In 2026, the Year of the Horse brings themes of action, enerty momentum and freedom, which, to us, sound like perfect excuses to explore the world this year!

The official beginning of the Lunar New Year or sometimes referred to as Chinese New Year is on 17 February, so it's just around the corner. That means it's time to start planning that trip. We've come up with a list of 15 incredible cities across Asia to celebrate the Year of Horse.

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most festive spots during Chinese New Year 2026. The streets of George Town host open houses, lion dances, and temple visits where families exchange Chinese New Year wishes in English and Chinese blessings in Mandarin. Travellers love Penang for its affordable hotels nearby the UNESCO heritage zone and its delicious hotel buffet options featuring traditional sweets. Check out our Penang accommodation recommendation below!

The Chinese Lunar New Year greeting culture is strong here, where families often say Xin Nian Kuai Le and Gong Xi Fa Cai wish to one another. Whether you’re enjoying the Lunar New Year celebration in Penang or sending Chinese New Year cards home, it’s an unforgettable blend of culture and hospitality.

Shanghai celebrates the Lunar New Year 2026 with a perfect mix of modern city lights and old-world charm. The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival remains the city’s most iconic event, featuring dazzling lights shaped like dragons, horses, and zodiac symbols. With 2026 being the Year of the Horse, the decorations highlight strength, progress, and elegance.

Visitors can enjoy a New Year dinner in Shanghai at traditional restaurants serving prosperity dishes like fish, dumplings, and longevity noodles. Many travellers send Chinese New Year greeting cards or Chinese New Year e-greeting cards to friends while exploring temples filled with incense and prayers. Whether staying in a 5-star hotel or a design hotel, Shanghai promises a stylish Chinese New Year celebration. Haven't decided where to stay in Shanghai? Check our recommendation below

Or if you are here with the family, Shanghai Disneyland is the place to be. With special Lunar New Year events, the park offers parades, shows, and themed food to make the celebrations extra fun.

Kuala Lumpur is perfect for those seeking a mix of culture and convenience. The Lunar New Year 2026 in Kuala Lumpur bursts with fireworks, and family reunions. The Thean Hou Temple becomes a sea of glowing red lanterns, and travellers can easily find hotels with airport shuttle or nearby MRT stations for smooth transfer from airport to hotel.

At night, enjoy a New Year dinner at Jalan Alor or try Malaysian-Chinese dishes like Yusheng for Lo Hei. During CNY 2026, many locals exchange blessed Chinese New Year messages, including Happy Chinese New Year and Wishes for the Chinese New Year in Mandarin, blending traditional and modern expressions of joy.

Tourists can engage in plenty of exhilarating activities at locations such as Chinatown and Thean Hou Temple. You can stay the night near the temple by bookingn hotels near Thean Hou Temple on Traveloka. Not only that, you can also sample special Chinese New Year cuisine at restaurants or even purchase festive items at street markets. Prefer other locations to stay? Here is our acommodation in Kuala Lumpur recommendation

Taipei offers a heartfelt Chinese New Year 2026 experience. The city’s temples, such as Longshan Temple, attract thousands who pray for good fortune in the Year of the Horse. Markets like Dihua Street are filled with festive food, Chinese New Year gifts, and decorations.

During CNY 2026, many exchange Chinese New Year messages or inspirational Chinese New Year quotes like “May the horse bring you strength and victory.” Taipei hotels range from cheap hotels nearby night markets to 5-star hotels offering New Year buffets and special family menus. Not sure which accommodation in Taipei to choose? Check our recommendation below

Bali might be known for its beaches, but during the Lunar New Year 2026, it transforms into a serene place for peaceful reflection and celebration. Temples like Vihara Dharmayana in Kuta attract worshippers with incense, offerings, and red lanterns. Many travellers book hotels with pool, hotel buffets, or hotel transfers for easy travel around the island. Check Bali accommodations inspiration for your stay below!

Balinese-Chinese communities celebrate with special performances, Chinese New Year cards, and New Year messages expressing harmony and gratitude. Whether you’re sending Chinese New Year e-greeting cards, enjoying a New Year dinner, or giving CNY gifts visitors often bring, Bali offers a unique blend of tropical relaxation and traditional Chinese New Year wishes.

You can watch a lion dance performance at a shopping mall, such as Level 21 Mall or some Chinese restaurants. This tradition is believed to bring fortune, and besides that, kids will be happy to feed the lion some red envelopes.

A timeless favourite, Hong Kong brings the Chinese New Year 2026 spirit to life with its famous Lunar New Year celebrations. The streets come alive with lion dances, parades, and red lanterns symbolising prosperity and joy. The Chinese New Year parade along Tsim Sha Tsui, followed by breathtaking fireworks over Victoria Harbour, makes Hong Kong one of the top destinations for CNY 2026.

Travellers can stay at luxurious hotels overlooking the harbour or find affordable hotels in Hong Kong. During the Chinese New Year 2026, visitors often exchange Chinese New Year greetings in Mandarin, such as Gong Xi Fa Cai, while gifting red packets for good luck. Don’t miss local delights like turnip cakes and festive dim sum during New Year dinner in Hong Kong.

On New Year's Eve, families have a big meal with traditional food. Tourists can join the fun by going to busy night markets, watching the famous Lunar New Year parade, or seeing the amazing fireworks over Victoria Harbour. You can also have a wonderful and lively moment to enjoy CNY like locals!

The happy and lively mood during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is something locals and visitors absolutely enjoy!

Seoul celebrates Seollal, its own version of Chinese Lunar New Year 2026, with warm family traditions and public festivities. Locals visit temples, play folk games, and wear hanbok.

Travellers will enjoy Seoul’s modern convenience — with hotels with airport shuttle, nearby MRT station access, and hotel restaurants serving traditional tteokguk (rice cake soup) for good luck. The horse zodiac symbolises progress and confidence.

You can visit South Korea’s three best theme parks Everland, and Lotte World. They provide a range of attractions and Seollal-themed activities such as sledding, light shows, and parades that you don’t want to miss!

Though not a traditional Lunar New Year destination, Tokyo embraces the Lunar New Year 2026 with its unique mix of Japanese culture and global celebration. Chinatown in Yokohama becomes the centre of excitement, filled with dragon dances, red lanterns, and vibrant performances. Travellers enjoy exploring the city’s stylish hotels — from design hotels in Shinjuku to affordable hotels nearby train stations. Chek out other accommodations in Tokyo below!

Many visitors also share Chinese New Year greetings in English or use Chinese New Year greeting in Mandarin with friends online. Restaurants offer New Year dinner buffets and fusion menus, while CNY gifts travellers bring are exchanged as tokens of goodwill. Tokyo’s vibrant streets and peaceful temples make it an unforgettable destination for the Year of the Horse.

When it comes to vibrant Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations, Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities. Yaowarat Road, the heart of Chinatown, hosts colourful parades, cultural shows, and endless food stalls. Australians visiting Bangkok for CNY 2026 can find cheap hotels nearby the main streets and easily enjoy Thai-Chinese dishes.

During the Lunar New Year celebration, locals exchange Chinese New Year phrases, CNY greetings in Chinese, and Christian Chinese New Year greetings among friends. Bangkok’s festive mood makes it a great place to experience Chinese New Year greetings, Chinese New Year expressions, and enjoy the Year of the Horse atmosphere surrounded by fireworks and joy.

Finally, celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 Singapore style is unbeatable. From Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay, the entire island shines bright with red and gold. Visitors and locals alike share Gong Xi Fa Cai wishes, Chinese New Year messages, and Lunar New Year greetings while enjoying the festive light-ups.

Singapore Chinese New Year traditions like lohei symbolise prosperity and unity. The famous River Hongbao festival and Chingay Parade capture the city’s vibrant energy. Locals decorate homes with Chinese New Year decorations Singapore, send Chinese New Year greeting cards, and exchange good wishes in Chinese and Happy Chinese New Year wishes.

For those born in the Year of the Horse, this is your lucky time. According to Chinese astrology Year of the Horse, 2026 promises growth, ambition, and success. The horse zodiac represents courage and enthusiasm, perfect traits for a fresh start. Whether you’re sending Chinese New Year quotes, inspirational Chinese New Year messages, or Chinese New Year wishes in Chinese, it’s a year to move forward confidently.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather to have a family dinner. Many temples will be decorated with red lanterns and huge red candles. During the two-week celebrations, you'll see lion dancers with drums and cymbals, and people give red packets to the lions for good luck. In parades, dancers carry colourful "dragons" through the crowded streets.

Tourists usually visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Monastery, which is currently the largest temple in Southeast Asia. You can stay the night by booking a hotel near Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple on Traveloka.

To celebrate Lunar New Year, Malacca’s (or well-known as Melaka) streets will be lit up with a thousand red lanterns, symbolising prosperity and happiness. People usually go to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest traditional Chinese temple in Malaysia to do some Chinese New Year rituals, including praying for the upcoming year with full of hope. Don’t forget to book a hotel in Melacca upon your visit here.

Hanoi might be just the place for you. As Vietnam’s capital, it’s a city filled with history, culture, and a blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. During CNY, Hanoi comes alive with traditions and celebrations that are worth experiencing. The celebration in Vietnam is called Tết.

One spot you shouldn’t miss is the Quang Ba Flower Market. It’s not your usual shopping trip, this market kicks off in the early hours, around 3 a.m., and is bustling with people even before the sun rises. Locals flock here to pick up Tet essentials like peach blossoms and ochna integerrima, the bright yellow flowers that are a big part of the celebrations. Find the other best area to syay in Hanoi.

Shoppers haggle over flowers, motorbikes zip through carrying big bundles of blooms, and the air is filled with the smell of freshly cooked street food. It’s a mix of sounds, sights, and smells that really gives you a feel for the Tet spirit.

Macau lights up for the Lunar New Year with a celebration filled with excitement. The New Year's Day Parade is the main event, featuring a 238-metre-long giant dragon making its way around the Historic Centre of Macau. Starting from St Paul's Ruins at 11am, this spectacular show really brings the celebrations to life.

Despite being a small city, Macau is full of history and culture. It’s super walkable, so you can easily check out all the must-see sights like old streets, temples, and beautiful buildings that mix both Chinese and Portuguese influences. Although everything in Macau is within walking distance, it's a good idea to plan your stay close to the attractions you want to visit. This way, you can save time and make the most of your trip without worrying about long walks or transport.

If you love fireworks, Macau’s got you covered. There are five prime spots to catch the show, including Sun Yat-Sen, Avenida de Sagres (right by the Mandarin Oriental), the waterfront at the Macao Science Center, and Avenida do Oceano da Taipa.

Thinking of a fun way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Jakarta? You got the right city. The heart of the celebration is in Glodok , Jakarta’s Chinatown. This area has been the hub of Chinese culture since the Dutch colonial days, and during the weeks leading up to the New Year, it turns into a busy market.

One of the best parts of Chinese New Year celebrations here is watching the Barongsai (lion or dragon dance) performance. These dances are not only fun to watch-they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. These performances are held regularly at malls like Taman Anggrek, Emporium Pluit, and Mall at Bassura during the holidays, and kids love them. It's a great way to involve the whole family in the celebrations.

For a real taste of Chinese tradition, head to Pantjoran Pantai Indah Kapuk. This area is filled with Chinese restaurants and has the right atmosphere for a family meal on Chinese New Year's Eve. Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as Siu Mie (long noodles for longevity) and Nian Gao (sticky rice cakes for prosperity). You can stay in various area in Jakarta to enjoy the vibe.

Of course, no celebration is complete without fireworks. Although fireworks are banned in China, you can still find them in markets in Jakarta, especially in Glodok. Fireworks are an important part of this tradition, which is believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a fresh start in the new year. So buy some and enjoy the show with friends and family!

Plan an unforgettable trip to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and other exciting locations with Traveloka. Discover comfort and convenience with various exclusive accommodation options, affordable flight tickets, and exciting things to do on one platform.

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Chinese New Year 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, a time symbolising passion, adventure, and success. The Horse zodiac in Chinese astrology represents enthusiasm, confidence, and strength — the perfect spirit for travel and fresh starts. As the world welcomes Chinese New Year 2026, locals are already planning their getaways, seeking inspiration, and looking forward to making new memories across Asia.

Also known as Lunar New Year 2026, this celebration is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar. The festive mood begins weeks before Chinese New Year’s Eve, with red packet exchanges, lohei dinners, Chinese New Year decorations, and exciting new year celebrations across the city. For many, it’s also the best time to take a short trip abroad for a festive escape. Whether you’re seeking traditional culture, fireworks, or peaceful relaxation, these top 10 destinations for Chinese New Year 2026 from Australia promise a memorable start to the year.

With 2026 being the Year of the Horse, it’s also a good chance to reflect on the year ahead. Travel can bring a fresh perspective, and spending this meaningful holiday in a new environment can help you start the year with positivity and enthusiasm. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore our top picks for the best cities to celebrate Chinese New Year!