Chinese New Year is arriving soon! As one of the most vibrant and exciting celebrations in Asia, it fills cities and towns with colourful festivities. One of the best ways to experience the local culture during this time is by visiting the famous midnight markets, where food, shopping, and entertainment come together to create a lively atmosphere. Here are some of the best midnight markets to explore during Chinese New Year:
Beijing Wangfujing Street – Beijing, China
Beijing’s Wangfujing Street is an iconic destination, especially during Chinese New Year. This lively street comes alive with festive decorations, red lanterns, and stalls selling a wide variety of snacks and traditional Chinese delicacies. From dumplings and tanghulu (candied hawthorn sticks) to unique local dishes, the delicacies available on this street are sure to amaze foodies! It’s also a great place to pick up Chinese New Year souvenirs like red envelopes, festive ornaments, and calligraphy scrolls.
Chinatown Night Market – Singapore
Singapore’s Chinatown transforms into a stunning spectacle during Chinese New Year, with its iconic market running well into the night. The Chinatown Night Market is famous for its colourful decorations and bustling street food stalls. From freshly made pineapple tarts to fragrant satay, you’ll be able to sample a variety of both Chinese and local delicacies. The lively performances, such as lion dances and traditional music, add to the festive mood.
Temple Street Night Market – Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Temple Street Night Market is legendary for its bustling energy and wide variety of products. During Chinese New Year, the market takes on a festive vibe, with red lanterns, dragon motifs, and unique street performances that bring the market to life. You can shop for anything from Chinese calligraphy to trinkets and antiques while sampling classic Cantonese street food like dim sum, claypot rice, and egg waffles.
Yaowarat Road – Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, is a famous destination for food lovers, especially during Chinese New Year. The midnight market here comes alive with food stalls offering delicious Thai-Chinese fusion dishes. Don’t miss the aromatic roasted duck, pad Thai, and Thai desserts like mango sticky rice. The streets are lined with brightly lit signs and red lanterns, making it the perfect setting for a late-night stroll through a cultural wonderland.
Petaling Street – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Petaling Street, also known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, is a popular spot for food and shopping, and during Chinese New Year, it becomes a must-visit market area. The street is filled with lively vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and Chinese herbs to clothing and souvenirs. The street food here is fantastic, with delicacies such as kaya toast, wantan mee, and Chinese pastries available at every corner. The festive atmosphere with red banners and traditional lion dances makes the visit even more special.
Dongdaemun Night Market – Seoul, South Korea
While not traditionally associated with Chinese New Year, Seoul’s Dongdaemun Night Market offers a unique experience during the holiday season. The market is known for its wide range of fashion, accessories, and street food. During the Chinese New Year period, you’ll find stalls selling celebratory items like zodiac figurines, traditional Chinese foods, and festival-themed clothing. The market’s late-night shopping experience is perfect for those looking to enjoy the festive spirit with a local twist.
Ben Thanh Night Market – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ben Thanh Night Market is a bustling hub in Ho Chi Minh City that becomes even livelier during Chinese New Year. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls selling Vietnamese-Chinese street food, such as banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and goi cuon (spring rolls). The market is adorned with red lanterns and festive decorations, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for soaking in the holiday spirit.
Glodok Chinatown Market – Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta’s Glodok Chinatown Market is a must-visit during Chinese New Year. This vibrant market is filled with stalls offering traditional snacks like kue keranjang (sticky rice cake) and bak kwa (grilled pork slices). You’ll also find Chinese New Year decorations, zodiac-themed items, and festive performances, making it an exciting cultural experience in Indonesia’s capital.