Chinese New Year centres on reunion and welcoming a new year. Preparations and celebrations extend beyond the single date shown here.
Story & background
Spring Festival grew from ancient year-end rites that welcomed spring, honoured ancestors, and asked for a safe and fertile year. Over time, regional customs gathered around reunion meals, red paper decorations, fireworks, visits, and wishes for good fortune. The first day is only the opening of a longer season of family and community gatherings.
Customs
- Give red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) in appropriate family or social settings.
- Read the couplets and paper decorations placed around a home.
- Visit relatives or exchange messages during the holiday period.
Festival food
Dumplings, fish, rice cakes, tangyuan, and regional specialities appear in different New Year meals. Meanings and menus vary by place.
Try this
Practise saying 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) and ask before giving a red envelope; age, relationship, and setting matter.
2026: 2026-02-17 · 2027: 2027-02-06 · 2028: 2028-01-26