Bendigo gets an early start on Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations this weekend, with events in the city and the blessing of the new Imperial dragon – Dai Gum Loong – in Hong Kong on Saturday. 

One of the city’s other dragons – Sun Loong – is also getting a painstaking facelift.  

The dragons will take centre stage at next year’s Easter festival. 

The Central Victorian Lion Team and and Fu Wa Team will bring the library to life with a traditional welcome to the Chinese New Year on Tuesday.

And it’s a great opportunity to grab a meal at one of the many Chinese restaurants around the area – and support local businesses to boot. 

There will also be celebrations at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion for the Lunar New Year (which co-incides with the Chinese New Year) kicking off on Saturday.  A  week of festivities will follow (don’t forget to check out the Jade Buddha when you visit).