Perth Braces for Unprecedented Lunar New Year Celebrations Amid Tourism Boom
Perth is preparing for what promises to be its most spectacular Lunar New Year celebration on record, with new data from China forecasting a significant surge in Chinese visitors to Australia during the 2026 holiday period. This year's festivities coincide with the longest Chinese New Year holiday break in history, spanning nine full days from February 15 to February 23.
Historic Holiday Period Drives Tourism Demand
The extended holiday period has triggered unprecedented demand for travel to Australia. According to reports from Beijing Business Today on January 13, long-haul travel packages to Australia and New Zealand were "basically sold out". Leading Chinese online travel agency Tongcheng Travel has listed summer experiences in Australia and New Zealand among the top four travel trends for the 2026 holiday period.
Other travel agencies are reporting similarly strong patterns. UniTour International revealed that more than 80 percent of its Australia and New Zealand group tours scheduled for the holiday period were already booked by mid-December 2025.
Airbnb Data Confirms Australian Popularity
International short-term rental company Airbnb reports that searches by Chinese travellers for spring festival travel have more than doubled, with Australia consistently ranking among the most popular destinations. This surge is supported by significantly expanded air connectivity between China and Australia, which has eased one of the major barriers to travel.
Michelle Shao, executive vice president of UnionPay International South Pacific Division, emphasized that the expansion of direct flight routes between China and Australia is enabling more flexible travel planning. "What we saw in 2025 was not a rebound, but a reset to a much higher baseline of travel demand," Ms Shao stated.
Record Visitor Numbers and Spending Expected
Ms Shao further explained that Chinese tourism data suggests 2026 might deliver record visitor numbers and record spending, particularly across duty-free shopping, accommodation, dining, and premium tourism experiences. "Chinese travellers today are highly informed, digitally savvy and looking for depth of experience," she said. "They are staying longer, travelling beyond capital cities and seeking authentic local experiences."
This shift is reflected in how Chinese tourists use UnionPay cards across a broad range of merchants, from iconic attractions and fine dining establishments to regional tourism operators.
City-Wide Celebrations Planned
The Lunar New Year celebrations officially begin with the second new moon of the year, ushering in the Year of the Horse with traditional lion and dragon dances, battle drums, street markets, and live performances throughout Perth. City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the city's events are designed to bring communities together while celebrating rich traditions.
"We're ringing in the Lunar New Year in the city from today with an exciting line-up of cultural events, which offer something for everyone to enjoy," Mr Reynolds announced.
Elizabeth Quay to Host Night-Time Spectacular
Events are organised throughout the city and Northbridge, including at Elizabeth Quay, James Street, Yagan Square, and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. From February 17 to 22, Elizabeth Quay will come alive with night-time lion and dragon dances, battle drums, aerial pole performances, and markets on Saturday, February 21, with celebrations beginning at 6:45pm.
Yaolin Kung Fu Association Sifu (Master) Ken Wu, with four decades of dance experience, will lead the Elizabeth Quay entertainment. "I teach them how to learn the dance, perform, and I organise the whole event, everything," he explained. "The dragon is like a god to us, it brings prosperity and wealth. The lion is there to remove negative energy and bring positive energy."
Celebrating Multicultural Harmony
Mr Wu emphasized that the celebrations reflect Perth's multicultural landscape. "Australia is so multicultural; it's not just Chinese or Asian people, everyone gets involved," he said. "The celebration is about happiness and bringing joy for everyone."
He also highlighted the appeal these celebrations hold for visitors. "We have Asian tourists come up to us and tell us how happy they are that Australia celebrates Chinese New Year," Mr Wu shared. "It really makes their day. Seeing people smile, take photos and ask questions, that's why we love doing it."
More information on the events happening throughout the city is available on the Visit Perth website, as Perth gears up for what could be its most significant Lunar New Year celebration yet, combining cultural tradition with economic opportunity.
