Come together to celebrate the Year of the Rat
Laughter with a side of squabbling? That's family
Chinese New Year – it's a time to come together and look to the lunar year ahead, surrounded by those you love the most. And there’s no better way to celebrate this joyous holiday than exploring somewhere new together.
Light lanterns with your grandparents in Taiwan, toss lo hei with your cousins in Singapore, or get lost with the whole gang somewhere outside of Bangkok. Whether you stick to the itinerary, or encounter a few speedbumps along the way, a holiday with your family is guaranteed to create countless precious memories.
So embrace everything that makes family… well, family… with a trip this Chinese New Year. We have more than 200 destinations* to choose from.
*Includes codeshare destinations.
Six great places to spend CNY
To help get you and your family inspired, here are six of our top picks of places to ring in the Year of the Rat.
Wish for your family’s good fortune in Taipei
Throughout the year, visitors flock to Shifen, a small town east of Taipei, to release lanterns scrawled with their hopes and wishes. Head there during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, to witness the release of sky lanterns en masse. Light shows and live concerts add to the festivities.
Explore Vancouver’s parks
Vancouver is known for its incredible parks, ranging from rugged rainforests to impeccably manicured gardens. Rug up in your warmest coats and discover family-friendly trails in the world-renowned Stanley Park, or brave the world’s largest pedestrian suspension bridges at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Dig into family meals in Singapore
Home to hawker stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s no question that Singapore is must-visit for foodie families. It’s also the birthplace of lo hei (or ‘prosperity toss’), the raw fish salad communally tossed during Chinese New Year. Once you’ve had your fill, spend an evening admiring the colourful processions, markets and lion dances.
Shop ‘til you drop in London
Start the year with a new outfit from some of London’s top shops – Convent Garden, Oxford Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, and Regent Street are some of the best areas for shopping. You can wear your fresh get-up to the Chinese New Year festivities throughout the city; London hosts one of the largest celebrations outside of Asia.
Seek out serenity in Tokyo
If you’re looking for a slower-paced holiday, Tokyo offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Peruse Miyazaki Hayao’s exhibition at the Ghibli Museum, meander through Rikugien Garden, or warm your bellies with steaming bowls of ramen. Whatever you do, make sure you and your family visit a traditional onsen for a New Year soak.
Wish for health and wealth in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital is home to numerous temples, mosques, shrines and churches. Just north of the city lies one of the region’s most popular religious attractions: Batu Caves. Marvel at the monumental gold statue before you climb the colourful staircase to reach the caves – each one houses beautiful Hindu temples and shrines.