Where to Spend Chinese New Year 2026 Without the Crowds

Chinese New Year 2026 falls on 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Horse. Across Asia and beyond, the festival is marked by fireworks, feasts, and family reunions. This also means soaring prices, packed transport hubs, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in headline cities.

If you love the spirit of the season but not the chaos, here are destinations where you can enjoy Lunar New Year traditions at a gentler pace, while still soaking up colour, culture, and celebration.

Spend your Chinese New Year 2026 differently

Traditional festivities with mountain-town calm in Dali, China

While Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou dominate Chinese New Year travel plans, Dali in Yunnan Province offers a markedly slower alternative. Set between Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains, this historic town blends Han Chinese traditions with the distinctive culture of the Bai ethnic community.

Expect temple visits, low-key firecracker displays, and family-oriented celebrations rather than large-scale parades. Many travellers pass Dali over in favour of Lijiang, which helps keep crowds manageable even during the holiday period. Between festivities, stroll the old town, cycle around the lake, or simply enjoy the crisp winter air.

A coastal take on Lunar New Year in Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam’s Tết is deeply rooted in tradition, but Da Nang offers a calmer alternative to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Expect flower markets, pagoda visits, and beautifully decorated streets, all set against a backdrop of beaches and riverfront promenades.

Many locals return to their hometowns during Tết, which means the city itself can feel surprisingly peaceful, making it ideal for cultural immersion without the crowds.

Chinese heritage without the mainland rush in Iloilo City, the Philippines

Iloilo is home to one of the Philippines’ oldest Chinese communities, yet Lunar New Year celebrations here remain low-key and community-focused. Expect temple visits, modest parades, and festive meals rather than large-scale events.

With its heritage streets, relaxed waterfront, and renowned local cuisine, Iloilo offers a warm, easy-going alternative to more crowded Southeast Asian cities.

A historical setting for a quieter New Year in Sukhothai, Thailand

While Bangkok and Chiang Mai draw the biggest Lunar New Year crowds, Sukhothai, Thailand’s ancient capital, remains tranquil. The city’s Chinese community marks the occasion with temple ceremonies and family gatherings, set against a backdrop of UNESCO-listed ruins.

It is particularly appealing for travellers who value history, space, and slower rhythms over nightlife and festivals.

Lunar New Year with nature and indigenous culture in Taitung, Taiwan

Taiwan’s east coast is far less developed than the west, and Taitung remains refreshingly uncrowded even during public holidays. While Lunar New Year is marked quietly, the region’s appeal lies in its scenery with rugged coastline, hot springs, and mountain landscapes.

It is a good base for travellers who prefer slow travel, open space, and reflective time during the New Year break.

Lunar New Year, minus the mass tourism in Perth, Australia

If you want Chinese New Year celebrations without Asia’s peak-season crunch, Perth is a smart long-haul option. The city’s Lunar New Year events are concentrated in Chinatown and cultural precincts, featuring performances, markets, and fireworks, but on a much smaller scale.

With a vibrant Chinese community in Perth, you won’t feel as far away from home. Add in sunny weather, beaches, and wine regions, and you have a festive escape that still feels like a holiday.

A surprising Caribbean Lunar New Year in George Town, Cayman Islands

Chinese New Year may not be what draws most travellers to the Caribbean, but George Town, Cayman Islands hosts a small yet vibrant celebration rooted in its Chinese diaspora. Expect dragon dances, cultural performances, and festive dining, all without the crush found in Asian capitals.

Paired with turquoise waters and winter sun, it offers one of the most unexpected ways to mark the New Year. Pick this destination for a unique CNY experience.

Also read: 32 Fun And New Things to Do in Penang in 2025

Stable plans for the year of the horse

Chinese New Year does not have to be a full gallop through crowded streets and overbooked hotels. By choosing destinations where celebrations are smaller, more local, and thoughtfully paced, travellers can welcome the Year of the Horse with intention rather than exhaustion. From heritage towns to unexpected long-haul cities, these quieter choices offer space to reflect, reset, and start the New Year on a steady footing.