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Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the most spectacular time to visit China. The streets turn red with lanterns, fireworks light up the sky, and the air smells of dumplings and incense.
With the Year of the Horse arriving on February 17, 2026, planning your trip now is essential. While classics like Beijing and Shanghai are popular, recent trends show travelers are flocking to the spicy, vibrant streets of Sichuan.
Whether you are looking for festivals in Shanghai or Sichuan travel recommendations, here is your ultimate guide to celebrating the New Year in China.
Looking for Chinese New Year Gifts? Explore our: Chinese New Year Gifts 2026:Year of the Horse Lucky Ideas|SinoCultural
Table of Contents
- Quick Decision: Where Should You Go? (Comparison Table)
- Top Pick: Sichuan & Chengdu Travel Recommendations
- Shanghai: Festivals & Lanterns
- Beijing: Winter Temple Fairs
- Guangzhou: Visiting the Flower Bazaars
- Xi'an & Hong Kong: History & Fireworks
- Survival Guide: Chunyun & Weather
- FAQ: CNY Travel 2026
Quick Decision: Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year?
1. Sichuan Spring Festival Travel Recommendations (Chengdu)
According to recent travel trends, Sichuan is becoming the top choice for an authentic Spring Festival experience. Unlike the freezing north, Chengdu offers a cool climate and fiery food.
Why Chengdu is the Best Place to Celebrate:
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Jinli Ancient Street: During CNY, this street is illuminated by thousands of red lanterns. It’s the perfect spot for night photography.
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The Hot Pot Feast: Nothing says "reunion" like a bubbling Sichuan Hot Pot. It symbolizes warmth and booming prosperity (Hong Hong Huo Huo).
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Panda Base: Visit the Giant Pandas. In 2026, the bases often have special holiday decorations.
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Cultural Recommendation: Watch a Sichuan Opera (Face Changing) performance. It is exhilarating and deeply traditional. Sichuan's Shu brocade, as a luxury fabric for ancient Chinese emperors, has a history of over a thousand years. During your travels, don't forget to buy a Shu brocade bag with cultural significance.
2. Festivals in Shanghai: Tradition Meets Modernity
If you are looking for specific festivals in Shanghai during the holiday, the city hosts one of the most famous events in the country.
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Yu Garden Lantern Festival: This is the crown jewel of Shanghai's celebrations. For 2026 (Year of the Horse), expect massive, intricate horse-shaped lanterns floating on the zigzag bridge ponds.
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Nanjing Road: A blend of shopping and celebration.
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Huangpu River Cruise: See the skyline light up in red and gold.
3. Beijing: Grand Temple Fairs & Winter Vibes
As China’s capital, Beijing is one of the best places to experience the grandeur of Chinese New Year. The city combines ancient traditions with modern festivities, making it a top destination for both locals and travelers.
- Temple Fairs: Beijing is famous for its lively temple fairs, such as the Ditan Park Temple Fair and the Dongyue Temple Fair. These fairs feature cultural performances, traditional crafts, and delicious street food.
- Lantern Displays: The streets of Beijing are adorned with red lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Chinese Dolls: Silk dolls from Beijing are a must-buy souvenir for your trip.
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Winter Great Wall: Visiting the Great Wall during Chinese New Year offers stunning snowy landscapes and fewer crowds.
4. Guangzhou: Blooming Tradition of Flower Bazaars
Known as the “City of Flowers,” Guangzhou celebrates Chinese New Year with its famous flower fairs.
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Spring Festival Flower Fairs: The flower markets in Guangzhou are a must-visit, showcasing everything from orchids and peach blossoms to kumquat trees. Each flower has symbolic meanings, such as prosperity and happiness
- Cantonese Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Cantonese dishes, including dim sum and seafood, which are integral to New Year celebrations.
- Cantonese Embroidery:Remember to bring your family a canton silk scarf with Guangzhou characteristics.
- Pearl River Night Cruise: A Pearl River cruise sparkles with festive lights, providing a serene and picturesque experience.
5. Other Top Destinations: Xi'an & Hong Kong
Xi'an
As one of China’s oldest cities, Xi’an offers a historical twist to Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Tang Dynasty Lantern Festival: Held at the Tang Paradise theme park, this festival showcases the elegance of Tang Dynasty culture through performances, lantern displays, and fireworks.
- Ancient City Wall: The city wall is adorned with festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy cycling or walking around it to take in the celebratory atmosphere.
- Local Snacks: Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a culinary paradise, offering traditional snacks like dumplings and noodles, which are especially popular during the Spring Festival.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations blend traditional rituals with modern extravagance.
- New Year’s Parade: The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui host a grand parade, featuring vibrant floats, lion dances, and international performers.
- Fireworks Over Victoria Harbour: Witness one of the most stunning fireworks displays in the world, lighting up Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
- Flower Markets: Visit the Victoria Park Flower Market to shop for New Year plants and decorations, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Travel Tips: Surviving "Chunyun" 2026
Traveling during Chinese New Year means navigating Chunyun (Spring Migration).
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Book Early: For Feb 2026 travel, book trains/flights by December 2025.
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Reverse Travel: Consider traveling to major cities (Beijing/Shanghai) rather than away from them, as they empty out when locals go home.
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Winter Packing: If visiting Beijing or Xi'an, thermal wear is non-negotiable.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of traditions, such as wearing red for good luck and avoiding unlucky words or actions during the holiday.
- Try Local Foods: Food plays a central role in Chinese New Year, so don’t miss out on dishes like Jiao Zi (symbolizing wealth), fish (symbolizing abundance), and rice cakes (symbolizing progress).
Conclusion
Chinese New Year (Chun Jie)is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals in the world, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience China’s traditions, cuisine, and festive spirit. Embrace the joy, unity, and blessings of this special holiday, and let your travels during Chinese New Year become an unforgettable cultural adventure.
More about Chinese New Year:
Welcome to the Year of Fire Horse 2026: Exploring Chinese Zodiac Horse
Chinese New Year 2026: Origins, Traditions & The Year of the Horse
2026 Year of the Fire Horse Gift Guide: Auspicious Ideas for Everyone | Sinocultural
FAQ: Chinese New Year Travel
Q: What are the best places to go for Chinese New Year?
A: For food and culture, go to Chengdu (Sichuan). For lanterns, go to Shanghai. For flowers and mild weather, go to Guangzhou.
Q: Where is the best place to travel during Chinese New Year for warm weather?
A: Guangzhou, Hong Kong, or Sanya (Hainan Island) are the best choices for avoiding the cold.
Q: How do you celebrate the Spring Festival in Sichuan?
A: Locals celebrate by eating spicy Hot Pot, watching Face-Changing operas, and visiting the lantern fairs at Wuhou Shrine.
