Chinese New Year at Chung Tian Temple a feast for the senses
One of Queensland’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations will be held at a temple south of Brisbane — and it will be a feast for the senses. Sip high mountain tea, taste traditional spring rolls and smell the perfumed flowers strung decoratively around the temple.
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Passing through the main gates of the Chung Tian Temple is like stepping into a traditional Chinese palace.
Two stone elephants greet you as you climb the steps revealing the Bodhisattva Hall, decorated with hundreds of beautifully perfumed flowers and glowing red lanterns.
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Over 20,000 people will walk through these gates from tomorrow to take part in a 15-day long celebration to mark the Chinese New Year and to welcome the Year of the Pig.
The temple’s marketing director Ralph Smith said the New Year festivities date back thousands of years and are a time for families to pay tribute to their ancestors.
“Homes are cleaned, red lanterns are hung in windows to ward off evil spirits and presents are prepared in red envelopes to be shared with visitors,” he said.
It is also a feast for the senses.
On Monday for Chinese New Year’s Eve visitors can taste high mountain tea in the Tea Chan Ceremony, try traditional mini spring rolls, watch lion dancers or find some inner peace in the meditation hall.
Chung Tian Temple, which means middle heaven, has stood surrounded by bushland at Priestdale for 27 years and draws 150,000 people each year.
The temple has free parking, is wheelchair accessible and is open daily from 9am until 5pm.
Main celebration days at Chung Tian Temple
February 2
Chinese Lion Dance at 12.20pm
Opening of an Art Exhibition at 1.30pm
Water Drop Tea House open all day
February 4 from 6pm — Chinese New Year
Chinese lion dancers
Cultural performances
Vegetarian food
Traditional tea ceremony
Red lanterns display
Traditional Buddhist blessing service to welcome the new year
Ringing of the Blessing Bell at midnight to wish for a happy and prosperous year ahead
February 9
Traditional Buddhist chanting service at 10am
Food and fun fair
Art exhibition in the art gallery
Water Drop Tea House open for lunch, cakes, coffee and a selection of teas
February 10 — Cultural Open Day
Baby blessing for infants and toddlers at 2pm
Children’s cooking classes at 10am and 1.30pm
Children’s puppet show at 10.30am and 12.30pm
Children’s pantomime at 2.45pm
Chinese lion dance performances
Kung fu display
Multi-faith concert
Delicious vegetarian food treats
Lantern display
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