Chinatowns Around the World to Celebrate Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year (Gong hei fat choy – Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese) - also known as Spring Festival, is a time of festivities and feasts, taking place all around the world. Festivities begin on 4th February and end on 26th February, with the actual Chinese New Year taking place on Friday 12th February 2021. During the three weeks, celebration is split into 3 parts: little year (which is a time for preparation), spring festival (12th to 22nd February) and the iconic lantern festival (23rd to 26th February).
While celebrations won’t be quite the same as in past years, there is a chance that you’re not too far from celebrating the year of the Ox. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we share some of the top Chinatown destinations around the world to celebrate Chinese New Year, as endorsed by Booking.com travelers*, once it is safe to do so again.
Bangkok, Thailand
Those based in Thailand should venture to Yaowarat Road for Bangkok’s very own Chinatown - a haven of culinary delights, shopping and Chinese temples. Experience a sensory fusion of sights, smells and sounds and enjoy the blend of Thai and Chinese cultures. Head to Yaowarat Road for the main celebrations and witness the spectacular dragon parades or light a candle at the Kuan Yim Shrine and Dragon Flower Temple.
Where to stay: Situated right on Yaowaraj Road in Chinatown, The Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is a glamorous renovated building from 1892, which boasts a swanky jazz bar, reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s. Just a short stroll away, guests can find many of the area's delicious street food stalls, fresh fish markets and Chinese medicine shops to soak up the Chinese culture.
Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama’s Chinatown, with a history dating back more than 160 years, is the largest Chinatown in Japan. Those located in Yokohama can meander through the colorful streets and sample foodie favorites including steamed buns and ramen noodles. After indulging in delicious Chinese cuisine, head to the popular site of Kanteibyo, an impressively colored temple in the center of Chinatown. In addition to Chinese New Year in February, Yokohama also boasts a 15-day spring festival which will be taking place from 23rd January - 6th February, where locals and travelers celebrate together by watching the iconic Lion Dance and Celebration Parade.
Where to stay: Hare-Tabi Traveler's Inn Yokohama hostel is ideal for explorers on a budget. The cozy, well-equipped hostel, which is situated in the middle of Chinatown, consists of spacious cabins and provides views overlooking Chinatown!
Melbourne, Australia
Those in Melbourne can head to the Central Business District to discover its delightful Chinatown. Soak up history and heritage at the Chinese Museum, enjoy delicious Chinese food in one of the many authentic restaurants or watch the mesmerizing Dai Loong Big Dragon Parade. For the past 160 years, the Melbourne Chinese New Year festival has never failed to impress in its celebrations at this Chinatown.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of Melbourne’s restaurant and theatre district on Little Bourke Street, the Ovolo Laneways hotel is just a five minute walk from Chinatown. Guests can immerse themselves in everything Melbourne has to offer with shopping, art galleries, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance.
São Paulo, Brazil
Traditionally, China's Lunar New Year has been celebrated on Paulista Avenue, one of the most famous avenues in Sao Paulo. This spirited city in the southeast region of Brazil has a range of historic sites for you to marvel at.
Where to stay: Merely a 13 minute walk away from Paulista Avenue, H3 Hotel Paulista offers a stylish, modern decor. To get your fuel for the day ahead of celebrations, try the breakfast buffet which is available every morning and has been praised by guests.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is the colourful Chinatown on Petaling Street. This Chinatown contains lots of hidden gems, with some stalls selling Chinese herbs or imitation goods, all sold at staggeringly cheap prices.
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 fitness centre - with so much to choose from guests will never find themselves bored when not out exploring the city.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, when it’s safe to do so again, we are sharing Early 2021 Travel Deals for travelers to use when booking their early 2021 trips. Discounts start at 20 percent and are valid for stays between 5 January and 31 March 2021.
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* The list was based on endorsements from international Booking.com users who travelled to these destinations. The destinations had to receive 200 endorsements in the category “Chinatown” to be considered and were selected on the basis of share of total endorsements.