Perth is preparing for a record-breaking Lunar New Year celebration as new data from China indicates a significant surge in Chinese visitors to Australia during the 2026 holiday period. The Chinese New Year holiday break will run from February 15 to February 23, making it 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,” with leading Chinese online travel agency Tongcheng Travel listing summer experiences in Australia and New Zealand among the top four travel trends for the 2026 holiday period. Other travel agencies are also reporting similar strong demand patterns.
UniTour International revealed that more than 80 per cent of its Australia and New Zealand group tours scheduled for the holiday period were already booked by mid-December 2025. Data from Airbnb shows searches by Chinese travellers for spring festival travel more than doubled, with Australia consistently among the most popular destinations.
Michelle Shao, executive vice president of UnionPay International South Pacific Division, said the expansion of direct flight routes between China and Australia is supporting more flexible travel planning. “What we saw in 2025 was not a rebound, but a reset to a much higher baseline of travel demand,” she said. “Chinese tourism data suggests that 2026 might deliver record visitor numbers and record spending.”
The Lunar New Year celebrations officially begin with the second new moon of the year, ushering 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 said the city’s events were designed to bring communities together while celebrating rich traditions.
Events are organised throughout the city and Northbridge, including 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.
