Why Experience Chinese New Year in China?
Chinese New Year — also known as the Spring Festival (Chun Jie) — is the most important traditional holiday in China, dating back over 4,000 years. In 2027, it falls on February 6, marking the start of the Year of the Goat (Sheep). For two weeks, the entire country erupts in a symphony of red lanterns, fireworks, temple fairs, family banquets, and centuries-old traditions that transform every city, town, and village into a living celebration.
Years of History
One of humanity's oldest continuous festivals
Trips Made
World's largest annual human migration
Days of Festival
From New Year's Eve to Lantern Festival
Countries Celebrate
Global holiday across Asia and beyond
When Is Chinese New Year 2027?
The date of Chinese New Year changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar. In 2027, the festivities begin on February 6 (Saturday) and the Lantern Festival concludes the celebration on February 20.
February 6, 2027
Chinese New Year's Day
Year of the Goat begins
February 6 - 12
Official Public Holiday
7 days off nationwide
February 5 - 20
Full Festival Period
Eve to Lantern Festival
Travel Alert: The Chunyun (Spring Festival travel rush) lasts roughly from January 22 to March 5, 2027. During this 40-day window, train tickets sell out within seconds, flights triple in price, and hotels reach full occupancy. Book everything 2-3 months ahead. If you want a smoother experience, arrive a few days before New Year's Eve (February 4-5) to watch the buildup, then stay through the first week when temple fairs are in full swing.
What Is Chinese New Year? A Foreigner's Guide to the Spring Festival
If you have never experienced Chinese New Year, think of it as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve rolled into one — then dialed up to the scale of an entire civilization. It is the moment when China pauses, families travel across the country to reunite, and ancient traditions come alive in a blaze of red, gold, and firecrackers. Here is everything a foreign visitor needs to understand about this extraordinary festival.
The Legend of Nian
According to ancient legend, a mythical beast called Nian would emerge each year to devour crops and villagers. People discovered that Nian feared the color red, bright lights, and loud noises — giving birth to the traditions of red decorations, lanterns, and fireworks that define the celebration today.
Family Reunion Above All
The most sacred tradition is the New Year's Eve reunion dinner (Nian Ye Fan). No matter where they work, Chinese people travel enormous distances to sit around one table with parents, siblings, and extended family. This is the emotional core of the entire festival.
The Lunar Calendar
Chinese New Year follows the lunisolar calendar, falling on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is why the date shifts between January 21 and February 20 each year. Each year is also associated with one of 12 zodiac animals — 2027 is the Year of the Goat.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Married adults give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried younger relatives. In the digital age, hundreds of millions of hongbao are sent via WeChat each year. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits — you will see it everywhere.
The 15 Days of Chinese New Year: A Day-by-Day Calendar
Chinese New Year is not a single day — it unfolds over 15 days, each with its own customs and meaning. Understanding this rhythm will help you plan which days offer the best experiences for a foreign visitor.
Feb 5 • Day 0
New Year's Eve (Chuxi)
The most important evening of the year. Families gather for the reunion dinner with multiple generations at one table. At midnight, fireworks light up every city. Stay up late to "guard the year" (Shou Sui). As a visitor, this is the night to book a special dinner at a hotel or restaurant — or befriend a local family for an authentic experience.
Feb 6 • Day 1
New Year's Day
The first day of the New Year begins with firecrackers at dawn. People wear new clothes, visit the eldest family members, and exchange blessings. Many locals avoid sweeping or cleaning — it is believed to sweep away good fortune. Temple fairs officially open. This is a quieter day as families stay home.
Feb 7 • Day 2
Visiting In-Laws
Married daughters traditionally return to visit their birth parents. Temple fairs and public celebrations begin ramping up across cities. This is an excellent day for tourists to visit temple fairs, as they become livelier but are not yet at peak crowds.
Feb 8 • Day 3
Day of the Rat Wedding
According to folklore, this is the day rats marry off their daughters — people go to bed early to avoid disturbing them. More practically, temple fairs are in full swing, and many businesses start reopening. A great day for street food exploration at fairgrounds.
Feb 9 • Day 4
Welcoming the Kitchen God
Traditional families welcome the Kitchen God back from his annual report to the Jade Emperor. Most attractions and shops are now operating. Crowds at major tourist sites begin to peak — arrive early to beat the rush.
Feb 10 • Day 5
Po Wu • God of Wealth Day
Also called "Breaking the Fifth," taboos from the first four days are lifted. People welcome the God of Wealth with firecrackers at dawn. Many businesses hold opening ceremonies. This is the busiest day for temple fairs and the best day for street photography.
Feb 20 • Day 15
Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Jie)
The grand finale. Cities are transformed by elaborate lantern displays — everything from traditional paper lanterns to giant illuminated sculptures. Families eat tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls). This is the most visually stunning day of the entire holiday period for foreign visitors.
Chinese New Year Traditions: What to See and Do
From red decorations to deafening firecrackers, Chinese New Year is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Here are the key traditions you will encounter and how to participate respectfully as a foreign visitor.
Fireworks & Firecrackers
At midnight on New Year's Eve, the sky explodes. Entire neighborhoods set off fireworks simultaneously — it sounds like a war zone and looks like a dream. In recent years, many major cities have restricted fireworks to designated zones for safety and air quality, but smaller cities and rural areas still go all out. Bring earplugs and a camera with a good night mode.
Red Decorations & Couplets
Everywhere you look, China turns crimson. Red paper cutouts (Chuang Hua) adorn windows, red lanterns line streets and doorways, and Chunlian (Spring Festival couplets) — pairs of poetic phrases written on red paper — are pasted on both sides of door frames. The character Fu (fortune) is often displayed upside down, a wordplay meaning "fortune has arrived." Visit any market to buy your own couplets as souvenirs.
Lion & Dragon Dances
Throughout the festival, you will see troupes performing lion and dragon dances in streets, malls, and temple fairgrounds. The lion dance features two performers in a colorful lion costume performing acrobatic moves to the beat of drums and cymbals. Dragon dances involve a team carrying a long serpentine dragon figure. Both are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The best performances are at temple fairs and major city squares.
Temple Fairs (Miao Hui)
Temple fairs are the beating heart of Chinese New Year for tourists. Held at parks, temples, and public squares, they combine religious rituals with carnival-style entertainment. You will find folk performances, handicraft demonstrations, traditional snacks, games, and souvenir stalls. Beijing's Ditan Park and Longtan Park temple fairs are the most famous, drawing millions of visitors. Arrive early — by midday, the crowds can be intense.
New Year's Eve Gala (Chunwan)
Broadcast on CCTV since 1983, the Spring Festival Gala is the most-watched television program in human history, with over 700 million viewers. It is a five-hour variety show featuring comedy sketches, traditional opera, acrobatics, and pop music. Even if you do not understand Mandarin, watching it with locals — perhaps at your hotel bar or a friend's home — is a cultural experience in itself. The sense of national togetherness is palpable.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Red envelopes containing cash are given by married couples to children, unmarried adults, and sometimes employees. In the digital era, WeChat hongbao have become ubiquitous — you may be invited to join group chat "red envelope rain" where people send and grab virtual red envelopes. If you are invited to a Chinese home during the festival, it is appropriate to bring a red envelope for the children, typically containing 100-500 RMB in crisp new bills. Avoid amounts with the number 4 (associated with death).
Best Cities to Visit During Chinese New Year 2027
Each Chinese city celebrates differently — from Harbin's frozen wonderland to Guangzhou's fragrant flower markets. Here is our curated guide to the most rewarding destinations for foreign travelers during Spring Festival, ranked by cultural richness and tourist-friendliness.
Beijing — The Traditional Heart
Beijing is the quintessential Chinese New Year destination. The capital hosts the country's most famous temple fairs at Ditan Park (Earth Temple), Longtan Park, and Changdian — a tradition dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Expect folk performances, sugar-blown figurines, shadow puppetry, and endless rows of snack stalls selling candied hawthorn sticks (Bingtanghulu). The Lama Temple sees thousands of worshippers burning the first incense of the year. The Forbidden City and Great Wall remain open (though crowded). Pro tip: attend the midnight bell-ringing ceremony at the Bell Tower in Gulou for good luck.
Harbin — Ice and Snow Wonderland
If there is one Chinese New Year destination that feels straight out of a fairy tale, it is Harbin. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival runs through February, overlapping perfectly with Spring Festival. Wander through a city-sized park filled with ice castles, illuminated snow sculptures the size of buildings, and ice slides that children and adults alike can enjoy. At night, the entire park glows with multicolored LED lights embedded in the ice. Harbin also boasts strong Russian architectural influences — visit St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) for a unique cultural blend. Temperatures can drop to -25°C, so pack your warmest gear.
Xi'an — Ancient Capital Celebration
Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, celebrates Chinese New Year with a grandeur befitting its imperial past. The highlight is the Xi'an City Wall Lantern Festival — the entire 14-kilometer Ming Dynasty wall is adorned with elaborate themed lantern displays, from zodiac animals to scenes from Chinese mythology. Walking the wall at night amidst glowing dragons and phoenixes is one of China's most magical New Year experiences. The Muslim Quarter comes alive with street food vendors serving yangrou paomo (lamb soup with torn bread) and persimmon cakes. The Terracotta Warriors remain open and are significantly less crowded than usual during the holiday. The Great Tang All Day Mall puts on nightly light shows and Tang Dynasty-themed performances.
Guangzhou — Flower Markets and Cantonese Feasts
Southern China celebrates differently, and Guangzhou's flower markets (Hua Shi) are the signature tradition. In the days leading up to New Year, entire streets transform into fragrant seas of kumquat trees, peonies, orchids, and peach blossoms — each flower carrying auspicious meaning. Locals buy plants to decorate their homes for good fortune. The Canton Tower puts on spectacular light shows, and Pearl River night cruises offer front-row seats to riverside fireworks. As the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou is a paradise for food lovers — try poon choi (a layered basin feast) and nian gao (sweet glutinous rice cake). The weather is mild (15-20°C), making it the most comfortable climate for New Year travel.
Chengdu — Pandas & Spicy Celebrations
Chengdu and the broader Sichuan province offer a flavor of Chinese New Year that is distinctly their own — spicy, lively, and deeply cultural. The Chengdu Panda Base stays open during the holiday, and you can see baby pandas in a festive setting (sometimes the keepers even give them New Year treats). Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley are decorated with thousands of lanterns and host folk performances including Sichuan opera face-changing shows. The Wuhou Shrine hosts one of the largest temple fairs in southwest China. And then there is the food: spicy hot pot is the ultimate New Year communal meal here, and local specialties like dan dan noodles and mapo tofu are at their festive best. For a day trip, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, which is far less crowded during the holiday.
Shanghai — Modern Glamour Meets Old Traditions
Shanghai offers a unique Chinese New Year experience where cutting-edge modernity meets timeless tradition. The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival is the city's centerpiece — a centuries-old garden transformed into a luminous wonderland with themed lantern displays that change each year (the zodiac animal always features prominently). The Bund lights up with festive projections on its colonial-era buildings, and the Lujiazui skyline often features coordinated light shows. One fascinating aspect of Shanghai's New Year is that the city empties out — millions of migrant workers return to their hometowns, making Shanghai one of the few Chinese cities that becomes less crowded during the holiday. This means shorter lines at museums, more room on the metro, and a rare chance to see Shanghai at peace. Visit Longhua Temple for the bell-ringing ceremony, and do not miss xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan.
Chinese New Year Food Guide
Food is the language of love during Chinese New Year. Every dish on the table carries symbolic meaning — words that sound like luck, prosperity, and happiness in Mandarin. Here are the must-try dishes and where to find them.
🥟
Jiaozi (Dumplings)
Northern China
Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings symbolize wealth. Families often hide a coin inside one dumpling — whoever finds it is said to have the luckiest year ahead.
🍗
Nian Gao (Rice Cake)
Southern China
"Nian gao" sounds like "higher year" — eating it symbolizes rising higher in career and life. Sweet, sticky, and often pan-fried to golden perfection.
🐟
Whole Fish (Yu)
Nationwide
"Yu" sounds like "surplus" in Chinese. A whole steamed fish is served on New Year's Eve, and it is traditional to leave some uneaten — carrying the surplus into the new year.
🥪
Spring Rolls
East & South
Golden, crispy, and shaped like gold bars. Spring rolls represent wealth and are especially popular in Shanghai and Guangzhou during the festival.
🍲
Tangyuan (Sweet Balls)
Lantern Festival
Glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame, peanut, or red bean paste, served in sweet soup. The round shape symbolizes family reunion and completeness.
🥘
Hot Pot (Huo Guo)
Nationwide
The ultimate communal New Year meal. A bubbling pot of broth in the center of the table, surrounded by plates of meat, vegetables, and tofu. Symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and abundance.
Essential Travel Tips for Chinese New Year
Traveling during the world's largest human migration requires planning. These practical tips will help you navigate the unique challenges and maximize your experience.
Book Everything 2-3 Months Ahead
This cannot be overstated. Train tickets go on sale 15 days before departure and sell out in seconds. Flights to popular cities triple in price by January. Top hotels fill up weeks in advance. Book your flights, trains, and accommodations by November 2026 for a February 2027 trip. Use Trip.com (English-friendly) or Ctrip for bookings. Consider booking refundable options in case plans change.
Set Up Mobile Payment Before You Go
China is a near-cashless society, and during Chinese New Year, red envelopes are sent digitally. Download WeChat or Alipay and link your international credit card before departure. Both apps now support foreign cards for payments at most merchants. Also install Didi (China's Uber) for ride-hailing — taxi queues during the holiday can be hours long. Having these apps ready will save you enormous frustration.
Learn These Essential Phrases
Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)
Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you prosperity)
Wan Shi Ru Yi (May everything go as you wish)
Xie Xie (Thank you)
Zhe Ge Duo Shao Qian? (How much is this?)
Locals light up when foreigners attempt even a few words. It opens doors to warm interactions.
Pack for Winter Weather
Most of China is cold in February. Beijing averages -5°C to 5°C, while Harbin can drop to -25°C. Pack thermal underwear, a heavy coat, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots. Even southern cities like Shanghai are damp and chilly (0-8°C). The exception is Guangzhou and Sanya, where temperatures hover around 15-20°C. Layer up — heated indoor spaces contrast sharply with outdoor cold.
Plan Your Itinerary Around Crowds
Days 1-2 (Feb 6-7) are the quietest as families stay home. Days 3-7 (Feb 8-12) are peak temple fair and tourist attraction days — arrive at opening time (usually 8:00 AM). The Lantern Festival (Feb 20) draws enormous evening crowds. For major attractions like the Forbidden City or Terracotta Warriors, book tickets online in advance — many sell out during the holiday. Consider visiting less famous sites on peak days.
VPN and Internet Access
Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many Western sites are blocked in China. Install and test a reliable VPN before you leave home — ExpressVPN, Astrill, and LetsVPN have good track records in China. Download offline maps (Google Maps works poorly; use Baidu Maps or Apple Maps with a Chinese SIM). Get a Chinese SIM card or an eSIM data plan (Nomad, Airalo) upon arrival for reliable connectivity.
Gift-Giving Etiquette
If visiting a Chinese home, bring a gift. Good choices: high-quality fruit (oranges and apples are lucky), imported alcohol, tea, or health supplements. Wrap gifts in red or gold paper — never white or black (funeral colors). Avoid giving clocks (associated with death), sharp objects (symbolize cutting ties), or anything in sets of four (the number 4 sounds like "death"). Money in red envelopes is the default and always appreciated gift.
Be Flexible and Patient
Things will not go exactly as planned during Chinese New Year. Restaurants may close unexpectedly, trains may be delayed, and your favorite attraction might be packed beyond belief. Embrace it. The chaos is part of the experience. Build buffer time into your schedule, have backup plans for meals and activities, and remember that the warmth of the celebration — the spontaneous invitations from locals, the unexpected street performances, the sheer joyful energy — is what you came for.
Chinese New Year Taboos: What NOT to Do
Chinese New Year is governed by centuries-old superstitions. Even modern, urban Chinese people observe many of these customs. As a foreigner, you will be forgiven for not knowing them, but demonstrating awareness earns deep respect.
Do Not Sweep or Clean on New Year's Day
Sweeping is believed to sweep away good fortune. If you drop something, leave it. Hotels know this and will not clean your room unless you specifically request it.
Avoid Negative Words
Never say words related to death, sickness, poverty, or ghosts during the festival. Avoid the number 4 (si, sounds like death). Do not mention funerals or misfortunes.
Never Break Ceramics or Glass
Breaking a bowl or plate is considered very unlucky. If it happens, immediately say "Sui Sui Ping An" (Peace year after year) — a wordplay on "shattered" and "year" sounding the same.
Do Not Wash Your Hair on Day 1
Washing hair is believed to wash away good luck. While few young Chinese observe this strictly, it is good to know if your hotel's salon is closed that day.
Avoid Wearing Black or White
These are mourning colors in Chinese culture. Wear red, gold, yellow, or bright colors during the festival. Even a red scarf or accessory helps you blend in and shows respect.
Do Not Lend or Borrow Money
Financial transactions during the first few days are considered bad luck. Settle all debts before New Year's Eve. If someone owes you money, do not ask for it during the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chinese New Year 2027?
Chinese New Year 2027 falls on February 6, 2027 (Saturday). The official public holiday spans 7 days from February 6 to February 12. However, the Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun) lasts approximately 40 days from late January through early March. The Lantern Festival on February 20 marks the official end of the celebration period.
Is it a good idea for foreign tourists to visit China during Chinese New Year?
Yes, with proper planning. Chinese New Year offers cultural experiences unavailable at any other time: temple fairs, lantern festivals, fireworks displays, and the chance to see China at its most festive. The trade-offs are higher prices, massive crowds at tourist attractions, and the possibility that some smaller shops and restaurants will be closed. For travelers who prioritize cultural immersion over convenience, it is an extraordinary time to visit. For those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed trip, consider arriving after the Lantern Festival (late February).
How much more expensive is travel during Chinese New Year?
Expect flights to cost 50-200% more than usual, especially routes to smaller cities where migrant workers return home. Hotel rates in popular tourist cities rise 30-80%. Train tickets themselves do not increase in price, but demand is so extreme that you may need to use a ticket-buying service (which charges a fee). Budget approximately 40-60% more for your overall trip compared to traveling in November or March. The premium is for the unique experience — millions of travelers consider it worthwhile.
Are hotels, restaurants, and attractions open during the holiday?
Major hotels, international chain restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist attractions remain open throughout the holiday. Small family-run restaurants and shops may close for 2-7 days, particularly on New Year's Eve and Day 1-2. Temple fairs and public celebrations run daily. Museums and government-run sites typically close on New Year's Eve but reopen by Day 1 or 2. It is wise to confirm operating hours for specific attractions in advance and have backup dining options near your hotel.
Can I visit the Great Wall or Forbidden City during Chinese New Year?
Yes, both the Great Wall and the Forbidden City remain open during Chinese New Year, but with important caveats. The Forbidden City requires advance online ticket reservations (no on-site ticket sales) and often sells out days ahead during the holiday — book at least a week in advance through the official Palace Museum website or via Trip.com. The Great Wall is open but extremely crowded at Badaling, the most popular section. For a better experience, visit Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections instead, which are less crowded and offer equally stunning views. Both attractions are busiest from Day 3 to Day 7 of the holiday.
What is the best way to get around during Chunyun (travel rush)?
High-speed trains are the backbone of Chinese New Year travel, but tickets are the hardest to secure. If you cannot get train tickets, consider: (1) flying — more expensive but more availability; (2) long-distance buses — uncomfortable but usually available; (3) hiring a private car with driver through your hotel or a service like HelloChinaTrip, which offers more flexibility and comfort. Within cities, the metro remains the most reliable option. Ride-hailing apps (Didi) work but face severe surge pricing and long wait times during the holiday.