Top 4 destinations to set off firecrackers this Chinese New Year
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 20, 2016 9:48 AM
SINGAPORE - Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore are a relatively muted affair compared to other Asian giants. If you're itching to set off firecrackers in the streets or watch dragon dancers prancing all over town, here are top three destinations to check out.
Hotels.com has compiled a list of places to get the best deals while soaking up the festivities this Chinese New Year.
1. Taiwan: The Lunar New Year in Taiwan is a time for tourists to witness Lion Dances, intricately decorated temples and fireworks. During this time, the city is populated with tourists who are eager to experience the festival with a local Taiwanese touch.
What not to miss?
Taiwan Lantern Festival. The highlight for this year is an installation of a 26-meter-tall Monkey King or better known as Sun Wukong. It is the main character in the famous Chinese classic "Journey to the West". The 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in the plaza in front of the Taoyuan high-speed railway station.
Where to stay?
Caesar Park Taipei - 4 stars
Save 20 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $142 per night on Hotels.com
The Sherwood Taipei - 4.5 stars
Save 60 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $192 per night on Hotels.com
2. Macau: Like the other cities in China, Macau also celebrates Lunar New Year every year with its own unique touch. It is one of the best cities to visit during this period.
What not to miss?
The biggest attraction of this celebration is the long parade that takes place on the streets of Macau. Lion and dragon dances as well as unicorn troupes can be spotted everywhere.
Where to stay?
Grand Lapa, Macau - 4.5 stars
Save 50 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $136 per night on Hotels.com
Hotel Royal Macau - 4 stars
Save 33 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $136 per night on Hotels.com
3. Hong Kong: The city takes Lunar New Year very seriously. In fact, Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebration was listed as one of the world's 10 best festival extravaganzas by Forbes.
What not to miss?
The festive season is the biggest and most vibrant one in Hong Kong. The city will be dressed in gorgeous red lanterns, stunning fireworks and festivities along Sha Tin Racecourse.
Where to stay?
Conrad Hong Kong - 5 stars
Save 25 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $424 per night on Hotels.com
Regal Riverside Hotel - 4 stars
Save 18 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $97 per night on Hotels.com
4. Penang, Malaysia: The city is filled with festive celebration during this period. Lion dances are all around the city, performing in the streets to welcome this auspicious festival. Penang is also quite affordable and the food is to die for.
What not to miss?
The 18,000 lanterns around the streets in Jalan Raja Uda will be lit to usher in the Lunar New Year of the Monkey. These lanterns symbolize happiness and hope for a brighter future.
Where to stay?
Hotel Jen Penang- 4 stars
Save 10 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $96 per night on Hotels.com
Georgetown City Hotel - 4 stars
Save 29 per cent on your stay
Rooms start from $72 per night on Hotels.com
debwong@sph.com.sg