Chinese New Year 2025: Preparing for a Bright and Spectacular Celebration

Chinese New Year is a holiday celebrated by billions of people worldwide each year. In 2025, Chinese New Year celebrations will begin on January 29 and continue for 15 days, including New Year’s Eve and the Lantern Festival.

The History of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year dates back around 4,000 years and is associated with the legend of a beast named Nian. It was believed that on New Year’s Eve, Nian would come down from the mountains or emerge from the sea to attack villages. To ward it off, people began decorating their homes with red items, lighting fires, and setting off fireworks – customs that evolved into the modern traditions symbolizing protection and renewal.

In addition to the legend, the New Year is also tied to the lunar calendar cycles and the Chinese zodiac system, which consists of 12 animals. Each year corresponds to one of these animals, and 2025 will be represented by the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

Chinese New Year Traditions

Chinese New Year is rich in traditions, each with a special meaning, symbolizing various aspects of life and good fortune.

New Year’s Eve
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather around a large festive table. This gathering reflects family unity and closeness, a value that holds great importance in Chinese culture. The dinner includes foods with symbolic meanings, such as dumplings shaped like gold ingots (symbolizing wealth and prosperity) and fish (symbolizing abundance). It is also traditional to give red envelopes filled with money, symbolizing luck and protection from negative forces. This custom is especially significant for children, who receive blessings along with the envelopes from older relatives.
New Year’s Day
Chinese New Year starts with visits to relatives and friends, bringing gifts and well-wishes. This day sees parades through Chinese city streets featuring dances, fireworks, and firecrackers, believed to help ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. The loud sounds also help protect homes from negative energy.
“Everyone’s Birthday”
The seventh day of Chinese New Year is known as “Everyone’s Birthday.” According to ancient beliefs, this is the day the first human was created. This day symbolizes renewal and the strengthening of human life. It is traditionally celebrated within the family and by visiting temples to pray for happiness and health in the coming year.
Lantern Festival
The final tradition of Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival. Streets are filled with colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes, symbolizing luck, peace, renewal, and harmony. Lantern parades are a highlight of the festival, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Festival-goers can join in on games, solve lantern riddles, and enjoy the vibrant displays.

Other Ways to Enjoy New Year Celebrations in China

During Chinese New Year, China welcomes record numbers of tourists. If you’re dreaming of welcoming the Year of the Snake in the Land of the Rising Sun, here are some activity options:

Visit Temple Fairs
During the New Year in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, temple fairs offer traditional snacks, souvenirs, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.
Enjoy the Lantern Festival
Be sure to visit the Lantern Festival on the final day of the New Year and participate in numerous games and festivities.
Watch Dragon and Lion Dances
These traditional dances with colorful costumes and loud music take place on the streets of all Chinese cities. Locals believe the dances help ward off evil spirits and attract good luck, so why not join in?
Witness the “Great Migration”
During Chinese New Year, millions of Chinese return to their hometowns to celebrate with family, a phenomenon known as the “largest human migration in the world.” It’s not for nothing; around 3 billion trips take place during this period, with the number rising every year.

Planning a Trip to China for New Year

Experiencing Chinese New Year is truly worthwhile at least once in a lifetime. However, to ensure a smooth journey, it’s best to plan ahead since ticket and accommodation prices skyrocket due to high demand. Fortunately, flying from Dubai to China is now easier with direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai, offered by airlines like Emirates and China Southern Airlines.

Another crucial step is applying for a Chinese visa. With our services, you can obtain a visa for China within 14 to 20 days from the date of application, giving you every chance to wake up on January 29 in one of the most fascinating and vibrant countries in the world.

FAQ:

What are the requirements for obtaining a Chinese visa for UAE residents?

To apply for a Chinese visa, you will need a passport, a digital photo, a residence visa, and copies of any previous Chinese visas (if available). For more detailed information, consult our specialists

Is it true that travel within China is challenging during Chinese New Year celebrations?

Yes, during the “Great Migration,” public transportation and roads are extremely crowded. It’s expected that over 3 billion trips will take place across the country in 2025, so it’s best to plan your travel with potential delays in mind

What is the weather like in China during New Year’s celebrations?

January and February can be quite cold, especially in northern China, where temperatures can drop to -10°C, so it’s best to bring warm clothes and shoes

How much does accommodation cost in China during New Year’s celebrations?

Accommodation prices increase significantly during New Year—by 50–100% on average. Mid-range hotels in Beijing start at around 150–200 AED, depending on location. For a comfortable stay, it’s best to book 2–3 months in advance

What is the best way to travel from Dubai to China?

The optimal route is to fly to a major Chinese city (Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou). The average travel time is 7–8 hours, with ticket prices starting from 2,000 AED. Airlines like Emirates, China Southern, and Air China offer these routes