it is one of the most exquisite and well-preserved princely residences of the Qing Dynasty open to the public.
The mansion's architecture, adorned with intricate color paintings, masterful brick carvings, and meticulously designed gardens, is imbued with the essence of "Fu" (blessing) culture. This cultural symbolism reflects the Chinese people's timeless aspirations for happiness, prosperity, and a better life. Revered as the "Garden of Ten Thousand Blessings," the Prince Kung’s Palace offers visitors an unparalleled journey into the elegance and spirit of China's imperial past.
Interactive Workshops and Experiential Stations
Shadow Puppetry: The Art of Light and Silhouette 皮影戏
Shadow puppetry, also known as "Lantern Shadow Play," is a traditional art form that uses intricately carved silhouettes of characters, made from animal hide or cardboard. Illuminated by a beam of light, these figures come to life through delicate manipulation and vivid performances, weaving captivating stories for the audience. Visitors are invited to partake in the experience by painting and assembling their own shadow puppets, adding a personal touch to this enchanting craft.
Fragrant Sachets: The Art of Scents and Blessings 香囊
Sachets, also known as fragrant pouches or perfume bags, are exquisite creations adorned with intricate patterns on the outside and filled with a blend of traditional Chinese herbs and aromatic spices. Worn as an accessory or hung within living spaces, sachets not only serve as decorative items but also offer refreshing scents that calm the mind. Additionally, they are believed to ward off insects, dispel evil spirits, and bring protection and peace.
Visitors are invited to craft their own personalized sachets on-site, creating a unique blend of fragrance and tradition to take home.
Facial Masks Painting: A Symbol of Traditional Chinese Opera 脸谱绘制
A quintessential element of traditional Chinese opera, facial masks are characterized by bold colors and dramatic lines that accentuate a character’s features. Each unique combination of patterns and hues conveys the personality, emotions, and social identity of the character.
We will showcase an array of iconic facial masks, spanning Peking Opera, Sichuan Opera, and other regional theatrical traditions. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a guided workshop, where an instructor will lead them in creating their very own facial mask masterpiece.
Traditional Wood Crafting: Mortise and Tenon: 榫卯结构
The mortise-and-tenon joint is a hallmark of ancient Chinese wooden architecture, furniture, and tools. This ingenious structural technique leverages the natural properties of wood, creating stable connections between components through interlocking concave and convex shapes—entirely without the use of nails. It is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and wisdom of ancient artisans.
This event draws inspiration from the Prince Kung’s Palace collection of furniture, showcasing classic mortise-and-tenon structures through detailed models. Visitors will witness the elegance of these techniques up close and participate in hands-on activities, dismantling and assembling furniture components. Those who complete the assembly within the allotted time will be rewarded with special prizes, making for a uniquely engaging and educational experience.
Chinese Knotting: An Ancient Craft of Blessings and Wishes 结绳
Knot weaving is an ancient art form, where each intricately tied knot seems to entwine the blessings of time with the hopes for a prosperous new year. Every loop and weave locks in joy, harmony, and the longing for health and happiness, allowing good fortune to flow through the strands. It symbolizes the beginning of a beautiful chapter filled with family unity and success in all endeavors.
Under the guidance of an instructor, participants can create their own woven knots, crafting tangible expressions of hope and blessings.
Lacquer Fans: A Fusion of Art and Craftsmanship 漆扇
Lacquer fans are exquisite creations that combine the timeless artistry of lacquerware with the elegance of fan design. Crafted through a meticulous process, lacquer is delicately dropped onto the water's surface, where patterns emerge through techniques such as dotting, flicking, bouncing, and drawing. Once the fan is immersed in the water, the vibrant colors and intricate patterns transfer onto it, capturing the dynamic ripples and vivid veins of the water’s motion.
Adding to their allure, visitors can actively engage in the creation of lacquer fans, transforming the process into an immersive and enchanting artistic experience.
Woodblock Printing: The Art of Capturing Carved Masterpieces "福"字拓印
Woodblock Printing is a traditional art form that replicates the intricate details of carved or engraved surfaces. The process begins with carving desired patterns onto a wooden block, often favoring abstract decorative designs for striking visual effects. Ink or paint is then applied to the block, and paper is pressed over it to create a beautiful impression.
This event combines the "Fu" motif from the Prince Kung’s Palace Museum collection with the techniques of traditional Chinese woodblock New Year prints. Participants will use brushes to apply pigment and create their own rubbings, enjoying both the artistry of the process and the joy of taking home a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Paper Cutting: The Art of Crafting Good Fortune 剪纸
Paper cutting is a cherished Chinese folk art that involves intricately slicing paper to create beautiful patterns, each symbolizing auspiciousness and happiness. For this event, a master of intangible cultural heritage has crafted exclusive designs, and under the guidance of a skilled instructor, visitors will create their own symbols of good fortune.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
China Institute in America, 100 Washington Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 15.00
