When Chinese New Year arrives, forget your European cotillions and foie gras toast. Here, it's all about dancing dragons, unleashed firecrackers and feasts worthy of an imperial banquet. Join me on this world tour of the best destinations for an unforgettable Chinese New Year. Spoiler: there will be ravioli, lanterns and lots of fireworks. 🚀
Imagine: a grandiose fireworks display setting Victoria Bay ablaze. Skyscrapers turn into screens of light, traditional boats glide across the illuminated water, and you, probably wedged between two grannies armed with fans, try to capture the moment without spoiling your boba tea. The streets are transformed into giant parades where the dancing dragons look alive (and a little scary after three baijiu-based cocktails).
In Shanghai, the magic happens in a perfect blend of futuristic neon lights and ancient temples. Head for the Yu Garden to admire the red lanterns suspended like stars in an urban sky. A little anecdote: I tried to learn the lion dance. The result? I ended up wrapped up in the costume, unable to get out. But don't miss the crowded Nanjing street, where the food stalls offer unlikely specialities such as glutinous rice cakes in the shape of rabbits!
Chinese New Year in Beijing is like being immersed in a historical film. The temples come alive with traditional ceremonies, notably at the Temple of Heaven. For an unforgettable experience, go and see the acrobatic shows in Chaoyang Park. And if you're feeling adventurous, try street snacks like scorpion skewers. Yes, I've tried them. No, I wouldn't recommend it without a bottle of water to hand.
KL, as the locals call it, is a melting pot version of Chinese New Year. The whole city lights up, but it's in Chinatown that the party is in full swing. The Taoist temples exude a mystical energy, and the markets are full of lotus seed biscuits. My favourite memory? A Malaysian granny gave me a packet of mandarins, telling me they would bring me good luck. Spoiler: I won €5 in the lottery a week later. Thanks, granny!
When Bangkok celebrates Chinese New Year, it's as if the city decides to make even more noise than usual (yes, it's possible). Dragons wave in Yaowarat, the Chinese quarter, and every street corner is overflowing with kebabs and dim sum. Anecdote: I followed a parade thinking it was leading to a temple... and ended up in front of a massage stall. I've never been so blessed by a misunderstanding!
See also our mini guide Bangkok to find out more about the destination.
Chinese New Year becomes Tet in Vietnam, and here the family is at the heart of the celebration. Yellow flowers adorn the houses, and the markets are saturated with the intoxicating smells of bánh tét (stuffed rice cakes). Once, when I went to buy a bouquet of chrysanthemums, I learned that they symbolised death. I was kindly directed to kumquat branches... a much happier choice!
Sydney has its own interpretation of Chinese New Year, and it's spectacular. Imagine dancing dragons in front of the Sydney Opera House, fireworks over the Harbour Bridge, and multicultural parades where each community showcases its traditions. A funny anecdote: a tourist asked me where "the most famous dragon in China" was. After a minute's embarrassed reflection, I replied "in the heart of each and every one of us".
London can be surprisingly crowded and festive. Parades in the West End draw huge crowds, and restaurants serve special menus, often accompanied by thunderous drum performances. I also discovered that fortune biscuits are not Chinese. A revelation that almost made me lose faith in humanity (until I was offered a second dessert).
Did you know that San Francisco has the oldest Chinatown in America? During Chinese New Year, it is transformed into a gigantic festival. The annual parade is legendary, with sumptuous floats and an 80-metre dragon. Fun fact: I tried to take a selfie with the dragon, but all I got was a photo of a tourist in a wig. Life is full of little disappointments.
In Singapore, Chinese New Year is a symphony of the past and the future. Gardens by the Bay organises magical light shows, while Chinatown vibrates to the sound of drums and firecrackers. Special mention should be made of the yu sheng (raw fish salads), which are mixed while shouting wishes. It's an unforgettable taste and sound experience, unless you fall for the 'double dose' version of soy sauce.
New York never does things by halves, and its Chinese New Year in Chinatown is pure spectacle. The streets of Lower Manhattan are transformed into a carnival of colour, firecrackers and intoxicating food. You'll find everything from lion dances to gigantic parades, not to mention dumpling stalls that pose a serious threat to your diet. Personal anecdote: a fortune cookie seller slipped me a rather ironic predictive message: "You'll eat too much again tonight." Spoiler: he was right.
Paris, capital of fashion, romance and... red lanterns? Absolutely. In the Chinese quarter of the 13th arrondissement, the Chinese New Year festivities attract thousands of curious onlookers every year. Dragons, dancers in traditional costumes and drums set the rhythm of the streets like a gentle symphony... that is, if you like firecrackers that explode every five minutes. Belleville is another hot spot, with more intimate but equally charming parades.
Each destination in this top list offers you a unique experience, combining age-old traditions and sparkling modernity. So, ready to grab your suitcase, your chopsticks and your festive spirit? I'll be waiting for you somewhere under a red lantern, baozi in hand 😉
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