Lunar New Year begins this Friday, February 12th! The 12-year Chinese zodiac calendar is represented by 12 different animals. This week we will be saying goodbye to the Year of the Rate and hello to the Year of the Ox. According to Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui master, "the ox, in Chinese culture, is a hardworking zodiac sign. It usually signifies movements so, hopefully, the world will be less static than last year and get moving again in the second half of the year."

Restaurants around the Treasure Valley are ringing in the Chinese New Year as well. Here’s a list of some of the best Chinese cuisine to indulge in this Friday.

Yen Ching has been serving the treasure valley since 1986 with an extensive menu. Sizzling Mongolian snake river beef, Spicy Szechwan beef noodles, Mala shrimp, and beef and and potato stir fried are some menu specialties.

Wok-Inn Noodle owner/chef Chan Chun-Chung grew up in Hong Kong, the culinary capital of China. Chan specializes in dishes made from scratch, using the freshest ingredients, and hand pulled noodles. The House Special Noodles are a popular go-to.

Guang Zhou has become a fan favorite in the Treasure Valley. especially after Twin Drgaons closed. They offer a pretty sweet lunch special of two meat choices and two choices of rice/fried rice & chow mien - all for a very reasonable price.

Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant is one of those hole-in-wall restaurants you'll  crave! Lucky Palace also offers a large selection of entrees and appetizers options that will take a regular a long time to even put a dent into. The Crab Rangoon and Moo Shu Pork are some favorites.

5 Of the Most Underrated Restaurants in Boise

More From Mix 106