Chinese New Year 2025 in China

Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is the most celebrated festival in China. A two-week holiday is all about family reunions and quality time, but it also features beautiful lantern festivals, huge colorful parades, and street parties. The holiday reaches its culmination around the Lunar New Year's Eve.

Dates

The lunar calendar determines the dates for Chinese New Year, specifically the lunisolar calendar used traditionally in China. Chinese New Year usually falls on the first day of the first lunar month, which typically is between January 21st and February 20th. This year, the public Lunar New Year holiday is scheduled from January 28th until February 4th, during which many people take time off work to celebrate with their families. However, workers are required to return to work on January 26th and February 8th.

Beijing

Number one CNY destination is Beijing, the heart of tradition. The city holds some of the biggest celebrations with firecrackers, fireworks and multiple parades. From vibrant fairs at the local temples to sports demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment, the Chinese New Year in Beijing is truly a sight to behold.

Temple Fairs

Many temples and parks feature holiday fairs, offering dragon and lion dancing, cultural performances, and other activities. Some of the most popular venues for the festive fairs include the Ditan Park Temple, the Dongyue Temple, the Longtan Park Temple, and the Temple of Heaven, which also holds solemn imperial celebrations. At the fairs, visitors have a chance to witness historical reenactments, traditional dances, and local foods, like zhajiangmian noodles with soybean paste.

Ditan Temple is set to host the fair from the 2nd to 7th day of the Lunar New Year, on January 30-February 4, while the Longtan Temple fair is from the 1st day to the 7th day of the Chinese New Year on January 29-February 4. Changdian Temple Fair and Daguan Garden Red Mansion Temple Fair take place on January 29-February 2. Entrance ranges from free admission to 2-10 Chinese yuan.

Other festivities

Alternatively, you can check out the Old Summer Palace, which typically has entertainment of the Qing era to mark Chinese New Year. You can also consider checking out Longtan Park to see traditional sports competitions and demonstrations. INDIGO shopping mall hosts a vibrant Lunar New Year Lantern Festival from January 19th to February 25th, with displays varying from traditional giant Chinese-themed lanterns to digital art created with help of AI.

Shanghai

Shanghai usually attracts the most visitors during the Chinese New Year. Its fantastic lantern display at Yuyuan Old Town Bazaar and burning joss sticks at the City God Temple or Longhua Temple are the most popular activities. Nanjing Road, a primary shopping destination offers entertainment and special deals. Yuyuan Garden holds folk performances and beautiful lantern parades, opening during the spring season. Guangfulin Cultural Museum usually hosts its annual temple fair and offers a chance to experience Chinese heritage to the fullest. Entry normally costs around 40 Chinese yuan.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is dressed in all red during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Red lanterns are everywhere, and all restaurants and shops are overcrowded. Watch an evening parade in Tsim Sha Tsui with traditional folk characters and illuminated floats at around 8-9:45 pm on January 29th. Don't miss Harbour Fireworks, one of the most magnificent pyrotechnic displays in the world, which is scheduled for around 8 pm on January 30th. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse continue the festivities on the third day of Lunar New Year with annual races, lion dances, and live music performances.