The biggest and longest Chinese holiday is approaching and we're about ready to have a party! Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year marks the start of the Lunar cycle and is China's most important festival.

With Chinese traditions being closely knit to the Philippines', many Filipinos take part in the celebration's rituals like wearing red, giving of red envelopes, and watching spectacular firework displays. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on January 25 and marks the "beginning of the beginning" as the cycle turns to the Year of the Rat, the first of the zodiac.

Not sure where to celebrate? Here are our recommendations on where to spend a memorable Chinese New Year:

Home of all things Chinese in the Philippines, the Chinatown in Binondo, Manila is the oldest Chinatown in the world and hosts a flurry of celebrations during the Chinese New Year.

Join the party and take part in a street mob consisting of performers, amazing dragon dances, and impressive fire dancers. You'll also find several stalls and shops selling Chinese goods, from garments and lucky trinkets to delicious treats like hopia and mooncakes. Chinese New Year isn't complete without good and bountiful food, so don't miss out on the many restaurants in the area serving your favorite Chinese dishes.

Looking for a place to have an intimate Chinese New Year dinner with your loved ones? Shangri-la at The Fort hotel's in-house restaurant offers traditional Chinese cuisine in a modern presentation. They also have amazing set menus perfect for festivities.

This contemporary Asian restaurant provides a simple and yet elegant experience that can definitely make your festivities brighter. They also have private dining rooms for big groups or intimate gatherings.

If you want a more luxurious celebration, this resort guarantees top-notch accommodations, entertainment, dining, and gaming, right at the heart of the city.

During Chinese New Year, Solaire Resort and Casino offers luxurious festivity features like their Chinese New Year Feast, an exclusive festival hamper filled with special treats and gift items, Feng Shui readings, and a celebratory kick-off event that features a traditional dragon dance!

Check out these other amazing stays offering Lunar New Year specials.

With its diverse nation that consists of many Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnic groups, Chinese New Year in Singapore is a vibrant mix of old and modern traditions, making it a fascinating destination to spend the Spring Festival in.

Apart from bustling Chinatown and the new year rituals, Singapore holds some of the grandest and unique events that ring the Lunar New Year in, like the Chingay Parade—which is Singapore's answer to New Orleans' Mardi Gras—and the vibrant festivities at River Hongbao held at Marina Bay's iconic floating platform, NS Square.

Thailand's largest Chinatown is located at its capital and is where the biggest Chinese New Year festival is held every year. With streets full of life, brightly-lit lanterns, and a stunning nighttime parade, the Lunar New Year in Bangkok is a cacophony of sights and sounds that makes for an unforgettable celebration!

If you want to have the full Spring Festival experience, head to Beijing, home of the epitome of Chinese New Year celebrations. Enjoy the carnival, festivals, and parades happening in China's sprawling capital.

Be captivated by the lively temple fairs where you'll find endless rows of souvenir stalls and entertainment, witness athletic demonstrations and sporting events at the Longtan Temple Fair, or stay until the 15th day of the Lunar month for China's Lantern Festival, which officially marks the end of the Chinese New Year.

Celebrate Chinese New Year abroad!