With Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) next month, we thought we’d let you know all about one of our top recommendations for how to celebrate, and why you need to go to George Town in Penang, Malaysia.

George Town is the capital city of Penang and is located on the North-East of the island. The city sees modern skyscrapers mixed with ancient traditions and unique architecture, including historical and religious sites, which is why in 2008 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lunar New Year celebrations see the city burst in to light with not only an incredible fireworks display but lights across the city and strings of beautiful red lanterns draping across buildings and the famous Kek Lok Si Temple (‘The Temple of Supreme Bliss’).

Thousands of lanterns light up the largest temple in South-East Asia until about midnight for the 30 days following Chinese New Year and this truly magnificent site is worth the visit alone.

The George Town celebrations attract thousands of visitors from all over the world every year and the street parties are a MUST if you do visit. Chulia St., Armenian St., Soo Hong Lane, Ah Quee St., Acheen St., Cannon St., Kampung Kolam and Jalan Kapitan Keling host some of the best and include lion and dragon dances, parades and some of the most delicious street food.