The Chinese or Lunar New Year is not just a time for reunion dinners but also extended holidays. where those who journey afar return home to celebrate.
However, some families occasionally choose to do things a little differently by flying overseas for a unique Lunar New Year celebration.
Here are some of the best locations during this period to welcome the new year with the moon!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Lunar New Year is also a hugely important day in Vietnam, where it is known as Tet. Most cities here are bustling hives of activity during this period with decorations and various markets popping up.
But some of the most packed and exciting places to celebrate Tet can be found in its biggest city of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly its flower markets at Ho Thi Ky, or Hau Giang.
Of course, don’t forget to savor some truly unique Vietnamese Tet specialities such as banh chung, a square block of sticky rice filled with meat or beans and wrapped in banana leaf, representing the Earth. It is commonly eaten with banh tet, a cylinder of sweetened sticky rice that’s cut into thinner circles to represent the moon!
Tokyo, Japan
In Japan, the big festivities and holidays are usually centered around the Western or Solar New Year, so there’s not as much fanfare for the Lunar New Year here.
But on the upside, there’s no need to worry about any stores or attractions being closed! This means that it’s popular with travellers looking for a Lunar New Year destination that’s open for business but still close to home.
On top of that, the Lunar New Year period usually coincides with the height of winter in Japan, making it perfect for winter lovers looking for a frosty and chilly way to celebrate the new year, particularly in prefectures such as Hokkaido and Kanagawa or the northeastern Tohoku region.
Taipei, Taiwan
Being predominantly Han Chinese, the Lunar New Year is observed in Taiwan pretty religiously. Which sadly means lots of shuttered shops and restaurants, though attractions and holiday spots stay open (and they can get pretty packed!).
Still, in the capital Taipei, you can still see plenty of brilliant lanterns and decorations strung about, adding to the already feverish festive spirit. The city is also peppered with historic temples such as Xingtian Temple and Bangka Lungshan Temple. These temples can find themselves crowded with visitors while being thick with the smell of incense and heady hopes for a new year.
South Island, New Zealand
For those looking for some peace and quiet to welcome the new year, New Zealand’s South Island is a prime destination.
February in the Southern Hemisphere means the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, which also means temperature that hovers around the cool but comfy 20s.
Pair that with some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, fjords and forests of the South Island, and you have a recipe for a Lunar New Year paradise. How about taking some time to make a clean break and start the new year off with a refreshing step? The grand, sweeping beaches of the West Coast, the idyllic hills of Marlborough and many more await!
Manila, The Philippines
Home to the world’s oldest Chinatown at Binondo (going strong for almost 400 years!), it’s no surprise that the Philippines also comes alive every Lunar New Year with parades, fireworks shows and even dragon boat races.
Thanks to a predominantly Hokkien community, most greet each other with the Hokkien greeting “Kiong Hee Sin Ni”, though the Cantonese “Kong Hei Fat Choy” is popular as well.
Of course, Chinese Filipinos also have their own twist on New Year delicacies like local versions of nian gao rice cakes called tikoy along with pancit fried noodles or lumpia spring rolls. There’s even a Spanish-inspired tradition where 12 round fruits are placed on a table as decorations for good luck.
Seoul, Korea
Each Lunar New Year or Seollal, the normally hectic city of Seoul empties out and slows down considerably as people head join their families for a more personal celebration. This also means it’s the perfect time to visit some of the star attractions around town.
Some great spots to check out during this down time include the various palaces around the city such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeongung Palace. You could even spend a day out at the Lotte World theme park.
Or if you’re looking for a traditional flavor, there are also plenty of festivals and events where you can try out traditional Korean dress, games and so much more. Don’t forget to try out some toasty tteokguk rice cake soup while you’re there!
Bali, Indonesia
You can find Bali pretty quiet during the Lunar New Year because it’s right in the peak of the rainy season. If you don’t mind some rain though, Bali’s a great budget pick to chill and relax.
Besides catching some festive events at various hotels, restaurants and resorts, try heading out to the Ling Gwan Kiong and Vihara Dharmayana temples, where fireworks, dragon and lion dances await.
Once you’re hungry, pay a visit to the various Chinese restaurants with special menus that give you a taste of a Chinese homecoming while you’re in paradise.
And if the weather’s cooperating, definitely don’t miss Bali’s star attractions at Tanah Lot Temple or the Tegallalang Rice Fields. Ditto for the dozens of heavenly beaches!
Singapore
Singapore’s majority Chinese population almost ensures a feverish celebration for the Lunar New Year. During this period, the city’s famed Chinatown is covered in charming light installations while crowds of people shuffle about to get their New Year’s shopping done.
Once you’re all shopped out, then book a date with the Chingay Parade, a colourful, multicultural parade filled with cheerful participants and elaborate decorated floats.
But, if you’re interested in something a little quieter, then the Lunar New Year’s flower display at the Gardens by the Bay is just the perfect amount of festive cheer. Make sure to pay a visit to the Flower Dome and its various flowers from each of the four seasons!
So, those are just some ideas for an overseas Lunar New Year celebration. Any ideas for a unique celebration of your own next year?
