Perth is gearing up for an unprecedented Lunar New Year celebration as forecasts indicate a significant influx of Chinese visitors to Australia during the 2026 holiday period. This year, the Chinese New Year holiday break in China will extend over nine full days, from February 15 to February 23, marking the longest in history.
On January 13, Beijing Business Today reported that long-haul travel packages to Australia and New Zealand were “basically sold out.” Leading Chinese online travel agency Tongcheng Travel listed summer experiences in Australia and New Zealand among the top four travel trends for the 2026 holiday period. Other travel agencies are echoing this strong demand, with UniTour International revealing 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.
Surge in Travel Demand
Data from Airbnb indicates that searches by Chinese travelers for spring festival travel have more than doubled, with Australia consistently ranking as one of the most popular destinations. Air connectivity between China and Australia has expanded significantly, alleviating one of the major barriers to travel. Michelle Shao, executive vice president of UnionPay International South Pacific Division, emphasized the importance of this development.
“The expansion of direct flight routes between China and Australia is supporting more flexible travel planning,” Shao stated. “Chinese tourism data suggests that 2026 might deliver record visitor numbers and record spending, particularly across duty-free, accommodation, dining, and premium tourism experiences.”
Shao further noted that Chinese travelers today are “highly informed, digitally savvy, and looking for depth of experience.” They are increasingly staying longer, exploring beyond capital cities, and seeking authentic local experiences.
Perth’s Cultural Celebrations
The Lunar New Year celebrations in Perth will officially commence 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 the city. City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds highlighted the inclusive nature of the events.
“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 said.
Events are organized throughout the city and Northbridge, including Elizabeth Quay, James Street, Yagan Square, and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. More information on the events is available on the Visit Perth website.
Highlights of the Festivities
From February 17 to 22, Elizabeth Quay will host night-time lion and dragon dances, battle drums, aerial pole performances, and markets on Saturday, February 21. The celebrations will begin at 6:45 pm, led by Yaolin Kung Fu Association Sifu (Master) Ken Wu, who brings four decades of dance experience.
“I teach them (students) how to learn the dance, perform, and I organize the whole event, everything,” Wu said. “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.”
Wu emphasized the multicultural nature of the celebrations, noting that “Australia is so multicultural; it’s not just Chinese or Asian people, everyone gets involved. The celebration is about happiness and bringing joy for everyone.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
The influx of Chinese tourists is expected to have a significant economic impact on Perth and the broader Australian tourism industry. As Shao pointed out, the increase in travel demand represents a fundamental shift in the scale and sophistication of Chinese outbound travel to Australia.
“What we saw in 2025 was not a rebound, but a reset to a much higher baseline of travel demand,” Shao explained.
Wu also highlighted the positive reception from visitors, stating, “We have Asian tourists come up to us and tell us how happy they are that Australia celebrates Chinese New Year. It really makes their day. Seeing people smile, take photos, and ask questions, that’s why we love doing it.”
As Perth prepares to welcome this surge of visitors, the city stands ready to showcase its vibrant cultural tapestry and extend its hospitality to the world. The celebrations not only promise to enrich the local community but also to strengthen ties between Australia and China, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
