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Cultural · Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore + Southeast Asia, China + Southeast Asia

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

“World's largest annual migration — 3 billion trips + lion dances + fireworks”

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) triggers the world's largest annual human migration — 3 billion trips as Chinese travel home. 15-day celebration featuring lion dances, fireworks, red envelopes (hongbao) + reunion dinners. Hong Kong + Singapore + Bangkok's Chinatown are the most spectacular for tourists.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
February 6 (Year of Sheep)
Following year
2028
January 26 (Year of Monkey)

Second new moon after winter solstice. Late January to mid-February (Gregorian). 15-day celebration; main days 1-3.

Duration
15 days (main celebration first 3 days)
Crowd
Massive across China
Budget/day
$100-300 mid-range
Book ahead
6+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Cultural travellers + families with kids + Chinese-heritage travellers
  • ✓Book flights + hotels 6-9 months ahead across Asia — mass Chinese travel
  • ✓Avoid mainland China unless you have local contacts — everything closes for family
  • ✓Hong Kong + Singapore + Malaysia have the most tourist-friendly celebrations
  • ✓Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat) has the biggest Southeast Asia celebration
  • ✓Prepare hongbao (red envelopes) with new bank notes — traditional Chinese gift

Book hotels for Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 6+ months ahead.

Fly to Hong Kong International (or Singapore SIN, Bangkok BKK)

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Airport transfer

Getting out of Beijing (HKG)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Frequently asked

When is Chinese New Year 2027?
February 6, 2027 (Year of the Sheep). Main celebration February 6-8. Full Spring Festival period February 6-20 (Lantern Festival day 15).
Best place to celebrate Chinese New Year?
Hong Kong (fireworks over Victoria Harbour), Singapore (Chinatown + River Hongbao festival), Bangkok Yaowarat, Kuala Lumpur, Penang. Skip mainland China unless with local family — everything closes.
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
12-year cycle of animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. 2027 = Sheep. Traditional astrological beliefs shape which years to marry, have kids, etc.
What is Chunyun?
The 40-day Spring Festival travel period — the world's largest annual human migration. 3 billion trips in China alone. Book Chinese trains + flights 6+ months ahead.
Is Chinese New Year good time to visit Asia?
Yes for cultural experience in Singapore/HK/Malaysia. Avoid mainland China unless you have local contacts. Book everything 6-9 months ahead.