Read about traveling in China during Chinese New Year and what to expect. Learn about business closures, transportation, accommodation, and more. Travel to China during Chinese New Year? Check here to see the collection of helpful tips to help you avoid stress in the most congested travel modes and destinations. Explore remoter places at Chinese New Year to avoid overcrowding, like Tiger Leaping Gorge, Tibet, Western Sichuan, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie. Although it is crowded during Chinese New Year, it is the best time of year to experience China's traditional culture. There are celebrations in every city and town. Take Beijing, for example. Beijing's Chinese New Year temple fairs reproduce the traditional customs of Beijing. Home to one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside Asia, San Francisco’s Chinatown is a vibrant destination for the festival. Top Activities and Highlights The Golden Dragon Parade and community street fairs feature lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural exhibits, providing a glimpse into Chinese-American traditions. Chinese New Year is not the ideal time to travel in China. Most destinations will be brimming with out-of-towners, and ticket prices will be through the roof. But if you know how to do it right, the holiday can also be one of the most remarkable times to see the country. China's tourist spots, with diverse ice-and-snow activities, enchanting tropical scenery, rich folk culture and delectable delicacies, have become increasingly popular among foreigners in recent years. The country implemented a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from some countries last year. Top Chinese New Year destinations are Beijing, Xi’an, Harbin, Pingyao and Guangzhou, with traditional customs, best festival activities and fun things to do in winter. The most popular traditional New Year activity in northern China is visiting temple fairs. In 2025, five temple fairs will be held in Beijing : Ditan Temple, Summer Palace, International Horticultural Exposition Park, Badachu Temple, and Grand Canal Site Park. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the grandest festival in China, usually with a 8 days' holiday. As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, up to two weeks, and the climax arrives around the Lunar New Year's Eve. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. 15 Best Places to Visit in China A community for current and potential expats, students, and any foreigners living in the People's Republic of China. Ask questions and find advice about shopping, getting around, paying bills, choosing services, housing, technology, and adjusting to a new lifestyle in one of the most fascinating countries on Earth. 7. Sending Chinese New Year Wishes. During Chinese New Year, Chinese people will greet each other with pleasant words like: 'Xin nian kuai le' which means 'Happy New Year' (simplified Chinese: 新年快乐). See more Chinese New Year Greetings and Wishes. 8. Watching the New Year TV Gala The Chinese New Year is deeply embedded as the preeminent holiday in China, ranking with Western traditions like Christmas in accentuating family, gift-giving and feasting. It is an officially recognized public holiday in 20 countries. A special way for people to express good wishes to each other and an important Chinese New Year tradition is to visit relatives. Generally speaking, people drop in at relatives and friends' houses, bringing gifts or red envelopes, and greeting one another with 'Happy New Year'. A community for current and potential expats, students, and any foreigners living in the People's Republic of China. Ask questions and find advice about shopping, getting around, paying bills, choosing services, housing, technology, and adjusting to a new lifestyle in one of the most fascinating countries on Earth. The Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is the most important and widely celebrated festival of all in China. It is celebrated from the 1st day of the 1st lunar month to the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, particularly in Asian countries like China, shown here (Beijing). Pre-Chinese New Year Celebrations (Jan. 7, 2025, to Jan. 28, 2025) Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China. People usually prepare for it early before New Year’s Eve.
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