Gong Xi Fa Cai! — this is the traditional greeting for Chinese New Year. Literally it translates as “congratulations on becoming wealthy,” but in meaning it is a wish for good luck, prosperity, and a successful year ahead.
According to the traditional Chinese calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol of energy, forward movement, freedom, and new opportunities. It also represents new beginnings, family unity, and the pursuit of well-being. The holiday is celebrated on February 17.
Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Bali, where it is called Imlek, and in Indonesia it is an official public holiday. The Chinese community has lived on the island for many centuries, so the tradition has long become part of local life.
From the end of January, red lanterns and decorations appear on the streets, temples hold ceremonies and performances, shopping centers organize shows and themed events, and many restaurants introduce special holiday menus.
If you happen to be in Bali during Chinese New Year, it’s easy to see the celebrations — events take place in different parts of the island and are open to everyone.
Chinese temples
There are quite a few Chinese temples on the island, and this is no coincidence. Chinese traders came to Bali for centuries; many settled here, and over time their culture became part of local life. Today many Indonesians of Chinese descent live in Bali and consider themselves part of the island, reflecting the principle of “unity in diversity,” which is often spoken about in Indonesia.
If you want to feel the festive atmosphere, you can visit one of Bali’s Chinese temples — before Chinese New Year they are cleaned, restored, and decorated with lanterns, ribbons, and holiday ornaments.
Klenteng Ling Gwan Kiong
The Ling Gwan Kiong Chinese temple is located on the coast of Singaraja, in the area of the former colonial port. It was built in 1873 and follows the philosophy of Tri Dharma, which unites Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, with elements of Balinese traditions. The temple is dedicated to the saint Tan Hu Cin Jin, who, according to legend, attained moksha — liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The building is designed in traditional Chinese style with bright red, yellow, and green details. Inside, there are preserved murals depicting scenes from the Chinese epic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” which are still carefully restored, preserving the temple’s historical and cultural heritage.
Vihara Dharmayana
Vihara Dharmayana is a very beautiful place that somehow preserves a sense of calm despite the busy streets and heavy traffic of Kuta.
In 1982, it was even visited by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
Vihara Dharmayana is a good place to see Bali’s cultural diversity. The temple was founded in 1876 and remains well preserved. The building is decorated with carvings and statues, and despite its age, it looks well maintained and impressive.
Vihara Satya Dharma
On the way toward Benoa on the road to Sanur, you will find Vihara Satya Dharma — a large and prominent Chinese temple that follows the Tri Dharma tradition, combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The temple is dedicated to the sea goddess Ma Cho, so not only local worshippers but also sailors — including foreign ones — come here, since Benoa port is nearby.
Before Chinese New Year the temple is decorated especially brightly — it becomes perhaps the most “red” of all Chinese temples in Bali. Lanterns are hung everywhere, and the incense smoke at the altars creates a special atmosphere. In the evenings during the holiday, it gets very crowded: people come not only to pray but also to watch performances.
Klenteng Caow Eng Bio
This Chinese temple is hidden in the Tanjung Benoa area, at the very end of the peninsula. It is easy to miss, but Klenteng Caow Eng Bio is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Bali.
To reach it, you need to drive through narrow streets and alleys. The temple stands almost by the water, where traders once came ashore. It is believed to be over three hundred years old. From the outside it looks quite simple, but it holds great significance for the island’s Chinese community.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Shui Wei and the 108 brothers from Hainan, considered protectors of the Hainanese community, especially during migration and settlement in new lands. Across from the temple is a theater building, and nearby there is a small shrine dedicated to dragon boats.
Barongsai (Lion Dance) – where to watch
Barongsai, or the lion dance, is a bright and lively performance symbolizing luck, money, and a good year ahead. It is believed that the drums, movements, and the image of the lion itself drive away bad things and bring prosperity, which is why large crowds always gather around such performances.
During these days you can see the lion dance in many places — shopping malls, hotels, festival grounds, and sometimes temples. During the performance, the lion often approaches the audience, bows, plays, and sometimes allows people to pet it. Many try to touch the head or beard — it is considered lucky, so the audience usually actively participates rather than just watching.
Bali Collection
At Bali Collection (Nusa Dua), a Chinese New Year festival will take place February 15–17, 2026. The program includes Balinese dances, Barongsai (lion dance), a drum show, live music, and DJs, and on February 16 fireworks and the main festive performances are planned. This is an open event with the atmosphere of a fair and street festival, where you can walk around, watch shows, and spend the evening in a festive setting.
Padma Legian
On February 17, 2026, a lion dance performance will be held at Padma Legian in honor of Chinese New Year.
The show starts at 18:00 in the lobby.
Discovery Mall (Kuta)
On February 17, 2026, a festive Chinese New Year program will take place on the beach stage: wushu performances, lion and dragon dances, and live music.
Show: 17:00–18:30, followed by live music 19:00–21:00.
Admission is free, and guests are also given mandarins and sweets.
Beachwalk Shopping Center (Kuta)
On February 14 at 17:00, a lion dance performance will take place on the Oasis stage (first floor). Organizers promise a festive atmosphere and additional shows throughout the holiday period.
Samasta Lifestyle Village (Jimbaran)
February 17 from 16:30 — Barongsai, Liong, and wushu performances.
February 21 from 17:00 — joint performance of Barongsai and the Balinese Barong (a cultural mix of two traditions).
Seminyak Village (Seminyak)
February 16 at 13:00, first floor — lion dance performance.
Free entry, short festive show format.
ICON Bali
February 17 from 14:00 to 16:40 — Chinese New Year festive program: character meet-and-greet, Barongsai performances, and dragon show. Concerts, cultural performances, and events are also held throughout February.
Trans Studio Theme Park Bali
February 14–22 — special fire show “Legend of the Solar Eclipse.”
A 15-minute performance featuring fire choreography and ritual dances inspired by mythology and the symbolism of renewal, dedicated to Chinese New Year.
Nuanu Creative City
February 14–17, a Chinese New Year program takes place at Nuanu. During these days there are Barongsai and Barong performances, tea ceremonies, music events, and various practices. The atmosphere is more festival-like and relaxed — people come to walk around, listen to music, watch performances, and spend time.
Oshom Bali, Nuanu Creative City
A two-day event combining Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. During the day there are storytelling sessions, breathing practices, and workshops; toward the evening — DJ sets, tarot, and other activities.
Schedule:
- February 14 — sunset DJ sets (17:00–20:00)
- February 15
- 13:00–14:00 — storytelling about Chinese New Year
- 14:00–16:00 — sound healing and breathing practices
- 16:00–17:30 — workshop Art of Connection
- 17:00–19:30 — DJ sets
- 18:00–21:00 — tarot
- 19:00–21:00 — dream interpretation
Chinese restaurants and festive dinners
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
Here is the translation in natural, readable English suitable for an article or guide:
At Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, Lunar New Year will be celebrated with a festive dinner featuring a Barongsai lion dance performance.
The evening is organized as a buffet, with freshly grilled seafood, wok dishes, dim sum, chilled seafood stations, and desserts including Nian Gao (traditional New Year rice cake), Jian Dui (sesame balls), and Hong Kong–style mango pancakes. The celebration is complemented by the dynamic Barongsai performance, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and unity.
16 February 2026, 18:00–22:00, Makase Restaurant
Price: IDR 888,000++ per person
Alila Seminyak — Seasalt
Alila Seminyak offers several ways to celebrate Lunar New Year.
At Seasalt Restaurant, on the eve of Lunar New Year, 16 February 2026 at 17:00, a festive buffet dinner will be served. The menu includes salads and appetizers, soups, grilled seafood and meats, satay and babi guling, steamed fish, longevity noodles, fried rice, vegetables, and tofu. Desserts feature Asian sweets, rice cakes, sesame balls, and fruit desserts. The evening atmosphere is enhanced by a lion dance and live music.
Price: IDR 550,000++ per person
From 17 to 22 February 2026, Seasalt will host a more intimate sharing-menu dinner, designed for couples and small groups.
The menu includes Prosperity Yee Sang (a traditional New Year salad tossed together for good luck), steamed grouper, Kung Pao chicken with peanuts and chili, and braised pork knuckle slow-cooked in sauce and spices.
Price: IDR 1,888,000 for four people or IDR 999,000 net for two
At Spa Alila, a special program, Lunar New Year Lucky Angpao, runs from 15 to 28 February 2026. This is a 150-minute spa ritual designed for relaxation and recovery.
At the end of the treatment, guests can choose an angpao — a traditional red envelope symbolizing luck, here containing a small surprise.
Price: IDR 1,888,888 per person or IDR 2,888,888 for two
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
At Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua, Lunar New Year will be celebrated with a festive dinner at Kwee Zeen Restaurant.
The program includes a large Asian buffet, a Barongsai performance, and traditional fortune-telling to add to the festive atmosphere.
16 February 2026, 18:00–22:00
Golden Lotus at Bali Dynasty Resort
At Golden Lotus, a special Lunar New Year dinner will feature a traditional nine-course set menu. The evening is dedicated to classic New Year symbols — luck, prosperity, and family gatherings — with one of the highlights being Yee Sang salmon salad, traditionally tossed together for good fortune.
Dinner: 16–17 February 2026, from 18:00
Program: live music, lion dance on 16 February, and a performance by a Chinese singer on 17 February
Price: IDR 588,000++ per person, minimum two people per set
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
At Anantara Uluwatu, several events will take place during the Lunar New Year period.
At 360 Rooftop Restaurant, guests can enjoy a Chinese hot pot — a traditional dining format where meat, seafood, vegetables, and sauces are cooked together in a simmering broth right at the table, turning dinner into a social experience.
Price: IDR 420,000++ per person, available throughout February
A Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea is also served, featuring desserts and light bites.
Price: IDR 295,000++ per person, available throughout February
From 16 to 22 February 2026, the restaurant hosts a Chinese New Year Family Dinner, a festive multi-course dinner designed for groups and families.
Price: IDR 680,000++ per person
On 17 February, a Barongsai lion dance performance takes place at the Lobby and Botol Biru Bar & Grill.
Time: 17:30–18:00
At Anantara Garden, guests can join a sound healing session, a meditative practice with singing bowls designed to help relaxation and mental reset.
Time: 15:30–16:15
Free for hotel guests, IDR 250,000 per person for visitors
Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year with Kids
Shotgun Social — Lunar Glow Fest
15 February 2026, 12:00–15:00
A family-friendly celebration featuring kids’ activities, lantern painting, face painting, lion and dragon dances, and traditional angpao gifts. The event is designed as a daytime festival for both children and adults.
Ohana Kids Paradise — Chinese New Year Camp
16–17 February, 09:00–15:00
A children’s event with creative activities, games, outdoor fun, and lunch. Suitable for children from 3 years old; advance booking required.
Price: 200k++
AYANA Resort Jimbaran — Lunar New Year Kids Activities
17 February 2026
A festive children’s program held at AYANA Ocean Adventure and RIMBA Jungle Adventure.
Activities throughout the day include craft workshops and games: making festive hats and paper lanterns, decorating bags and cookies, mask-making, arts and crafts, and quests. The program runs in morning and afternoon sessions, with options for half-day or full-day participation.
Time: 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
Price: from IDR 250,000++ for half-day or IDR 450,000++ for full day
You can add one right now!