Chinese New Year - China

Chinese New Year is by far the most significant festival on the calendar. Celebrated by Chinese communities the world over with gift-giving, dragon dancing, parades and general merriment, Chinese New Year runs in a 12 year cycle according to the signs of the Chinese zodiac.

Chinese New Year is a time when families reunite to celebrate, meaning that many people will often travel great distances from the cities into the rural areas over this period. Gifts are given, houses are cleaned, people cut their hair and new clothes are worn; all in an attempt to remove any of the bad luck from the previous year and make way for good luck. Look out though, it’s bad luck to clean on New Year’s Day itself! Wherever you are in China, you’re likely to see some display of joyous celebration. Join in and have fun!