Gong Hei Fat Choy! Celebrate Lunar New Year Around The World
As the Year of the Snake slithers into 2025, the world prepares to celebrate the most vibrant and auspicious festival: Lunar New Year. January 29 marks the beginning of a new year based on lunar calendars, with revelry and feasts planned all over the globe. In China, Gong hei fat choy (a Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese) is also known as the Spring Festival with a 15-day celebration to match.
The Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation, a perfect time for travelers to plan their next trip and dive into rich cultures, witness breathtaking traditions, and savor delectable cuisines. With an expansive Chinese diaspora, there are authentic communities to be found on many continents, perfect for the 35%* of global travelers who are motivated to travel by new or different lifestyles and cultures. So with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we share Chinatown destinations around the world to celebrate.
Manila, Philippines
A bustling bayside city on the island of Luzon, the capital of the Philippines, is home to what many claim to be the world’s oldest Chinatown. Nestled amongst the Spanish colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Binondo was established during the 16th century. Today it’s a vibrant area with a rich culture that captures the essence of Filipino urban life. The Chinatown’s main strip, Ongpin street, is lined with Chinese herbal stores, restaurants and groceries, flagged by Binondo’s Chinatown landmark, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch. Each year Binondo plays host to the city’s Chinese & Lunar new year celebrations with firecrackers and dragon dances. Visitors can experience the tapestry of the area’s flavors while learning more about the history on a Manila Food Tour; exploring the labyrinthine side streets and enchanting alleyways, where hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall restaurants serve up cherished local delights.
Where to stay: Just a short stroll over the Binondo - Intramuros Bridge, The Bayleaf Intramuros offers travelers boutique accommodation not far from the bustle of the Chinatown district. The hotel, located in the historic walled city of Intramuros, boasts 57 stylish guest rooms equipped with luxurious bedding, modern amenities, and panoramic views of the city. The Bayleaf Intramuros also offers a discount for Tripeden.com Genius members.
Vancouver, Canada
On the edge of downtown Vancouver is Canada’s largest Chinatown. Signposted by the millennium gate, this striking red gateway symbolizes the rich heritage of the community beyond. Vancouver’s Chinatown is made up of historic streets lined with traditional shops and restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine. Each year to celebrate Lunar New Year the streets are abuzz with a parade celebrating culture, community, and creativity. Visitors can explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen classical chinese garden, a serene oasis of traditional Chinese design featuring tranquil ponds and winding paths, or head further to explore the city surroundings on a Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
Where to stay: Just a short stroll from East Pender Street, considered the main street of the city's historic Chinatown, is The Ivy on Parker Guest House. This 1908 heritage home has been lovingly repurposed and now houses five unique stays which combine a mix of antique charm and heritage with modern features and conveniences.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest in Australia, and has been thriving ever since it was established in Australia's Gold Rush era. With such a long history, there is a wealth of heritage for visitors to soak up, including the Chinese Museum and the numerous authentic restaurants serving up a range of Shanghai, Canton, and Szechuan-style dishes. Visitors at Lunar New Year can look forward to the lion dance, a dragon parade, drumming, Kung Fu demonstrations and storytelling, all part of a festival that never fails to impress.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Melbourne’s restaurant and theater district on Little Bourke Street, the Ovolo Laneways hotel is just a five-minute walk from Chinatown. Guests can quickly dive into everything Melbourne has to offer with shopping, art galleries, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies the colorful Chinatown on Petaling Street. This Chinatown contains lots of hidden gems, with some stalls selling Chinese herbs or imitation goods, all at staggeringly cheap prices. Visitors can stroll Kwai Chai Hong, an alley known for its vibrant street art and murals or learn more about the area's rich history on a half day Kuala Lumpur Historical Chinatown & Batik Painting Cultural Tour. For Lunar New Year the streets become abuzz with lanterns lining the streets, market stalls selling traditional snacks and performances of opera to puppetry from the temporary cultural stage set up for the occasion.
Where to stay: Overlooking the spectacular city skyline, the swanky Mandarin Oriental hotel offers 10 award-winning restaurants, an infinity outdoor pool, tennis courts, a spa and a fitness center. With so much to choose from, guests can always find something to amuse themselves when not out exploring the city.
Antwerp, Belgium
One of the world’s newer Chinatowns, Van Wesenbekestraat dates back to the 1970s, a result of Chinese migration to Antwerp after World War II. While smaller than many other Chinatowns, this lively neighborhood offers a unique blend of Asian culture and European charm. Visitors can wander past the Pagodepoort (Pagoda Gate) to the area’s streets lined with traditional shops selling teas, spices and traditional foods. Beyond Chinatown, travelers can explore the old center, including Grote Markt, Vleeshuis, and the picturesque Vlaeykensgang on a Walking Tour of the Highlights of Antwerp.
Where to stay: Just a short walk from Van Wesenbekestraat, B&B The Baron offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of Antwerp. Set in a baroque town house dating from 1860, this property offers themed suites with antique furnishings. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast served in the baroque-style breakfast room and relax in the property’s shared lounge.
*Research commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (including 2,000 from the US, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from the UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from the Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 500 from Austria, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled for leisure in the past 12 months including an overnight stay, planning to travel for leisure in 2024 and involved in travel planning. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2024.