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8 Best Chinatowns In The World To Ring In The Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of the lunar year calendar. For travelers who can’t fly to China to ring in the New Year, these top Chinatowns around the world are fantastic destinations to join in the festivities.

 

 

Manila, Philippines 

Oldest Chinatown Manila called Binondo
via Rainier Ampongan on Shutterstock

Manila Chinatown, also known as Binondo, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. As the hub of the Filipino-Chinese community, it’s one of the best places in the Philippines to spend the Lunar New Year. The street party usually includes a parade, musical performances by local artists, and minute firework shows just before midnight. 

Besides hosting a rocking street party for Chinese New Year, Binondo is also one of the best places in the country for a food trip. Go on a Manila Chinatown Guided Street Food Tasting Tour via KKday to hit the best spots for food in the area.

 

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Chinatown
via CatwalkPhotos on Shutterstock

Thai and Chinese cultures blend seamlessly on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok, Thailand, a great spot to see golden temples, sample exotic street food, and purchase all sorts of knick-knacks. During Chinese New Year, it comes alive with festivities, most notably the Dragon Parades snaking through the main road. Live acrobats, musicians, and dancers perform under the illuminated lanterns hanging over the streets.

 

 

Yokohama, Japan 

Yokohama Chinatown
via julianne.hide on Shutterstock

If you happen to be in Japan for Lunar New Year, visit the largest Chinatown in the country: Yokohama Chinatown. Lined with numerous shops selling steamed buns and ramen, it’s an excellent spot for a meal! 

During the new year, hit the streets to see the spectacular China Lion Dance. There are also extravagant parades showcasing ethnic clothing, emperor’s costumes, and lion and dragon dances. 

 

 

Singapore

Singapore Chinatown Food Lane
via Kapi Ng on Shutterstock

It’s not surprising for Singapore to be one of the best places in the world to spend the Chinese New Year. Paint the town red literally and figuratively at Singapore’s Chinatown with an extravagant countdown party featuring live performances, fireworks, and the amazing Festive Street Bazaar.

Even outside the holiday, Singapore’s Chinatown is still worth a visit. Go on the Chinatown Walking Tour via KKday to discover all the little-known gems hidden inside the historic neighborhood.

 

 

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Chinatown Restaurant
via Adam Calaitzis on Shutterstock

Located in the Central Business District, Melbourne’s Chinatown has held Chinese New Year celebrations for more than a century and a half. From the historic Chinese Museum to a wonderful array of Chinese restaurants, it’s an exhilarating destination in the Australian city.

Visit the community during the Lunar New Year to witness the Dai Loong Big Dragon Parade. It features one of the world’s biggest dragons, Dai Loong, which needs to be operated by 200 people. Red and gold stalls, live performances, and fireworks make it a dazzling event.

 

 

Paris, France

Paris Chinatown
via CatherineLProd on Shutterstock

Paris has a lot of famous attractions, but not everyone is aware of the two thriving Chinatowns found in the city, both known as Quartier Chinois. The main one is in the 13th arrondissement, a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and a temple.

It’s a unique destination to spend the Chinese holiday. Every year, the City of Love in France holds a glorious celebration for the Chinese New Year with majestic floats, musical and acrobatic performances, and dragon dances. Other special activities include musical numbers and film showings.

 

 

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Liverpool Chinatown
via steve bridge on Shutterstock

Liverpool’s vibrant Chinatown features the tallest ceremonial arch of any Chinatown arch outside of China. It’s a majestic United Kingdom destination located south of the city center, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Chinatown becomes especially colorful during the Lunar New Year when thousands of Chinese lanterns embellish city streets. Fun performances, firecrackers, charming markets, and dragon, lion, and unicorn parades make the bustling neighborhood even busier.

 

 

San Francisco, USA

Oldest Chinatown in USA San Francisco
via Andrey Bayda on Shutterstock

The oldest Chinatown in the United States is in San Francisco with endless shops, art galleries, teahouses, and more than 300 restaurants. Besides offering the best dim sum around, it’s famous for the iconic Dragon’s Gate on Bush Street, one of the most photographed spots in the city.

The Grand Parade is a highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring an impressively long dragon and elaborate floats. Crowds gather to enjoy the sight of dancers and performers light up the street.

 

 

  

Headed to China for the festivities? Get KKday’s China 4G LTE Portable Travel Wi-Fi and enjoy pick-up at the Manila airports for convenience.

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