Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the largest holiday in the Chinese community, celebrated in January or February. Korea and Vietnam celebrate their respective new years on the same day, while the Chinese New Year is also widely celebrated among overseas Chinese communities.

Understand

While China uses the Gregorian calendar like most other countries, the Chinese lunisolar calendar governs traditional holidays. In Chinese astrology, each year is assigned one of twelve animals, as well as one of five elements, creating a combined cycle over 60 years. The animal of the coming year is featured during the celebration.

Destinations

China

• Langzhong, Sichuan, China - the city where the Spring Festival is believed to have originated. There is a cultural theme park in the city dedicated to the Spring Festival.
• Zigong, Sichuan, China - the city where the Lantern Festival was first celebrated. There is a lantern museum in the city.

Elsewhere

Every Chinatown in the world has a Chinese New Year celebration.

See also

• Chinese performing arts
• Golden Week holidays in China for practical travel information