Recently, several friends have told me that they would like to travel to China during the Spring Festival. However, I do not recommend coming during this time. It is not because the shopping malls are closed, as happens in some countries during the holidays, since in fact the tourist sites and shops remain open. The problem is another: during the Spring Festival, the largest population movement in the world takes place. This phenomenon is known as Chunyun.
El Chunyun It usually lasts from 10 days before the first day of the first lunar month to the 20th day of the first lunar month, a total of about 2025 days. For example, in 29, the first day of the lunar month is January 20, so Chunyun will span from January 8 to February 50. Because of this massive migration of people, prices for plane and train tickets skyrocket, and hotels can be 200% to XNUMX% more expensive than usual. In addition, tourist spots are crowded with people.
So if you are looking for a quiet holiday, I would not recommend coming to China during this time.
Tips on traveling during Chinese New Year
Now, if you still decide to travel to China during these dates, here are some tips to make your experience as pleasant as possible:
Plan your New Year's Eve dinner in advance
New Year's Eve, which in 2025 falls on January 28, is a very special night for Chinese families. On this day, they usually gather for dinner, which means that most restaurants and shopping malls will close early. The few restaurants that remain open usually offer a special New Year's Eve menu and require reservations well in advance.
So, it's best to have dinner before 6pm, opting for options like McDonald's, KFC or Chinese fast food. If you have any Chinese friends, you could ask them to invite you to their house for an authentic family dinner and experience this tradition from the inside.
Avoid traveling long distances during the Chunyun period
As I mentioned before, Chunyun lasts for about 20 days, from 10 days before to 10 days after Chinese New Year. The busiest days are usually the two days before New Year's Eve (January 26-27, 2025) and the seventh to ninth days after the Spring Festival (February 4-6, 2025). During these dates, getting train or plane tickets is almost impossible, and prices are sky-high.
Try to avoid traveling long distances during these dates to save yourself inconvenience and stress.
Avoid the most popular tourist attractions
During the Spring Festival holiday, which in 2025 will be from January 29 to February 3, the most famous tourist spots will be packed. Attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai or the Yu Garden will be packed to the rafters. You will encounter real human tides that will make your experience much less pleasant.
If you can, choose to visit lesser-known destinations or wait until after the holiday week to enjoy these attractions more calmly.
With this information, I hope you can better plan your trip to China and avoid Spring Festival setbacks.
Frequently asked questions about traveling during Chinese New Year
Is it good to visit China during Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year falls between the end of January and the beginning of February. During this time, millions of people travel around the country, which makes transportation and hotels particularly crowded. For this reason, we recommend avoiding traveling to China at this time if you have the possibility to choose other dates.
Is it advisable to visit China if I only have time during the Spring Festival?
If you have no choice but to travel during the Spring Festival, plan your itinerary in advance and avoid the peak Chunyun dates. Also, try to visit less touristy places to avoid the crowds. Although it is a busy time, you will still be able to experience Chinese New Year traditions and get to know the local culture in a unique way.
What cultural activities can I enjoy during the Spring Festival?
During the Spring Festival, you can enjoy many traditional celebrations, such as fireworks displays, New Year markets, lion and dragon dances, and red lantern decorations everywhere. It is also an opportunity to try traditional foods, such as dumplings (jiaozi) or rice cake (nian gao).
What are the least crowded destinations at this time?
To avoid the crowds, you can choose to visit rural areas or lesser-known cities, such as Guilin, Kunming or places in Yunnan province. You can also explore historic towns like Fenghuang or enjoy nature in national parks away from the hustle and bustle.
What is bad luck in Chinese New Year?
During the Spring Festival, avoid mentioning words with negative connotations, such as "death," "illness," or "loss," as these are believed to bring bad luck for the rest of the year. It's also important not to break porcelain or glass objects, as this symbolizes fractures or breaks in the family's fortune. Also, be careful not to scold children, as this is a time to celebrate unity and harmony in the home.
What is the cheapest time to travel to China?
Normally, the winter months leading up to the Chinese New Year They are the most economical for traveling to China.
