Chinese New Year 2025
Chinese New Year Travel Trends for 2025
Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in China. It marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar. The holiday usually happens between January 21 and February 20. In 2025, the Lunar New Year falls on January 29.
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 highlights the Year of the Wood Snake. Lucky zodiac signs for 2025 include Dragon, Ox, Snake, Rooster, and Monkey. These signs can expect progress in careers, finances and relationships.
The Spring Festival has been celebrated for thousands of years. It started as a way to honor the harvest and the Chinese calendar. Even after adopting the Gregorian calendar, China kept the festival tied to the lunar phases. This 15-day festival ends with the Lantern Festival. Each day has its own customs, like visiting family members and preparing for the year ahead.
Due to China's vast territory, the way people celebrate Chinese New Year varies greatly depending on the region. In the northeast, where winter temperatures can drop below minus thirty degrees Celsius, cities like Harbin host grand ice and snow festivals. These festivals are famous across the country, attracting ice sculpture artists and enthusiasts.
In contrast, southern regions enjoy warmer temperatures. Celebrations here often feature vibrant dragon and lion dances to pray for safety and prosperity in the new year. Meanwhile, in the central plains region, cutting-edge drone swarm technology is used to create large-scale fireworks displays, blending tradition with modern innovation.
Travel Trends for 2025
In 2025, the Lunar New Year celebrations are from January 28 to February 4, making it a busy time for travel. The celebrations will bring a large increase in both domestic and international travel. Millions of people plan trips to reunite with family or explore other countries. Key reasons for this travel surge include better flight options, visa-free policies and a strong desire to travel after years of restrictions.
Outbound Travel
Experts predict a rise in Chinese citizens traveling abroad. Many countries, like Thailand, Japan and South Korea, now offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options. Direct international flights are also recovering, making it easier for people to plan trips.
Southeast Asia is a favorite destination because it is close, affordable and culturally rich. Popular spots include Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Short trips to Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are also in high demand.
Inbound Tourism
China expects more foreign visitors during the Spring Festival. The country’s visa-free policies now allow travelers from 54 nations to stay for up to 240 hours without a visa. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Harbin will host cultural events and winter attractions to welcome tourists. According to Trip.com, total inbound travel purchases from January 28 to February 4 this year have increased by over 200 percent year on year.
Key Traditions
Chinese New Year traditions aim to bring good fortune and avoid bad luck. Homes and streets are decorated with red paper and red lanterns, symbols of happiness and wealth. Families give red envelopes filled with money to children, wishing them a lucky year.
Festivities include lion dances performed with loud drums. These dances scare away evil spirits and bring blessings. The color red, seen everywhere, represents joy and protection.
The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important meal of the festival. Families gather to enjoy dishes like fish, dumplings and rice cakes. Each dish carries a special meaning, like wealth, unity or prosperity.
The Lantern Festival
The festival ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. People light lanterns, solve riddles and enjoy communal feasts. This event symbolizes unity and hope for the year ahead.
Although rooted in China, the Lunar New Year celebration is celebrated worldwide. Communities across the globe blend their own traditions with Chinese customs, making it a truly international event.
Chinese New Year is more than a holiday. It’s a time to honor family, culture and hope. With travel booming in 2025, businesses have a chance to help people celebrate. By supporting this demand, companies can connect families and friends while embracing the joy of the Spring Festival. Additionally, the diverse regional celebrations—from Harbin’s ice festivals to the vibrant dragon dances of the south—offer unique travel opportunities that showcase China’s cultural richness.