Sydney claims to host one of the world's largest Lunar New Year festivals outside mainland China.
From third century BC China, to the centre of modern day Sydney, the lion dance is an ancient tradition and blessing to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Lion puppeteer Kwan Leung says the tradition is about more than just entertainment.
"It's to do with pushing away the bad luck and bringing good luck," he says. "And because it's Chinese New Year, you want to have a good start, and have good luck throughout the year."
It's also one of the busiest times for the restaurant business.
The Din Tai Fung Dumpling bar in Chinatown expects hundreds of people to come through their doors over the weekend.
"Dumplings are a traditional Spring festival food and it's a tradition that community leaders believe is important to pass on."
But some in the Chinese community are concerned the importance of the Lunar New Year is being lost on younger generations of Chinese-Australians.
"China is getting very westernised, there's a comment in the papers that the Chinese children are losing the art of writing and losing the art of conversation," Chinatown historical tour guide George Wingkee says. "So there is a concern."
Mr Wingkee says the Lunar New Year is a treasured time for families to get together and celebrate their culture.
It's hoped that festival-goers use the Lunar New Year as an opportunity to learn more about Australia's Asian heritage.
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