Spring Festival (first day of the lunar calendar, usually January-February) is China's most important traditional holiday, like Christmas in the West. It's also peak tourist season—many people have 7 days off and travel. Want to visit China during CNY? Here's what you need to know.
First, it's very crowded. Train and plane tickets must be booked early, hotels too. Popular attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors) are packed, and the experience suffers. If you want to come during CNY, we recommend off-the-beaten-path places like Yunnan, Fujian, or Guangdong—warm in winter and relatively fewer tourists.
Second, many shops close. Starting a few days before CNY, many small restaurants and shops close—owners go home for the holiday. They don't reopen until after the Lantern Festival (15th day of the lunar new year). So during CNY, you might only be able to eat at chain restaurants in big malls, or get delivery.
Third, CNY has lots of fun activities. Temple fairs, lantern festivals, fireworks, reunion dinner—everywhere is red with lanterns, full of festive spirit. Beijing's Ditan Temple Fair, Shanghai's Yu Garden Lantern Festival, Guangzhou's flower market are all must-see during CNY.
Coming to China during CNY lets you experience China's most festive traditional holiday, but you'll also deal with crowds and closed shops. If you love excitement and want to experience Chinese culture, CNY is great; if you want a quiet trip, avoid CNY and come in March-April or September-October instead.
