Chinese New Year 2027 (6 February): Travel Guide for China, Vietnam Tết & Asia

Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday of the year for more than a billion people. Cities light up with lanterns, families travel across the country to be together, and fireworks, temple fairs and parades fill the streets from China to Singapore. It is a wonderful time to visit, but also the busiest: trains sell out, many shops close for a few days, and you rely on your phone for tickets, payments and translations. This guide covers the dates, what to expect in each destination and how to stay connected.

Lunar New Year 2027: key dates

In mainland China, the official public holiday usually lasts about a week around New Year's Day. In Vietnam, the government had proposed a Tết holiday of 4 to 10 February 2027 when we checked; the final dates are announced by the government. The weeks before and after the holiday are the peak of the travel rush, called Chunyun in China.

Key facts

• It is the biggest travel rush in the world. Train and flight tickets inside China and Vietnam sell out quickly around the holiday. Book as early as you can.
• Many small shops and restaurants close for the first days of the New Year, especially in Vietnam during Tết and in smaller Chinese towns. Big hotels, malls and tourist sights usually stay open.
• In mainland China, Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube are blocked on local networks and hotel Wi-Fi. A roaming travel eSIM avoids this.
• China runs on mobile payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign cards, but you need mobile data to use them.
• Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam do not block Google or WhatsApp.

What to expect, destination by destination

Staying connected in China during the New Year

Mainland China is the one destination where your choice of connection really matters, because of the Great Firewall. On a local Chinese SIM or on hotel Wi-Fi, Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube do not work. A roaming travel eSIM connects to Chinese networks but sends your data through a network outside mainland China, so these apps work as they do at home, with no VPN. Read does an eSIM bypass China's Great Firewall? and do you need a VPN in China with an eSIM? for the details.

During the New Year, you will also need mobile data for:

• Payments. Street food stalls, taxis and temple fairs often take only Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set them up with your foreign card before you travel.
• Train tickets. The 12306 app and website sell China Railway tickets and accept foreign passports. Tickets around the holiday sell out fast.
• Translation. Many signs and menus are only in Chinese. A camera translation app helps a lot.
• Digital red envelopes. Friends and family send hongbao money gifts on WeChat during the New Year.
• Maps. Google Maps is less detailed in China, so many visitors also use a local map app.

How much data do you need?

Fireworks, parades and lantern shows make many travellers post more videos than usual, so choose a plan with room to spare, or one you can top up. Our data calculator helps you estimate your use. If you visit several countries, an Asia eSIM covers them in one plan; check that it includes mainland China if you need it.

Set up your phone before you fly

1. Check that your phone supports eSIM on our compatibility page.
2. Choose an eSIM for each destination, or an Asia plan that includes every country on your trip.
3. Install it at home on Wi-Fi from the QR code in your email, and keep the eSIM line switched off until you land.
4. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card, and download the 12306 app if you will take trains in China.
5. Download offline maps and a translation app with an offline language pack.
6. When you land, switch on the eSIM, set it as your line for mobile data with data roaming on, and turn off data roaming on your home line.

Frequently asked questions

When is Chinese New Year 2027?

Chinese New Year 2027 is on Saturday 6 February 2027. It starts the Year of the Goat, and the celebrations end with the Lantern Festival on 20 February 2027.

When is Tết 2027 in Vietnam?

Tết 2027 is also on Saturday 6 February 2027. The public holiday was proposed for 4 to 10 February 2027; the government announces the final dates.

Is it a good idea to travel to China during Chinese New Year?

Yes, if you plan ahead. The festivals and lights are spectacular, but trains and flights are very busy and some small shops close. Book transport early and stay in bigger cities.

Do Google and WhatsApp work in China with a travel eSIM?

Yes, normally. A roaming travel eSIM sends your data through a network outside mainland China, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN. They do not work on hotel Wi-Fi or a local Chinese SIM.

Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay as a tourist?

Yes. Both apps accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards. You need mobile data to pay, so install your eSIM before you travel.

Are shops open during Chinese New Year?

Big hotels, malls and tourist sights usually stay open. Many small shops and family restaurants close for the first days, especially in smaller towns and in Vietnam during Tết.

How much data do I need for 10 days in China at New Year?

About 5 GB for maps, payments and messages, 10–15 GB if you post photos and use translation apps, or an unlimited plan for video calls and hotspot use.

The bottom line

Lunar New Year 2027 starts on 6 February 2027, with Tết on the same day and the Lantern Festival on 20 February. Book trains and flights early, set up payments before you go, and install a travel eSIM at home so you have maps, payments and messages the moment you land. Find plans for China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore.

Happy New Year — 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè), Chúc mừng năm mới!

Sources

Checked on 23 October 2026:

• Farmers' Almanac: When is Lunar New Year 2027?
• Tuoi Tre News: Ministry backs 7-day Lunar New Year break in 2027
• Freedom House: China, Freedom on the Net 2024
• China Railway 12306