Top Chinese New Year Travel Places
In 2024, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Saturady, Feb. 10th, being the start of the Year of the Dragon, which ends on Jan. 29th, 2025 according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
To see authentic Chinese celebrations and observe local customs, traveling on Chinese New Year is a good choice. Hong Kong and Beijing are the most recommended destination for New Year's journey.
Hong Kong
Chinese New Year is one of the most important events in Hong Kong annually and the celebrations are distinctively different from those that take place in the mainland of china. The most popular events are the magnificent fireworks display at Victoria Harbor, the Chinese New Year Parade, scenes of citizens strolling in night-long flower markets, New Year horse racing and betting, shopping, and New Year prayers.
The average temperature during the Chinese New Year season averages 16°C (61°F) in Hong Kong.
1. Chinese New Year Night Parade
Praised highly as one of the amusement events around the world most worth watching by Lonely Planet and other travel leaders, the Chinese New Year's Night Parade is held in Hong Kong annually. It is a carnival-like event featuring themed floats, local performance groups, and marching bands that put on fantastic shows along the parade route. Of course, there will also be traditional lion and dragon dances.
2. New Year Fireworks Display
The Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks Display has been held since 1982 at Victoria Harbor. It is held on the evening of the second day of the holiday. Watching hundreds of thousands of fireworks exploding in the sky above Victoria Harbor and celebrating the New Year with over 400,000 people is a truly impressive experience.
3. New Year Flower Market
Strolling through the flower markets after a New Year's Eve dinner with friends and family is one of the must-dos on a Hong Kong Chinese New Year activity list. In total, 14 open-air flower markets are held from the 25th day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar to the eve of Chinese New Year, lasting for 6 days in total. Among them, those held at Victoria Park and Fa Hui Park are the largest in scale and the most festive. You should not miss visiting a flower market visit during the Chinese New Year holiday.
4. Chinese New Year Horse Racing
Chinese New Year horse racing & betting is one of the most distinctive activities of Hong Kong. The locals believe that good fortune starts with a bet on their favorite horse at the racecourse. This event is held on the 3rd day of the 1st month of the Chinese calendar at the Sha Tin racecourse. As the first horserace of the year in Hong Kong, it sets the stage for many personal omens of luck for the upcoming year. Traditional Chinese folk performances are also on show throughout the races.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is an example combination of tradition and modern prosperity. The Temple Fair is one of the most important celebration venues during the Chinese New Year in Beijing.
There are performances and booths demonstrating and selling traditional arts and crafts. The fairs have lots of games, food, and shows and are frequented by visitors from all over the world.
Many other activities are also held such as Spring Festival carnivals, Beijing Opera, acrobatics shows, and tea culture displays. Visitors can easily get into the spirit of Chinese New Year when the whole city is in a festive mood during this season.