4 great last-minute Lunar New Year getaways from Hong Kong

Lunar New Year is a time to regroup mentally and physically, and gather with family and friends. And what better place to do this than in one of Asia’s many great cities? Whether you want to stay close to home or explore far-flung lands, it’s never too late to book a last-minute vacation. Below, we’ve curated a guide to some of the hottest getaways from Hong Kong to help you make the most of the 2026 Lunar New Year public holidays.

Seoul

Flight time from Hong Kong: 3.5 hours  

Best for: Foodies and shopaholics

A trip to the Korean capital will help get rid of those mid-winter blues. Well known for its shopping and pop culture and less than a four-hour flight from Hong Kong, Seoul is a perfect destination for those who are planning a last-minute weekend getaway. Fill up on Korean delicacies like knife-cut noodles or mandu (dumplings) at Gwangjang or Mangwon Market, or shop ’til you drop at one of the numerous malls that pepper Seoul’s urban landscape. South Korea also celebrates the Lunar New Year (one of many regional variations, known as Seollal), so be mindful of changes to opening hours.

Kuala Lumpur

Flight time from Hong Kong: 4 hours

Best for: A regional twist on Lunar New Year festivities

With its large ethnic Chinese population, Malaysia has Lunar New Year celebrations to spare. The buzzing capital Kuala Lumpur proudly displays large swathes of Chinese culture scattered throughout various parts of town. Of particular note is Petaling Street, the main strip in the city’s Chinatown – here, observe traditional festivities such as lion dances, red and golden lanterns, and munch on traditional snacks.

Hangzhou

Flight time from Hong Kong: 2 hours

Best for: Culture vultures and tea connoisseurs

The largest city in Zhejiang province, Hangzhou is known both for its liveability and its thriving tech sector. However, visitors to the city will also be bewitched by its natural wonders, such as the Unesco-listed West Lake – which has served as aesthetic and literary inspiration to countless poets, writers and designers throughout Chinese history. Also of note is the city’s cuisine, which includes Zhejiang staples such as braised dongpo pork, named after famed Song dynasty government official Su Dongpo. Hangzhou’s tea is equally famous among gastronomes – Longjing, or Dragon Well tea, can be tasted at most restaurants in the area, or sampled directly where it's grown, at the Longjing tea plantation. 

Kaohsiung

Flight time from Hong Kong: 1.5 hours

Best for: A quick holiday getaway close to home

The closest destination from Hong Kong on this list, Kaohsiung still offers a distinct festive experience. Check out Sanfong Central Street for a street market which comes alive during this time of year. With shops selling traditional new year goods such as candies, farm produce and foodstuffs, it’s every bit as impressive as renowned Taiwanese night markets such as Shilin in Taipei. Watch as friends and families flock to Kaohsiung Harbour and Love River, both popular locations to ring in the Lunar New Year.

This article was originally published in February 2024 and updated in January 2026.