Chinese New Year 2026 Guide: Best Hotels, Food, and Parades for the Year of the horse

On February 17, 2026, the world turns red and gold. We welcome the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign representing triumph, speed, and loyalty. Those born in the years of the Horse (1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) are natural-born adventurers. If you share that spirit, this is the perfect time to travel.

At Eurochange, we’ve prepared this in-depth guide not just to help you with currency, but to help you experience the festivities like a local.

Essential Destinations: Where to Stay, Eat, and Celebrate

Here is the detailed lowdown on the global epicenters of the 2026 celebrations.

📍 BEIJING, CHINA: Imperial Traditions

The spiritual heart of the festival. Here, the celebration is historic, solemn, and grand.

  • The Event: Temple Fairs (Miaohui).

    • History: Originating from ancient sacrifices to gods by Emperors, these have evolved into parks filled with folk art and performances.

    • Where to watch: Ditan Park (Temple of Earth) hosts the most famous fair.

    • Pro Tip: Go early (around 9:00 AM) to beat the massive crowds. Bring Chinese Yuan (CNY) in cash; craft stalls inside the park rarely accept foreign cards.

  • 🛌 Where to Stay:

    • Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing (walking distance to the Forbidden City).

    • Authentic: The Orchid Hotel (a boutique hotel nestled inside a traditional Hutong alley).

  • 🥢 Culinary Delights:

    • Must-try: Peking Duck and Jiaozi (dumplings, mandatory for New Year).

    • Restaurant: Siji Minfu. Be prepared to queue, but it’s the best duck with a view of the Forbidden City moat.

📍 HONG KONG: The Cosmopolitan Party

Hong Kong blends Cantonese tradition with a modern visual spectacle.

  • The Event: Cathay Pacific International Night Parade.

    • History: Launched in the 90s, this event transformed traditional celebrations into an international carnival with illuminated floats and global performers.

    • Where to watch: The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon).

    • Pro Tip: Arrive 2 hours early (around 6:00 PM) to secure a spot on Canton Road. Alternatively, buy tickets for the spectator stands at the Cultural Centre.

  • 🛌 Where to Stay:

    • The View: Salisbury YMCA. Don’t let the name fool you; it offers the best harbour views at half the price of the neighbouring Peninsula Hotel.

  • 🥢 Culinary Delights:

    • Must-try: Poon Choi (a massive communal basin meal layered with seafood and meats).

    • Restaurant: Tim Ho Wan. The world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal. Note: Cash (HKD) or Octopus card is often required.

📍 SINGAPORE: The Melting Pot

Here, the New Year is tropical, humid, and wonderfully multicultural.

  • The Event: Chingay Parade.

    • History: “Chingay” means “the art of costume and masquerade” in Hokkien dialect. Born in 1973 to compensate for the firecracker ban, it is now Asia’s largest street float parade.

    • Where to watch: At the F1 Pit Building.

    • Pro Tip: Book tickets online months in advance! This is a ticketed, seated event.

  • 🛌 Where to Stay:

    • Iconic: Marina Bay Sands. Watching the fireworks from the infinity pool is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • 🥢 Culinary Delights:

    • Must-try: Yusheng. A raw fish salad that diners toss high into the air with chopsticks while shouting wishes for prosperity (“Lo Hei!”).

    • Restaurant: Jumbo Seafood for their world-famous Chili Crab.

Why Cash is Vital on These Routes

Even if you book hotels online, the “real life” at these festivals runs on cash.

  • Street Food: At Singapore’s Hawker Centres (like Maxwell Food Centre) or Beijing’s Hutong stalls, the best bites are cheap but paid for in local currency.

  • Tips & Taxis: In Hong Kong, urban red taxis still prefer cash and appreciate exact change.

  • Red Envelopes (Hongbao): If you make local friends or want to tip hotel staff for the New Year, it must be done in a red envelope with crisp, new banknotes.

Exchange Your Currency with Eurochange Before You Fly

Don’t let the search for an ATM make you miss the parade.

  • Planning: Buy your Chinese Yuan, Hong Kong Dollars, or Singapore Dollars on our website.

  • Best Rates: We guarantee much more competitive rates than destination airport exchange bureaus.

  • Convenience: We deliver the money securely to your home. Arrive, drop your bags, and head straight out for Dim Sum.

Destination Top Event Currency (Code) Must-Eat Dish
Beijing (China) Ditan Temple Fair Chinese Yuan (CNY) Peking Duck
Hong Kong Night Parade HK Dollar (HKD) Dim Sum / Poon Choi
Singapore Chingay Parade Singapore Dollar (SGD) Yusheng (Prosperity Salad)

The Year of the Horse 2026 promises to be vibrant and full of energy. Whether you are tossing salad in Singapore or watching dragons in Beijing, make sure you have the right currency in your pocket.

 

 

We use our own and third-party cookies to improve our services by analyzing your browsing habits. You can configure and accept the use of cookies below. You can also review the cookie policy of this website.

Save current settings