New Year is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, but in China, the lunar calendar dictates a different timeline. It's often said that it's best to avoid traveling in China during national holidays, particularly during Chinese New Year.

Today, we're going to reverse that trend and share some tips for having an amazing vacation while immersing yourself in Chinese culture and embracing this festive period rather than avoiding it.

Understanding Chinese New Year

The date of Chinese New Year is calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore changes every year. Each Chinese year is characterized by a Chinese astrological sign. The year 2015, which began on February 19th, was under the sign of the Goat. 2016 will begin on February 8th and will be the Year of the Monkey.

This time of year is also known as the Spring Festival since it marks the beginning of the seasons.

The celebration of Chinese New Year is a custom dating back hundreds of years. Legend has it that a mythical dragon named Nian would emerge from its lair to terrorize the population and make villagers its prey. To protect themselves from the monster, villagers decided to frighten it by beating drums and setting off firecrackers. The famous red lanterns were hung at the entrance of homes to prevent it from entering.

It's important to know that Chinese New Year is primarily a family celebration. The Chinese gather with their families for endless meals, exchange gifts, and give red envelopes containing money to children.

Perfect Destinations for Chinese New Year

One of the first things to remember when you travel to China during Chinese New Year is that major cities are often deserted. Most of the population who came to the city for work returns to their hometown with their families. For the first time, major cities become very quiet, with most bars, restaurants, and shops closed.

Although cities are quiet, that doesn't mean there's nothing to do—quite the opposite.

Shanghai is an excellent destination for celebrating Chinese New Year. You can enjoy empty public transportation, uncrowded tourist sites, and witness the countdown in parks with locals amid firecrackers and fireworks. The few organized events are well worth attending and immerse you in Chinese tradition.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Xi'an allows you to visit all the city's major attractions in peace and tranquility—something rare in this ancient capital.

In Guangzhou, Chinese New Year gives this metropolis of 17 million inhabitants an entirely deserted appearance. Nevertheless, the city lives up to its reputation as the "city of flowers" with a proliferation of flower markets. These markets, animated by small folk performances, allow local artists to display their finest paintings, calligraphy, and sell magnificent flowers and plants.

At the entrance of every home, restaurant, or shop stand Kumquat trees (citrus trees), blooming peach trees, or peonies.

Festivities take place during these national holiday days, and you can witness the traditional lion dance, renowned for chasing away evil spirits and bringing good fortune.

Beijing is quite lively during this festive period, with firecrackers and fireworks animating the streets throughout the day, and several fairs scattered across the city with stalls of local specialties and souvenirs. Even though temples are crowded, it's interesting to immerse yourself in the throng and watch the faithful burn incense and make their offerings. Strolling through the hutongs decorated with beautiful red lanterns and other ornaments to ward off evil spirits will be thoroughly enjoyable.

Precautions to Take During Chinese New Year

Although Chinese New Year can be an original time to travel in China, it's necessary to take some precautions to prevent your stay from becoming a nightmare.

Transportation

Avoid all air, train, or bus travel in the days before and after Chinese New Year. These are indeed besieged by all Chinese heading to their hometowns, and journeys can quickly become a real ordeal.

Climate

It's worth noting that Chinese New Year is celebrated in winter and temperatures can sometimes be quite harsh, particularly in the north of the country. The freezing cold can quickly hinder you from fully enjoying your visits.

In the south, around Guangzhou or Hong Kong, temperatures are more favorable but wind and humidity are less pleasant.

Firecrackers and Fireworks

The firecrackers and fireworks that are an integral part of the national celebration can prove dangerous for your eardrums or worse, cause burns if they were to explode near you.

Don't hesitate to wear earplugs to protect your eardrums from the explosions that ring out throughout the day.

Villages and Tourist Sites

As mentioned above, Chinese New Year is a family celebration and the majority of the large city population migrates to their hometowns. It's therefore preferable to avoid traveling to remote villages or visiting major tourist attractions or natural parks that will be crowded. Sichuan, for example, is a province to avoid in your itinerary during this period. The province, housing a considerable number of natural sites, historical attractions, and typical villages, sees an invasion of visitors.

It's important to travel to China during Chinese New Year with full awareness. Remember to maintain perspective amid the crowds should you encounter them, and take time to appreciate this moment as a unique and unusual experience.