Chinese people from all corners of the world celebrate the Chinese New Year.  Also known as the Spring Festival, the holiday relies on the lunar calendar and its significance is as important as Christmas holidays in the western world.

There is an old Chinese adage “food is the most important thing to people.” And so every Chinese festival is associated with a particular delicacy.  For instance, the Dragon Boat Festival is associated with zongzi, while the Mid-Autumn Festival is particularly known for mooncakes. But the New Year’s Eve dinner is extra special — there’s an eclectic mix of food, including traditional delicacies as dumplings, chicken, fish and pork, among others. And the “menu” for the evening pretty much depends on individuals and families. 

And the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner is a time when family members 

reunite for a festive meal— and so it’s also a family reunion dinner.

So, how often do you visit your parents? Family reunions are important for those who work or study away from their hometowns. At the reunion dinner, families gather for the culinary delights and conversations to usher in the new year amid the ones they love. 

CGTN team took the streets of Beijing and asked people from different parts of China about their Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, as well as their favorite meal. Click the video above to find out their answers. 

Also, let us know of your “must have” meal for the Chinese New Year Eve. 

Do share this video with your family members and be sure to tell you love them and look forward to being home for a happy Chinese New Year’s Eve. 

Happy Chinese New Year ！

(Video and article by Li Tianfu, Zheng Chenlei and Wang Yunmiao)‍