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5 Festive Travel Destinations for Your Chinese New Year Celebration

Want to experience Chinese culture? Celebrate Chinese New Year with them by visiting these places.

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | January 01, 2021
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Due to quarantine measures in place, some of these destinations might be temporarily closed or might have health protocols and requirements for visitors. Please coordinate with the management or local government before visiting.


Chinese New Year Celebration 2019

Want to experience the spirit of the Chinese New Year? Visit these destinations during the celebration!


As a country that has been interacting and living with the Chinese for centuries, the Philippines has been influenced by them in so many ways, especially when it comes to culture and food. One of the most prominent cultural influences from the Chinese is the celebration of Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a Chinese festival celebrated annually in the Philippines due to the huge number of Chinese-Filipino families in the country. Even some Filipinos with no Chinese blood also celebrate the festival.

Your Chinese New Year celebration doesn’t have to be done at home. There are numerous places in the Philippines where you can celebrate and participate. If you are planning to take part in the Chinese New Year celebration this year, here are some of the destinations you can head to for the observation of the holiday.


1. Binondo, Manila



Chinese New Year

Binondo’s Chinatown was established in 1594

Image: Jonard Carandang

A list of Chinese New Year destinations in the Philippines would not be complete without Binondo, Manila. Binondo is the location of the oldest Chinatown in the world. It has been a hub for a diverse community of Filipinos, Chinese, and Chinese-Filipinos ever since its formative years.



Along the streets of Binondo are restaurants where you can dig into authentic Chinese delicacies such as dumplings, wonton, Peking duck, and more. Once your stomach is full, you can take a walking tour around the historical landmarks in the area to burn some calories. These landmarks include the Binondo Chinatown arc, Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, and the Temple of Kuang Kong—the Chinese God of War and patron of martial arts and scholars. Before heading home, you can visit some souvenir shops where you can buy keychains, memorabilia, lucky charms, and food. Of course, a visit in Binondo would not be complete without taking home a box of tikoy or rice cakes.


2. Bacolod



when is Chinese New Year

Bacolod is one of the cities that have a rich Chinese influence.

Image: Bacolaodiat Festival

Ever since 2006, the city of Bacolod has been going all out every Lunar New Year with their Bacolaodiat Festival. The name of the festival is a combination of the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat,” which is a Fookien word for “celebration.” If you want to have an extravagant and activity-filled Chinese New Year, Bacolod has one of the busiest celebrations in the country. For one, you can either watch the lantern dance parade and symphony of lights fireworks show. You can also visit either the Imperial Village or the Yuan Thong Temple. As for your tummies, you can choose a bite to eat at the chopstick alley.


3. La Union



Chinese New Year Celebration 2019

The view at the Ma-Cho temple overviews the West Philippine Sea.

Image: Ma-Cho Temple

Aside from being a great spot for surfers and beach lovers, the province of La Union also possesses rich historical places. Tied with the Chinese culture, some of the must-see places in the province include the Ma-Cho Temple and the Pagoda Hill. These two landmarks are ideal for those who want to marvel at Chinese architecture while avoiding overcrowded areas. Ma-Cho Temple was constructed in 1975 and is seven stories high. Meanwhile, the Pagoda Hill is also known as the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park and offers a 180 degree view of San Fernando City.



4. Baguio City



Chinese New Year

Just like Bacolod City, Baguio City also has its own annual Chinese New Year festival.

Image: Iya Alejo-Nazareno

While Bacolod has the Bacolaodiat Festival, Baguio City takes pride in its own Spring Festival. The city’s Spring Festival showcases Chinese traditional dances and practices through a dragon dance, parade, and cultural performances. Regarded as one of the top tourist-friendly places in the Philippines, Baguio and its locals will definitely welcome any foreigner or visitors in joining the celebration. In addition to its Spring Festival, Baguio City has a Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda found in Botanical Garden and the Taoist Bell Church that are both worth a visit.


5. Resorts World Manila



when is Chinese New Year

Resorts World Manila has a traditional lion and dragon dance during its Chinese New Year celebrations.

Image: Resorts World Manila

For those who plan to have a mini staycation over the holiday, you can celebrate the Chinese New Year at Resorts World Manila. Just like the other places in the list, Resorts World has a jam-packed list of Chinese New Year festivities, from the eccentric dragon dance to the sumptuous Chinese dishes you can eat. After enjoying all the activities, you could also check in at one of its luxurious hotels.


Visit Yoorekka to discover more places in the Philippines for your Chinese New Year celebration!


Which of these places is the best one for your Chinese New Year celebration this 2019? Let us know in the comments section!


Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!


This article was originally published in Yoorekka on February 01, 2019.
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About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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