China in London 2008

Further information on China in London events and activities is available on the Visit London website.

Red lanterns in the West End The year 2008 provides a unique context to celebrate Chinese arts, heritage and culture at venues throughout the capital as Beijing prepares to stage the Olympic Games in August and the handover to London as host city for the Games in 2012.

The major China in London season in 2008 now under way includes Chinese New Year celebrations plus events at many different cultural institutions, galleries, museums and visitor attractions.

Key events

The China in London season started on 6 February with the annual lighting up of Chinese lanterns at Oxford Circus.

This was followed by the Chinese New Year celebrations in central London for Year of the Rat, on 10 February - the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.

London – Beijing is a strong theme that runs through the 2008 China in London season. Amongst the highlights are performances by visiting artists from Beijing, a Beijing exhibition and film season.

The season will continue until the Olympic Torch Relay on 6 April when the Olympic flame comes to London as it travels around the world on its way to the start of the Beijing Games. Read more about the Olympic Torch Relay.