TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese New Year (CNY), often referred to as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world. Marked by colorful festivals, family gatherings, and spectacular traditions, it’s an incredible time to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience. If you’re wondering where to travel during Chinese New Year, we’ve got you covered.
From grand parades to lively street performances, several destinations pull out all the stops to welcome the new year. Without further ado, let’s take a brief journey to these seven places that promise you a memorable CNY getaway.
Best Countries to Visit During Chinese New Year
Traveloka shares some of their best travel destinations, including China, Singapore, and Malaysia, to usher in the Lunar New Year in style. Read on to see what these places have to offer.
1. China
Where to go during the Chinese New Year? Let’s take a trip to the birthplace of CNY itself, China. The country hosts some of the most iconic, and also the biggest, celebrations in the entire globe.
Beijing’s Temple Fairs are a must-see, where you can enjoy an array of entertainment, such as the classic lion dances, drum performances, and folk shows, as well as watch parades and sample local dishes.
Shanghai is also as festive, combining traditional celebrations with modern elements. The city, particularly Yuyuan Garden, is the prime destination for the annual Lantern Festival across China. The garden beckons locals and tourists to observe stunning lantern displays and dazzling cultural performances.
2. Taiwan
Taiwan knows how to celebrate the Lunar New Year with style. Its capital, Taipei, comes alive as it is adorned with a variety of red trinkets, including paper decorations and lanterns, to bring prosperity.
Pay a visit to nearby temples to find out how locals welcome the arrival of the new year. Don’t miss out on the famous Lantern Festival, which is the main highlight of the celebration, where you can witness thousands of glowing lanterns float into the night sky, symbolizing wishes for the year ahead.
3. Singapore
Singapore transforms into a wonderland of red and gold during the Lunar New Year. The Chinatown district becomes the heart of the festivities, with colorful decorations, lion dances, and bustling street markets offering a wide range of goodies and delicious seasonal treats.
Marina Bay also hosts festive carnivals and light shows. But one thing you don’t want to miss during CNY in Singapore is the Chingay Parade, a dazzling multi-cultural event that showcases vibrant floats and performers, making the island one of the top places to spend Chinese New Year.
4. Malaysia
If you’re wondering where to travel during Chinese New Year, Malaysia is your go-to. The Lunar New Year is a significant festival throughout the country, during which family members gather for a reunion dinner.
Malaysia’s Chinese New Year, which usually lasts for 15 days, promises a sense of festivities with its euphoric cultural spectacles, such as traditional parades and lion dances. Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, in particular, buzzes with energy as pyrotechnics and firecrackers take over the streets.
5. Vietnam
Known as Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is a unique cultural experience in its own right. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the main hubs of Tet festivities, featuring flower markets, festive decorations, and stunning fireworks displays.
Head to Tao Dan Park to obtain hands-on experiences with a Vietnamese Chinese New Year celebration. Take in the impressive lion dance performances and sample Vietnamese CNY specialties.
6. Thailand
Lunar New Year is not particularly a public holiday in Thailand, but it remains a prominent event for the Thai-Chinese community. Thailand’s CNY celebrations are as vibrant as other countries, with the typical traditional acrobatic performances, fireworks, and lively streets adorned with festive red decorations.
The celebration centers around Bangkok’s Chinatown, which entices travelers with its astonishing dragon parades and lion dances. Foodies should sample local delicacies offered by the numerous food stalls in the area.
7. South Korea
South Korea also welcomes the Lunar New Year with a celebration. Known as seollal, South Korea’s Lunar New Year, however, is a bit different; the streets are less crowded, since seollal primarily focuses on family gatherings, which is perfect for those looking for a laid-back CNY.
Regardless, Seoul’s palaces, like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, still host traditional rituals and activities. Travelers can also head to the Korea Folk Village in Yongin to learn more about the Joseon dynasty through traditional music performances, folk games, and other events.
No matter where you choose to go, traveling during CNY is a fantastic way to dive into cultural traditions, taste festive cuisines, and create unforgettable memories. For more on this festive celebration, find out why red is associated with Lunar New Year colors here in Tempo.
TRAVELOKA
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