Ma-Jong & Games: A CINGS Lunar New Year Party

Kick off Lunar New Year with a night that’s equal parts play, culture, and connection.

Join CINGS (China Institute Next Generation x The Serica Initiative) x Chop Suey Club  for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration featuring Mahjong, games, drinks, delicious bites, and community, all set inside the China Institute in the heart of NYC.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mahjong player, totally new to the game, or just here for the vibes, this night is designed for maximum fun and zero intimidation.

🎓 Mahjong Origins & Beginner Lesson | 6:00–6:30 PM

Curious about Mahjong but never learned? We’ve got you.

The evening begins with a short, engaging introduction to the history and cultural origins of Mahjong, followed by a guided beginner lesson led by Ruoyi and her team at Chop Suey Club. With dedicated instructors and multiple Mahjong sets, beginners will learn the basics and jump right into play—no experience required.

🀄🎲 Games Night Open Play | 6:30–10:00 PM

After the lesson, the floor opens up for open play all night long:

• Mahjong (beginner & intermediate tables)

• Poker

• Doudizhu (Landlord)

• Board and table games

• Casual drop-in play with friends old and new

Play as many games as you like, hop between tables, and meet fellow game-lovers in a lively, social setting.

🍸🥟 More Than Games

Fuel your luck with:

• Snag snapshots with your friends to take home in our photobooth by Kevin at The Booth Lab

• DJ SHUYÎN keeping the energy high all night

• Festive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from sponsors Lunar Hard Seltzers, Makku & wine from Nan at New York Big Apple Music Festival

  
  

• Delicious dumplings, dim sum, and sweet treats from CI's Culinary Kitchen & Junzi Kitchen

• Curated vendors selling Lunar New Year–ready gifts and goods, including  

  • @qimingyin9 Mingyin Qi - "I’m an interdisciplinary artist primarily working with tufting and whittling! I love creating lovely little creatures that bring warmth, comfort, and a bit of joy into your everyday life!! 🐊✨"

  • Sew-X: Jewelry + more - SEW-X ART LLC specializes in art content creation, IP operation, and cross-border exhibitions. We transform intangible cultural heritage into contemporary wearable art, with Xiang sew (湘绣) as our core craftsmanship.

  • Needs Theory: Sayo (they/them) builds interactive human-centered creations and experiences. They're a multi-media artist, archiving "trash," metal, ceramics, and textiles to explore play using discarded objects

  • Edgycated: Annie Hu will be selling her premium collectibles for cultural institutions, Year of the Horse ornaments & bookmarks

  • Helen so miiasoey: HK born artist, crafter, explorer, broken seashell and walking flower will be selling her unique artwork, prints, stickers, and more

• Enjoy fortunes, charms, and lucky sachets from pulse readers & chart tellers Victoria of Astro Acupuncture, Andrew Huey of Eternal Lillie Acupuncture, and the https://newyorktaoistassociation.org/

Thank you to our sponsors! If you'd like to sponsor, please email Event Director Michelle at Michelle@sericainitiative.org to learn more.

Support our Sponsors!

50 Hertz Tingly Foods

One Ally Law Firm

Junzi Kitchen

Lunar

Makku

New York Big Apple Music Festival

🧧 Why You Should Come

• Learn a classic game with deep cultural roots

• Celebrate Lunar New Year in a modern, joyful way

• Meet new people across generations and backgrounds

• Support CINGS and its mission to build community through culture

  
  

Dress festive if you like—red, gold, or your own Year of the Horse energy encouraged.

Whether you come to learn Mahjong, play all night, or simply eat, drink, and vibe, you won't want to miss this celebration!