Jakarta. The Chinese New Year, also known as Imlek, is set to be celebrated on Feb. 10, 2024. It marks the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Dragon, symbolizing power, courage, and wisdom, and is believed to bring in fortune and innovation.
 
There are plenty of wonderful sites to enjoy in the lead-up to Chinese New Year, here are some top things to do in Jakarta:

1. Visit a traditional Chinese temple
Going to a Chinese temple is a must for celebrating Imlek. There are many across Jakarta with most being concentrated around Glodok in North Jakarta. The best time to visit a temple is in the lead-up to Chinese New Year where you can experience its unique serenity and marvel at the stunning red and gold decorations. Attendees burn incense, light candles, and pray to Buddhist gods to grant them good fortune in the new year. 

The oldest and most famous temple in Jakarta is Dharma Bhakti Temple. Popular among tourists and locals, this temple is extravagantly decorated and spiritually significant to Jakarta’s local Chinese population.

But for a quieter and equally captivating experience, check out one of Glodok’s smaller temples. Toasebio Temple is a less frequented site but still holds an impressive collection of lanterns, statues, and prayer sites. 

2. Go to Glodok Chinatown Market
The weeks leading up to the new year are an excellent time to visit Glodok, known as Jakarta’s Chinatown. The area was initially designated by Dutch colonialists as the only place for Chinese residents in Jakarta. Today, Glodok lives as Jakarta’s hub for Chinese culture. Jakartans can browse the famous Glodok street market for everything, from lanterns to laptops. 

This market comes alive in the lead-up to Chinese New Year and is a must-go for anyone looking to stock up on some festive items.

3. Catch some traditional Barongsai (Chinese Lion Dance)
Chinese lion or dragon dance (Barongsai) originated in China during the 3rd century AD. The costume and dance are designed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the new year. These performances are spectacular to watch and a particularly great activity if you want to involve your children in the Imlek festivities. 

Barongsai performances are held multiple times per week at various malls across Jakarta. Below is the Barongsai schedule of three Jakarta malls. 

• Taman Anggrek Mall - performances every Friday-Sunday (Jan. 18 to Feb. 11)
• Emporium Pluit Mall - performances every Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 27-Feb. 11) and a performance on Monday (Feb. 12)
• Mall at Bassura - performances every Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 3-Feb. 24)

4. Buy/watch the fireworks 
Lighting fireworks is a Chinese New Year tradition. In Chinese mythology, fireworks are used to drive evil away from your family and the upcoming new year. Although the purchase of fireworks is prohibited in China, they remain easily accessible in various markets across Jakarta, especially in the Glodok area.

5. Eat with your Family at Pantjoran Pantai Indah Kapuk
A central tradition of Indonesian Chinese New Year is having a family meal on the eve of Imlek. Many families stay up until midnight to ring in the new year together, traditional foods such as Siu Mie (long noodle) and Nian Gao (Basket cake) are eaten on the eve of the Chinese New Year.  

The Pantjoran PIK area is bursting with Chinese restaurants, architecture, and traditions. It’s a perfect spot to celebrate the Year of the Wooden Dragon with a traditional Chinese meal.