Exploring Chinese New Year in the Philippines
Binondo AdventureChinese New Year Celebrations in the Philippines: Binondo Adventure
Late January or early February marks a widely celebrated holiday in many Asian countries: Chinese New Year.
The Chinese New Year, an occasion celebrated by many people in Manila and the Philippines, including the large Filipino-Chinese community that makes up about 20% of the country’s population. begins on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
This year marks the transition from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake, symbolizing introspection, transformation, and growth. In 2024, one million visitors were reported to have joined Chinese New Year activities in Manila.,
If you’re in the Philippines, you’ll likely hear greetings such as “Kung Hei Fat Choy” or other variations — not just in Manila’s Chinatown but also in surrounding areas. This reflects how deeply Chinese culture has influenced Filipino society, evident in its food, language, and traditions.
In fact, Chinese New Year is now a non-working holiday in the Philippines, allowing even non-Chinese Filipinos to engage with its vibrant customs.
Festivities and Traditions
Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines closely mirror those in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia. Expect colourful fireworks, incense-filled temples, sticky rice cakes (known as “tikoy”), lively dragon dances, and lavish feasts.
Like their Asian neighbours, Chinese Filipinos (referred to as “Chinoys”) practice traditions aimed at attracting good fortune, such as offering round pastries and fruits on ancestral altars and lighting fireworks to ward off negativity. Donning red clothing — a symbol of luck — is another popular custom.
Exploring Binondo: The Heart of Chinatown
For a truly festive experience, visit Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown. Known as one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the world, it brims with activity, especially during Chinese New Year.
The area is a hub for Chinese culture, with a wealth of restaurants, bakeries, gift shops, and jewellery stores lining streets like Ongpin and Carvajal. Street vendors also sell fruits and traditional delicacies, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Getting Around Binondo
To start your Binondo adventure, travel by jeepney or taxi to the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch, the iconic gateway to Chinatown. From there, walking is the best way to explore, as the narrow streets are often congested with traffic.
Begin your culinary journey right at the Friendship Arch with Savory Restaurant, renowned for its fried chicken. Continue to Carvajal Street for Quick Snack’s delectable noodles and dumplings. Next, head to Chuan Kee on Ongpin Street to enjoy their famous ma-chang (sticky rice with meat wrapped in lotus leaves) and maki mi (a thick, meaty soup). Don’t miss their signature almond shake!
If you’re still hungry, try Tasty Dumplings and Shanghai fried siopao along the way. For roasted meat or asado, Lido Restaurant is a must-visit. Nearby, Wai Ying on Benavidez Street offers excellent dim sum, while Sincerity Café on Nueva Street is celebrated for its fried chicken.
Go on a Binondo Chinese New Year Walking Tour
Join a Chinese New Year Walking Tour
Binondo is not only the oldest organized Chinatown in the world, it is also one of the biggest because it extends to other nearby districts but the main drag is still Ongpin Street. Ongpin may be a mere half-hour walk but criss-crossing it will take you about three hours passing through jewelry stores, Chinese drug stores, hidden temples and assorted stores selling all kinds of chinoiserie.
Most of all are the more than a hundred Chinese restaurants serving their own specialties making Binondo the best food crawl this side of town. Take small bites so you can cover as many food establishments as possible and bring a bag for all those take-home goodies.
This walk, which is more or less 3 hours, is best for foodie tourists.
Savor the best Chinese cuisine and take home some goodies while covering the most extensive Binondo walk.
CHINESE NEW YEAR WALKING TOUR 2025JANUARY 28, TUESDAY, 1 PM
Please pm Jing Ordona on Facebook for details.
Or Contact him on his mobile 0960 6975 930
Meeting place is at Sta.Cruz Church at 1 pm.
Dragon and Lion Dances
No Chinese New Year in Binondo is complete without dragon and lion dancers parading through the streets. These energetic performers chase after angpao (red envelopes filled with money) tied to shop awnings or handed out by onlookers.
Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, the dancers bring an electrifying energy to the celebrations.
Shopping in Binondo
Binondo also offers a unique shopping experience. Along Ongpin Street, you’ll find souvenir and gift shops, as well as numerous jewellery stores selling everything from coral bracelets to exquisite pendants. For baked goods and Chinese delicacies, Eng Bee Tin is the go-to place for tikoy, preserved fruits, and cookies.
For bargain hunters, Divisoria’s Lucky Chinatown Mall is a short tricycle or cab ride away. While the mall features designer boutiques, its basement and nearby buildings are treasure troves for inexpensive finds. Expect to discover everything from clothes to home goods at unbeatable prices.
Churches and Temples
To complete your Binondo experience, visit local churches and temples. At the centre of Chinatown is the Binondo Church, also known as the San Lorenzo Ruiz Minor Basilica. Alternatively, stop by Our Lady of the Pillar Church in Plaza Sta. Cruz that was founded in 1768 by the Jesuits.
For a glimpse into Chinese spirituality, visit Kuang Kong and Seng Guan temples on Narra Street. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, many Filipino-Chinese families light incense at midnight, believing it brings immense luck to be the first to do so.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Binondo!
Whether you’re enjoying festive delicacies, watching dragon dances, or exploring historical temples, Binondo offers a truly immersive Chinese New Year experience.
Kung Hei Fat Choy! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
May the year ahead bring you prosperity and happiness.
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