No matter which culture marks the occasion, the New Year is always celebrated as a symbol of a fresh start, new prospects and union. In China, before Chinese New Year, every household cleans up their homes and hangs a big “Fu” sign on their doors as a joyful metaphor of the arrival of happiness. Then, on Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather together, staying up all night for good food, casual chats and entertainment, while praying for the longevity of the elders.

Typical to the region, Hangzhou cuisine often possesses subtle hints of sweetness so it is no surprise that apart from the usual dishes, Ba Bao Fan, also known as Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding, is a much welcomed addition to the local Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner table. A sticky rice-based dessert-like dish, the pudding normally includes various ingredients such as dates, barley, lotus seeds and longan fruit, and is finally topped with sugar syrup, adding to its rich colours and flavours. After the meal, a fresh fruit soup is served as a healthy dessert, and symbolizes the sweet life that is to be continued in the New Year.

Chef Wang Yong of Jin Sha restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, who has recently been honoured with a spot on the “2012 Top 10 Chefs in China” list, has prepared a scrumptious feast full of auspicious offerings. Highlighting the Chinese New Year menu is the Family Bliss Pot, which is made of fresh prawns, abalones and scallops, chewy fried fish balls and umami-rich chicken stock. In addition to the gourmet experience, to pay tribute to the Chinese New Year tradition, the restaurant will invite the "God of Fortune," the deity who can bless one with luck and wealth, to visit the restaurant and bring in good fortune for its guests. With great food and a jovial atmosphere, this Chinese New Year will be an unforgettable one.