Last-minute Lunar New Year getaways

Chinese New Year is a time to regroup mentally, physically and gather with one’s families 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 prefer to explore far-flung lands, it’s never too late to book a last-minute vacation. So, we’ve curated a guide to some of the hottest destinations to visit this February to help you make the most of the Chinese New Year public holidays. 

1. Seoul

A jaunt to Seoul will help get rid of those mid-winter blues. Well-known for its shopping, 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 Dongdaemun Market, or shop ’til you drop at one of the numerous malls that pepper Seoul’s urban landscape. As South Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year (“Seollal”, as it is known), just be mindful of changes to store opening hours.

Flight time from Hong Kong: 3.5 hours 

Best for: Foodies and shoppers looking for the best of both worlds.

Stay here: For easy access to all the city’s sights, book in at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, which is  conveniently located right next to Dongdaemun station.

2. Sapporo

Sapporo is an excellent destination for a skiing holiday, with many of the region’s best skiing grounds, such as Furano, Tomamu and Rusutsu, within reach from Shin Chitose Airport. Since Japan celebrates its new year in January, its retail stores and restaurants will be open during your Chinese New Year trip. Foodies will love Sapporo’s warming and homey cuisine, which showcases a great variety of fresh seafood and farm produce.   Famous dishes include jagabata, a baked potato topped off with a generous slice of homemade butter, and miso ramen –  both hearty staples that will fill your stomach after a tiring day on the slopes. 

Flight time from Hong Kong: 4 – 5 hours

Best for: Adventurers looking for winter thrills and spills.

Stay here: Hotel MyStays Sapporo Station offers both comfort and ease of access to trains that reach all the ski resorts on the island.

3. Kuala Lumpur

As a country with a large ethnic Chinese population, Malaysia has Chinese New Year celebrations to spare. Kuala Lumpur, the buzzing capital of the country, features large swathes of Chinese culture scattered throughout various parts of town. Of particular interest during the holidays is Petaling Street, the main strip in the city’s Chinatown – here, you’ll be able to see and take part in Chinese New Year festivities such as lion dances and firecrackers being lit.  

Flight time from Hong Kong: 4 hours

Best for: Partygoers looking for the best Chinese New Year festivities

Stay here: Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,  located in the popular shopping area of Bukit Bintang for views of the breathtaking cityscape laid out in front of you.

4. Kaohsiung

The closest destination from Hong Kong on this list, Kaohsiung offers up a slightly different experience from the other places on this list. Check out Sanfong Jhong Street for a Taiwanese taste of Chinese New Year – 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. Don’t miss the fireworks lighting up the skies over Kaohsiung Harbour and Love River, both locations worth a visit during Chinese New Year.

Flight time from Hong Kong: 1.5 hours

Best for: People looking for an activity-packed holiday close to home.

Stay here: Choose the Intercontinental Kaohsiung for unparalleled service and unbeatable downtown location. 

5. Hangzhou

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 tea, or Dragon Well tea, can be tasted at most restaurants in the area, or sampled directly from where it is grown, at the Longjing tea plantation. 

Flight time from Hong Kong: 2 hours

Best for: Culture vultures looking for a laidback yet engaging vibe.

Stay here: Stay at the luxurious Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake for stunning views of West Lake and its surrounding nature.