Best Long-Haul Destinations to Visit During Chinese New Year Holidays

Introduction

Chinese New Year holidays are one of the best times of the year for extended international travel, especially when planned strategically. While many travellers focus on short trips within Asia, those willing to go further can unlock richer experiences, fewer crowds, and better value per day abroad.

With the right leave planning, Singapore-based travellers can turn Chinese New Year 2026 into a 7 to 14-day long-haul holiday, making destinations like Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand surprisingly practical. Long-haul travel during lunar new year is particularly appealing for travellers looking to escape peak regional congestion while experiencing seasonal contrasts such as winter landscapes or summer festivals.

Travel demand during the Spring Festival period remains massive. During the 2025 Spring Festival travel rush (chunyun), China recorded an estimated 9.03 billion inter-regional passenger trips over 40 days. Road travel accounted for around 8.39 billion trips, railways handled approximately 513.63 million passengers, and air travel reached about 90.19 million trips. These figures highlight why nearby destinations become overcrowded during this period and why long-distance travel can be a smarter alternative.

If you are wondering where to go during CNY, or where to travel during Chinese New Year without battling regional travel chaos, this guide focuses on the best long-haul destinations to visit during Chinese New Year holidays from Singapore.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese New Year 2026 is well suited for long-haul travel with proper planning

• Long-distance destinations offer fewer crowds and unique seasonal experiences

• Ideal for travellers seeking winter or summer contrasts during lunar new year

• Early planning helps maximise value during the CNY peak travel period

When is Chinese New Year 2026 and the long leave hack

Chinese New Year 2026 falls in February, with public holidays offering a short official break that can be extended significantly with minimal leave.

Long-haul travel works best with 8 to 14 days, and travellers can maximise their time off by applying leave on 16 February (Monday) or 19 to 20 February, effectively stretching the Chinese New Year 2026 holiday into a longer overseas trip without using excessive leave days.

This leave strategy is ideal for travellers planning intercontinental flights, allowing enough time to adjust to time zones and fully experience their destination. You can explore detailed leave strategies and public holiday breakdowns in Circles.Life’s long-weekend and holiday planning guides.

Why Choose Long-Haul Travel During Chinese New Year

Travelling long-haul during Chinese New Year offers several advantages compared to short-haul regional trips.

First, it allows travellers to escape peak crowds in nearby Asian destinations that experience heavy congestion during lunar new year. Second, it provides access to seasonal contrasts, such as winter scenery in Europe, Japan, or the United States, or summer adventures in Australia and New Zealand.

Long-haul trips are also well suited for milestone holidays, family reunions abroad, and slower travel styles. While airfares may be higher during CNY 2026, longer stays often deliver better value per day, especially when accommodation and local transport costs stabilise after the initial holiday rush.

Best Long-Haul Destinations to Visit During Chinese New Year Holidays From Singapore

Choosing the right destination can make all the difference when planning a long-haul trip during Chinese New Year. While nearby countries tend to experience peak crowds and higher prices, travelling further opens up more diverse experiences, seasonal contrasts, and a slower pace of travel. The destinations below are ideal for travellers departing from Singapore who want to maximise their Chinese New Year holidays with longer flights, fewer disruptions, and meaningful travel experiences.

Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido)

Japan remains one of the most balanced long-haul destinations during Chinese New Year. While Japan does not celebrate CNY officially, it offers uninterrupted business operations, efficient transport, and breathtaking winter scenery.

Tokyo provides a mix of shopping, food, and cultural attractions, while Kyoto offers historic temples and seasonal tranquillity. Hokkaido is ideal for travellers seeking snow festivals, skiing, and winter landscapes. For travellers wondering where to go during CNY without facing closures, Japan is a dependable choice.

South Korea (Seoul, Busan)

South Korea celebrates the lunar new year as Seollal, but most major cities continue operating with minimal disruption. Seoul combines modern attractions with traditional palaces, while Busan offers coastal views and a slower pace.

Winter temperatures create a cosy atmosphere ideal for food tours, shopping districts, and cultural experiences. South Korea is a strong option for travellers looking for a festive yet manageable destination during CNY 2026.

Australia (Sydney, Melbourne)

Australia offers a complete seasonal contrast during Chinese New Year, with summer weather perfect for outdoor adventures. Sydney’s harbour, beaches, and cultural festivals remain lively, while Melbourne provides a mix of food, arts, and urban exploration.

Chinese New Year celebrations are visible in major cities but do not overwhelm daily life, making Australia a relaxed long-haul destination for CNY holidays.

New Zealand (North and South Island)

New Zealand is ideal for travellers seeking nature-focused long-haul trips during lunar new year. February offers excellent weather for road trips, hiking, and scenic exploration.

The North Island features geothermal attractions and coastal drives, while the South Island is known for alpine scenery, lakes, and outdoor adventures. New Zealand is particularly suited for travellers with 10 to 14 days available during CNY 2026.

Europe (France, Italy, Switzerland)

Europe remains a classic long-haul choice during Chinese New Year holidays. Winter travel in France and Italy offers fewer crowds at major landmarks, while Switzerland delivers snow-covered alpine experiences.

Although some businesses may close briefly for local holidays, most tourist infrastructure remains fully operational. Europe is ideal for travellers seeking culture, cuisine, and winter charm during CNY 2026.

United States (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York)

The United States offers diverse long-haul travel experiences during Chinese New Year. Los Angeles provides mild winter weather and entertainment attractions, San Francisco offers cultural neighbourhoods and scenic views, while New York delivers iconic winter city experiences.

Major cities host lunar new year celebrations without impacting business operations, making the US a flexible destination for extended CNY holidays.

Chinese New Year mobile plans and lifestyle benefits

Staying connected is essential for long-haul travel during CNY 2026. Reliable mobile data supports navigation, bookings, translation, and sharing experiences while overseas.

Circles.Life offers travel-friendly mobile plans with generous data allowances, roaming options, and lifestyle perks that support long-distance travel. Choosing the right plan ensures seamless connectivity across multiple countries during extended lunar new year trips.

Circles.Life Mobile Plans

Last updated on: 26 January 2026

More details on available plans, pricing, and roaming benefits can be found on the Circles.Life plans page.

Travel planning tips for long-haul CNY 2026 trips

Apply leave early to secure extended breaks
Book long-haul flights well in advance for the Chinese New Year peak period
Check winter versus summer conditions depending on destination
Understand how lunar new year affects local businesses and transport

Early planning is critical for long-haul CNY travel, especially for popular destinations with limited flight availability during peak periods.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year 2026 presents a valuable opportunity for long-haul travel when approached strategically. By planning leave wisely and choosing destinations beyond the region, travellers can enjoy quieter experiences, seasonal contrasts, and richer journeys.

Whether you are looking for winter charm in Europe, summer escapes in Australia and New Zealand, or cultural exploration in Japan and South Korea, long-distance destinations offer some of the best travel experiences during lunar new year. With early planning and the right travel essentials, CNY 2026 can become one of the most memorable holidays of the year.