Asia celebrates the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

People in many Asian countries are immersing themselves in the atmosphere of celebrating the 2026 Lunar New Year, with many special festivals and events.

Lunar New Year is an important holiday in many Asian countries, where each community celebrates the new year in its own way. Countries will begin celebrating the Year of the Horse on February 17th, closing out the Year of the Snake and welcoming the Year of the Horse.

Lion dance festival in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, February 16.

PHOTO: AP

Robots perform lion dance in Beijing, China on February 13.

PHOTO: AP

Horses, the mascot of the Year of the Horse 2026, are displayed in the Chinese capital Beijing on February 13.

PHOTO: REUTERS

The Lunar New Year season also sees a sharp increase in travel demand. According to Reuters, China is expected to welcome a record number of tourists, with 9.5 billion during this year's 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, surpassing last year's figure of 9.02 billion. Top overseas destinations for Chinese tourists are expected to be Russia, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea.

A market selling Lunar New Year decorations in Beijing, China.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Shoppers flock to a market on the island of Taiwan.

PHOTO: AP

In Bangkok, Thailand, on February 15th, there was also a flurry of festive events celebrating the Lunar New Year 2026.

PHOTO: REUTERS

In Singapore, The Straits Times reported on February 16th that a growing trend is people booking "staycation" holidays, seeking hotels and accommodations near their homes instead of traveling abroad. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for pet-friendly accommodations.

Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Indonesia, locals have the opportunity to participate in the lantern festival and admire the lion dance, a traditional street dance often performed on special occasions.

Horse-shaped lanterns are displayed in Lanzhou city, China, on February 14.

PHOTO: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

On February 13th, staff in Singapore were putting the finishing touches on horse-shaped lights to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Scenes from the Tet market on Hang Luoc Street, Hanoi, on February 15th.

PHOTO: AFP

Dragon dance festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, February 13th.

PHOTO: AP

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chau-a-ron-rang-don-tet-binh-ngo-2026-185260216115035181.htm