Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a series of experiences. The event, 'The Year of the Snake', begins on January 29 and runs from January 28 to February 28.

 

Guests can enjoy a limited-edition Lunar Afternoon Tea, watch a traditional Lion Dance Ceremony, and dine at the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, during this occasion.

 

The event symbolises wisdom, adaptability, and transformation, and is aligned with the Chinese lunar calendar.

 

LION DANCE CEREMONY

 

The Chinese New Year celebrations begin with a traditional lion dance ceremony, a centuries-old tradition symbolising good fortune and prosperity. Taking place on the first day of the Chinese New Year, on January 29, the ceremony begins with the dotting of the lion’s eye, bringing the lion to life so that it can fulfil its duty of warding off evil spirits and ushering in good luck, protection and health.

 

As the rhythmic beats of the drums fill the festive atmosphere, the lion will perform the ‘Cai Qing’ or ‘plucking of the greens’, symbolising wealth and prosperity in the new year, as it makes its way through Qaryat Al Beri complex. The ceremony will conclude with a ‘Yee Sang’ toss to mark the beginning of the ‘Year of the Snake’.

 

LUNAR AFTERNOON TEA

 

Mark the occasion with a limited-edition Lunar Afternoon Tea in the elegant Lobby Lounge. Taking on an Asian twist on a traditional afternoon tea, guests are invited to savour a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies such as Green tea scones, Yuzu orange profiteroles, Steamed crystal prawn dumplings with asparagus and Minced smoked duck with lettuce and crispy cracker among other options, paired with a selection of signature teas, coffees, cocktails and sparkling.

 

CULINARY TREASURES AT SHANG PALACE

 

Gather with friends and family and rejoice in the arrival of the ‘Year of the Snake’ with culinary experiences curated by Master Chef Qiguo Su at the hotel’s award-winning Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace. Diners can tuck into indulgent set menus, signature brunches and exclusive beverages. Guests can also witness the ‘Gongfu Tea Ceremony’, an ancient tea-making ceremony with resident tea master Liu Pin.

 

For the set menus, diners can expect delicacies such as Chinese Rainbow Salmon Platter and Mixed Dim Sum Platter for starters. Moving on to the mains, guests can relish Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Soya Sauce, Wok-fried Yams and Black Fungus, Homemade Chicken Dumplings amongst other options. For a sweet finish to the festive meal, guests can indulge in Pan-fried Chinese Glutinous Cake with Mixed Nuts or Taro Ball with Red Bean & Coconut Soup.

 

Guests can also join Shang Palace for their delightful Prosperity Brunch featuring meticulously prepared dishes such as Deep-fried Vegetable Money Bag, Beef and Tofu with Coriander Soup, Steamed Seabass, Wok-fried Mix Seasonal Vegetables and more. -TradeArabia New Service