Take your crafting to the next level this Chinese New Year with this handmade Lunar New Year Dragon Craft! Follow the simple instructions below to create a beautiful and unique dragon. It’s fun and easy enough for anyone to enjoy.

With your kid’s finished craft, they can show everyone just how awesome – and creative – they are! No matter what setting or occasion, parents, friends, and family alike will be astonished by the beauty of your masterpiece.

Get ready to wow those around you with an amazing ode to Chinese traditions! Celebrate this Lunar Year in style – try this dragon craft today!

For more activities to do this Chinese New Year, check my list of Chinese New Year Activities for Kids!

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Why are dragons so important in Chinese culture?

Dragons are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, providing families with a long history of stories and legends to tell.

The dragon is said to be the symbol of the Emperor himself and emblematic of his national power throughout China. It is believed that by connecting to their power on special occasions, individuals and families could be blessed with good health and prosperity.

It’s also an important symbol during Lunar New Year, where dragon dances often take place to symbolize good luck and ward off evil spirits. These festive events demonstrate the unique connection between dragons and Chinese culture that has been carefully cultivated over centuries of history.

Given their significance within Chinese culture, it is no wonder dragons remain so important today.

Recommended Lunar New Year Books

To give your child a better understanding of this special holiday, you can read a Lunar New Year book together. Not only they will learn about this event but the culture and traditions of other countries, too.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book (Puffin Lift-the-Flap)Home for Chinese New Year: A Story Told in English and Chinese Bringing In the New Year Lunar New Year (Celebrate the World)Ruby’s Chinese New Year

Lunar New Year Dragon Craft Supplies

• Paper straws
• Black pen
• Double-sided tape
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Red, orange, and yellow colored paper

Recommended Lunar New Year Activity Kits

Junior Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Chinese New Year

Want to teach your kids more about the Lunar new year? Grab these Lunar new year worksheets for a research-based activity for your students to learn more about this popular holiday in China.

Chinese New Year Dragon Craft Kit

If you want to save time in gathering materials, you can also grab this complete dragon craft kit. You will have everything you need to create the same craft!

How to make this Lunar New Year Dragon Craft?

Step 1: Out of yellow, red, and orange-colored paper, cut some long and thick strips.

Step 2: Make a square shape by folding the left and right sides of the yellow paper alternately.

Step 3: Place the orange papers in step one into the right and left end sides of the folded yellow paper. Fold them alternately.

Step 4: Using the red-colored papers, repeat the second and third processes.

Step 5: Draw a dragon’s head onto the red-colored paper and carefully cut it out using
scissors.

Step 6: Out of red, orange, and yellow colored papers, make a rectangular piece and trim the edges using scissors. Make a circle piece as well using orange-colored paper.

Step 7: Use double-sided tape to attach the pieces to the dragon’s mouth.

Step 8: Draw a flame out of orange-colored paper and carefully cut it out using scissors. It should be bigger than the size of the head of the dragon. Attach it to the back side of your dragon’s head.

Step 9: Place a paper straw on both sides of the work you did in step 4.

Step 10: Check if all the pieces are attached well together.

Here you go! Your Chinese dragon craft is now finally done! Great job!

Lunar New Year Dragon Craft

Yield: 1

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this handmade paper dragon craft! Perfect for kids who love arts and crafts!

Materials

Paper straws
Black pen
Double sided tape
Googly eyes
Scissors
Red colored paper
Orange colored paper
Yellow colored paper

Instructions

Out of yellow, red, and orange-colored paper, cut some long and thick strips.
Make a square shape by folding the left and right sides of the yellow paper alternately.
Place the orange papers in step one into the right and left end sides of the folded yellow paper. Fold them alternately.
Using the red-colored papers, repeat the second and third processes.
Draw a dragon's head onto the red-colored paper and carefully cut it out using scissors.
Out of the red, orange, and yellow colored papers, make a rectangular piece and trim the edges using scissors. Make a circle piece as well using orange-colored paper.
Use double-sided tape to attach the pieces to the dragon's mouth.
Draw a flame out of orange-colored paper and carefully cut it out using scissors. It should be bigger than the size of the head of the dragon.
Attach it to the back side of your dragon's head.
Place a paper straw on both sides of the work you did in step 4.
Check if all the pieces are attached well together.
Here you go! Your Chinese dragon craft is now finally done! Great job!

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Dragon dances and parades are common customs during the Lunar New Year so why make your tiny version of this important Chinese symbol to celebrate this special event?

Grab your supplies now and let’s start crafting!