As the Lunar New Year approaches, a travel itch strikes many. Booking.com’s survey reveals that nearly a third (32 percent) of Hong Kong residents are eager to explore global Chinatowns, seeking cultural experiences beyond their own. This guide to Chinese New Year destinations explores some of the most vibrant Chinatowns worldwide, promising a taste of home with a unique twist, perfect for celebrating the Year of the Snake – a year associated with transformation, wisdom, and intuition.
Looking for places to travel? Plan your 2025 travels in Asia based on your Chinese Zodiac.
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Top destinations to celebrate the rich traditions of Lunar New Year
The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, typically falling between late January and February. To fully embrace the festive spirit, consider these top Chinatown destinations:
Manila, Philippines
Manila’s Binondo is home to one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, which houses Binondo’s famed Chinatown landmark, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch. Offering an in-depth look at the city’s rich culture and Filipino urban life, the Lunar New Year celebrations entail dragon dances, firecrackers, and more. Visitors can go on a food tour, explore the markets, and sample local delights at food stalls and restaurants.
Travelling with kids? Check out our story on kid-friendly luxury hotels in Manila.
Vancouver, Canada
Home to Canada’s largest Chinatown, Vancouver is another destination for Hong Kong travellers to consider. Signposted by the impressive Millennium Gate, which symbolises the rich Chinese heritage of the area, it is a gateway to enjoying some of the best Lunar New Year celebrations outside of China. During the event, traditional shops line the streets, restaurants serve authentic Chinese cuisine and a vibrant parade takes over the market area. Vancouver is home to many other attractions that might interest Chinese New Year revellers, including the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and other destinations. A hop-on hop-off tour might interest those looking to explore the city more.
Looking for travel inspiration? Check out our 10-day Vancouver itinerary.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest in Australia, offering visitors a treasure trove of cultural experiences and heritage to soak up. During the Lunar New Year celebrations, visitors can enjoy a dragon parade, drumming, lion dances, storytelling sessions, and Kung Fu demonstrations. They can also sample delectable Shanghai, Canton, and Szechuan-style dishes at local restaurants and visit the Chinese Museum.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur is home to a striking Chinatown, where visitors can enjoy a host of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. You can embark on a tour of Chinatown, take Batik painting classes, and enjoy exploring the street art of Kwai Chai Hong alleyway. With lanterns lining the street, thrilling puppetry and opera performances, and the chance to sample traditional snacks, it is a great place to enjoy the New Year celebrations.
Elevate your trip with our story on the things to do at Else Hotel in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is home to what is considered one of the newest Chinatowns in the world. Although smaller than many other Chinatowns, this place uniquely blends Asian culture and European charm. Visitors looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a European destination can look forward to exploring areas such as the Pagodepoort (Pagoda Gate), traditional Chinese shops selling authentic tea blends, spices, and other food items. A walking tour can be perfect for those looking to explore the city better.
Booking.com’s research was conducted through an online survey among 32,300 respondents across 32 markets to determine their willingness to travel for the festival.
(Feature image credit: Alpha, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Explore Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, A Haven For Shopaholics, Foodies And Culture Buffs
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
