Are you looking for the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year? Think affordable, stress-free, and fun! Here are my favorite Chinese New Year travel destinations for 2026. Visitors find color, culture, and a better work-life balance here. This guide helps you choose the right city based on your travel style!
Some locations celebrate with parades, towering floats, and fireworks. Others use food, temples, paper lanterns, and rituals to welcome good luck for the year ahead.
Choosing the right destination is important for OFWs. This guide uses real highlights and practical travel advice to help you out!
Why Chinese New Year is a Great Travel Season for Digital Nomads
Chinese New Year follows the Chinese calendar. The celebration happens between late January and February. It marks the Spring Festival, often starting with Lunar New Year’s Day. It is a major public holiday across many regions.
Many offices slow down. Cities feel different. That makes it a great time to travel smart.
Why it works well:
- Fewer meetings and deadlines
- Cultural events everywhere
- Easy short-term stays
- Slower pace in many cities
- Affordable celebrations
Planning ahead helps you enjoy the season without work stress.
China, The Most Authentic Place to Celebrate Chinese New Year
China expresses classic traditions and deep culture. Expect a festive feast, family gatherings, and symbolic customs like red envelopes, lantern lighting, and a firecracker ceremony.
Note: Some Chinese cities don’t allow fireworks. But local rules can change from year to year. There might be a chance to see them. Visitors can enjoy official firecracker ceremonies where it’s permitted.
Beijing: Best for History Lovers
Beijing’s Temple Fairs near Ditan Park and the Temple of Heaven focus on tradition.
You will see:
- Folk performances
- Martial arts displays
- Dance performances
- Traditional snacks
- Calligraphy and crafts
Entry fee:
- Temple fairs are free to low-cost
- Small entrance fees at select venues
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Great for kids, daytime events, and cultural learning
Want to extend your stay? Explore exciting things to do in China beyond New Year celebrations. Find famous landmarks and cultural activities. Walk places that show what everyday life in China is like for locals.
Shanghai: Best for City Lovers
Shanghai mixes tradition with modern comfort, blending ancient rituals with glowing skyscrapers.
Highlights include:
- Seasonal fireworks over the Huangpu River
- Luxury shopping on Nanjing Road
- Fast trains for quick side trips
Entry fee:
- Public celebrations: Free
- Fireworks viewing areas: Free (ticketed rooftops optional)
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Wide sidewalks, organized events, and stroller-friendly areas
Great internet and coworking spaces make work easy.
Guangzhou: Best for Warm Weather
Guangzhou is known for its famous Chinese New Year flower markets.
Expect:
- Huge flower displays
- Lion dances
- Cantonese food tours
Entry fee:
- Flower markets: Free
- Special exhibitions: Low-cost if ticketed
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Colorful, relaxed, and easy to enjoy with children
This city suits travelers who want food and warmth.
Chengdu: Best for Budget Travelers
Chengdu focuses on Sichuan food and traditional opera. They remain popular cultural experiences during the New Year.
Entry fee:
- Street events and lantern displays: Free
- Museums or shows: Optional paid tickets
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Slower pace and fewer crowds than major cities
Both cities are slower paced and affordable.
Singapore: Easy, Clean, and Stress-Free Celebrations
Singapore is perfect if you want comfort and order.
Chinatown: Best for First-Timers
Chinatown comes alive with:
- Street decorations
- Night markets
- Cultural demonstrations and stage shows
Entry fee:
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Safe, clean, and very walkable
Busy but very organized.
Marina Bay: Best for Luxury Travelers
Marina Bay offers:
- Fireworks
- Cultural performances
- Scenic river displays
Entry fee:
- Fireworks: Free
- Rooftop or cruise views: Paid (optional)
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes, especially for older kids
Luxury hotels and smooth transport make life easy.
Heartlands: Best for Quiet Exploration
Highlights:
- Smaller local celebrations
- Food stalls
- Fewer tourists
Entry fee:
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Calm and community-focused
Local neighborhoods host smaller celebrations with delicious food and fewer crowds.
Philippines: Familiar Comfort with Rich Flavor
The Philippines offers relaxed Chinese New Year celebrations with local charm.
Manila: Best for Historic Chinatown Experiences
Binondo features:
- Dragon and lion dances
- Chinese-Filipino food
- Guided walking food tours
Entry fee:
- Street celebrations: Free
- Food tours: Paid (optional)
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Festive, lively, and welcoming
Lively but still manageable.
Cebu: Best for Culture Plus Beach Breaks
Cebu blends:
- Taoist temple visits
- Resort relaxation
- Local guided tours
Entry fee:
- Temple visits: Free or donation-based
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes, and very ideal for mixed-age groups
Perfect for culture plus rest!
Davao: Best for Peaceful and Low-Crowd Celebrations
Davao focuses on calm experiences.
Expect:
- Integrated cultural events
- Local markets
- Durian farm visits
Entry fee:
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! One of the calmest options for kids
Ideal if you avoid crowds.
Vietnam: Calm, Beautiful, and Food-Focused Tết Celebrations
Vietnam celebrates Lunar New Year as Tết, known for warmth and beauty.
Hanoi: Best for Traditional Markets and Pagodas
Hanoi highlights include:
- Quảng Bá flower market
- Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Traditional performances
Entry fee:
- Markets and pagodas: Free
- Cultural shows: Optional paid tickets
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes, educational and peaceful
Boutique hotels in the Old Quarter work well for remote work.
Ho Chi Minh City: Best for Urban Energy and Flower Streets
Nguyen Hue Flower Street transforms into a big floral display during Tết.
You will enjoy:
- Night walks
- City energy
- Mekong Delta tours before or after Tết
Entry fee:
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! Lively but manageable in early evenings
Scooter rentals are common and affordable.
Hoi An: Best for Quiet Lantern Festivals and Slow Living
Hoi An is one of the most peaceful places to celebrate.
You will see:
- Floating lanterns
- Ancient streets
- Tết cooking classes and lantern workshops
Entry fee:
- Lantern displays: Free
- Workshops: Paid (optional)
Family-friendly:
✅ Yes! One of the best for kids and slow travel
Perfect for slow living and creative work. It’s often described as an unforgettable experience.
How to Plan Chinese New Year Travel Smoothly
Step 1: Book Early
Flights and hotels sell out fast. Book at least two months ahead.
Step 2: Choose Your Celebration Style
Decide if you prefer:
- Big festivals
- Quiet temple visits
- Food-focused trips
Step 3: Prepare for Closures
Some shops close for a few days. Stock up early.
Chinese New Year Travel Checklist (Quick + Practical)
Chinese New Year trips are amazing—but expect crowds, closures, and long transit days. This mini checklist keeps you comfortable, connected, and ready for last-minute changes.
-
Global eSIM for maps + bookings: Keep data working for parade routes, ride-hailing apps, and work check-ins.
Eskimo eSIM for travel data across countries
-
Travel health insurance for peak holiday travel: Clinics and flights are busy during CNY. Protection gives peace of mind.
Ekta Traveling travel insurance for international trips
-
High-capacity power bank: Your phone becomes your ticket, camera, map, and payment tool during festival days.
High-capacity travel power bank we recommend
-
Universal travel adapter: Especially useful if you’re hopping between China, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Universal travel adapter for multi-country trips
-
Packing cubes for quick repacking: Makes hotel switching easier during side trips.
Packing cubes for carry-on organization
-
Rain poncho for sudden showers: Outdoor parades and lantern walks continue even with light rain.
Foldable rain poncho for festivals
-
Mosquito repellent for evening markets: Especially helpful in humid cities and riverside areas.
Travel-friendly mosquito repellent
-
Reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen: Long daytime parades and temple visits mean hours under the sun.
SPF 50 sunscreen for travel
-
Language practice for smoother conversations: Simple greetings and polite phrases make ordering food and asking directions easier during busy festival days.
Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription ($179)
OFW & digital nomad tip: during Chinese New Year week, many small businesses close—download offline maps, keep backup cash, and sort connectivity before the holiday rush.
Choose the Best Place and Go
Where you celebrate Chinese New Year depends on how you travel and work.
To sum it all up:
- China offers tradition
- Singapore gives comfort.
- Vietnam brings calm beauty.
- The Philippines feels familiar.
Pick the destination that matches your pace. Book early to enjoy the Chinese New Year without stress!
Find the Best Places to Stay for Chinese New Year
Hotels sell out quickly during Chinese New Year. If you’re planning to visit China, Singapore, Vietnam, or the Philippines, it’s smart to compare options early and stay near festival areas for easier access.
FAQs
China, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines offer different styles of celebration. Hong Kong, South Korea, and even New York City can also be considered, depending on your style.
Yes. Work slows down, and cultural experiences are rich.
Some close for a few days, especially small shops.
Hoi An and Davao City are calm and peaceful.
At least two months in advance.