The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is a time for families to come together, to celebrate and to welcome the new year with good luck and prosperity. It is also an exciting time to be in China, with colorful parades, lion dances, and fireworks displays taking place in cities and towns across the country. If you’re planning to travel to China during the Chinese New Year, here’s what you need to know.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different date each year, as it follows the lunar calendar. The exact date can fall between January 21st and February 20th. The most important days of the festival are the New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Lantern Festival, which is on the 15th day of the New Year. During this time, many businesses and offices will close, so it’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly.
One of the best ways to experience the Chinese New Year is to attend a parade. Many cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, hold spectacular parades on New Year’s Day, featuring colorful floats, lion and dragon dances, and traditional Chinese music. The parades are a great way to see the local culture and traditions on display, and they’re a lot of fun for people of all ages.
Another way to experience the Chinese New Year is to attend a temple fair. Many cities will hold temple fairs during the festival, which are outdoor markets that feature traditional Chinese food, crafts, and entertainment. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and customs, and it’s also a great place to buy souvenirs.
If you’re traveling with children, you may want to attend a lantern festival. These festivals take place on the 15th day of the New Year, and they feature brightly colored lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful lights, and also participate in traditional activities such as making a wish and releasing a lantern into the sky.
In addition to the festivals, it’s worth noting that the Chinese New Year is also a time of reunion for many Chinese families. Therefore, it’s important to be aware that transportation, accommodation, and other services may be more crowded and booked up during this time. It’s also important to note that prices for flights, trains, and hotels may be higher during the Chinese New Year. So, it’s important to plan ahead and book your travel arrangements well in advance.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an exciting time to be in China. With colorful parades, lion dances, and fireworks displays taking place in cities and towns across the country, it’s an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. It’s also a time when many businesses and offices will close and transportation and accommodation may be more crowded and expensive. So, it’s important to plan ahead and book your travel arrangements well in advance. The Chinese New Year is also a great opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere, and to experience the local culture and customs.