Chinese in UK find ways to celebrate despite lockdown

Change of heart

Wang Yefei, 18, from Shanghai is studying at the University of Warwick and is a member of its Chinese Society. He said that the travel restrictions and COVID-19 lockdown in England made it difficult for him to be with his family in China.

"Due to COVID-19, I will be staying in the UK during Lunar New Year, just like last year when I was in London, which means I will be celebrating remotely with family again this year," he said prior to the holidays. "The real disappointing fact is that the only way to celebrate this Lunar New Year might be virtual. If that is the case, I can't be with my friends, so instead I need to find a new way to get in touch with them, potentially playing online multiplayer games."

Wang said he also has to learn how to cook a decent Spring Festival meal.

When he's in China, Spring Festival celebrations are important to his family.

"Usually, my parents invite my relatives to come to our house and they cook together," Wang said.

"While eating, we talk about our life and popular news items. Besides that, we play card games, mahjong and video games … the young children receive gifts and red packets."

Wang said before moving to the UK he didn't pay much attention to Spring Festival, but in recent years his feelings have changed.

"I feel a desire to stay with my friends and family. This year is a disaster for me as I can neither stay with my family nor see my friends. Although it is frustrating for everyone, it is worth obeying the restrictions as no one wants to get novel coronavirus," he said.

He hopes that people follow the UK government's advice so Spring Festival celebrations can return to normal next year.