The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. With its rich traditions, festive atmosphere, and major travel implications, understanding this holiday is essential for anyone planning to visit China.
What is the Spring Festival?
The Spring Festival is a 15-day celebration that starts on Chinese New Year’s Eve and ends with the Lantern Festival. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on January 29. This period is filled with family reunions, temple fairs, fireworks, and cultural performances.
Key Traditions of Spring Festival:
- Reunion Dinner: Families gather for an elaborate feast on New Year’s Eve, featuring symbolic dishes like dumplings (for prosperity) and fish (for abundance).
- Red Envelopes (Hóngbāo): Elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and younger relatives for good luck.
- Fireworks & Lion Dances: Cities and villages light up with spectacular fireworks displays and lion dances to scare away evil spirits.
- Lantern Festival: The celebrations conclude with lantern displays and sweet rice dumplings (tangyuan), symbolizing unity.
How Does the Spring Festival Impact Travel?
The Spring Festival is the world’s largest annual human migration, as millions of Chinese people travel home for family reunions. This period, known as Chunyun (Spring Festival travel rush), significantly affects transportation and tourism.
What to Expect If You Travel to China During Spring Festival:
- Crowded Transport: Trains, buses, and flights are heavily booked weeks in advance. If you plan to travel during this time, book tickets as early as possible.
- Closed Businesses: Many shops, markets, and family-run restaurants may close for the holiday, especially in smaller cities.
- Festive Atmosphere: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou host grand celebrations, temple fairs, and fireworks displays.
- Higher Prices: Hotels and flights may see price surges due to high demand.
If you prefer to avoid the travel chaos, consider visiting just before or after the Spring Festival when crowds are smaller, but festive decorations and markets are still present.
Best Places to Experience the Spring Festival in China
- Beijing: The capital city hosts traditional temple fairs, dragon dances, and cultural performances at places like Ditan Park and the Forbidden City.
- Shanghai: The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival is a must-see, featuring stunning light displays and traditional music.
- Guangzhou: Known as the Flower City, Guangzhou’s flower markets during Chinese New Year are a beautiful spectacle.
- Harbin: Experience a unique Spring Festival by visiting the Harbin Ice Festival, with massive ice sculptures illuminated at night.
- Hong Kong: Enjoy the spectacular New Year’s Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour and visit the festive markets.
Plan Your Spring Festival Trip with Next Level China
Whether you want to experience traditional celebrations in Beijing or escape the crowds with a scenic nature getaway, Next Level China offers customized travel experiences to make your Chinese New Year unforgettable. Contact us today!
