Chinese New Year 2025: Dates, Zodiac Animal, Traditions, and the Great Spring Festival Travel Rush

Over 1.4 billion Chinese nationals look forward to the most important holiday in their calendar — the Chinese New Year. It's a public holiday for celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season (that's why it's often referred to as the Spring Festival).

 

However, it also signifies the start of the year in China and many other Southeast Asian countries since the Chinese calendar is Lunisolar (based on Lunar and Solar calendars).

 

The first day of the Chinese New Year doesn't fall on the same day as in the Gregorian calendar, where New Year's Day is always on January 1. Instead, it falls on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20.

 

Another fascinating aspect of Chinese New Year is its close association with the Chinese Zodiac, which revolves around a 12-year cycle. These 12 Zodiac signs are each assigned an animal with unique characteristics. Thus, each year, the animal whose turn it's in during the 12-year phase will bring about specific changes based on its characteristics.

 

At TVCMALL, we're looking forward to Chinese New Year 2025 and hope you are too! But there's much more you need to know about this exciting holiday gaining worldwide attention, which we reveal in more detail below.

 

Chinese New Year 2025 Animal

 

Do you like snakes? We hope you do because 2025 will be the year of the Snake. And a Wood Snake, in particular, since each animal has an element assigned according to the Chinese Zodiac. The last time the Wood Snake appeared was in 1965. So, if you want to know how 2025 will go, expect similar events to unfold as they did 60 years ago.

 

According to Chinese culture, people born during a Wood Snake year have several positive traits: orderliness, intelligence, and refinement. They are also compatible with people with Ox or Rooster animal signs.

 

One of the most famous people with the Wood Snake animal sign is J.K. Rowling (born on July 31, 1965) of Harry Potter fame. If you look closely at her traits, she's a Wood Snake through and through, which shows us that the Chinese Zodiac works across cultures!  

 

When is the Chinese New Year 2025?

 

It falls on January 29 (Wednesday), and the festivities will last several days until February 2 (Sunday). Chinese nationals will receive eight days off work from January 28 (Tuesday) to February 3 (Monday). It's not uncommon for some companies to offer additional days off to allow their employees to enjoy the festivities for as long as they last.  

Chinese Lunar New Year 2025

Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 is based on the Lunar and Lunisolar calendars and falls on January 29 (Wednesday). The Lantern Festival will happen during the first full moon of the Lunar Year, which falls on February 12 (Wednesday). The first Chinese Lunar New Year festivities date back 4000 years or more, making it one of the most ancient traditions still practiced today.

 

Chinese people celebrate this tradition in several ways, such as honoring their ancestors, having family reunions, and setting off fireworks. However, the Chinese Lunar New Year has earned worldwide recognition due to the beautiful neighborhood decorations and awe-inspiring spectacle of the Lantern Festival.

 

What is the next Chinese New Year Animal 2025?

 

In 2026, it will be the year of the Fire Horse, known for its insight, charm, and liveliness.

 

How long is the Chinese New Year 2025?

 

Officially, it's a public holiday that will last seven days. But expect the festivities to last two weeks or more.

 

Spring Festival Travel Rush

 

Since almost all of China celebrates the Chinese New Year, this causes massive traffic loads as families, students, and workers move around the country. This period is called the Spring Festival travel rush or Chunyun, which starts 15 days before the Chinese New Year. Chunyun often lasts approximately 40 days and strains China's transit systems, especially the railway network.

It's often difficult for passengers to secure train tickets during this busy period. The government has responded by introducing temporary trains and buses. And introduced additional temporary ticket booths and extended selling periods to reduce customer frustration.

 

During the 2010s, the Chinese Ministry of Railways included QR codes on train tickets. These QR codes store customer data linked to a passenger's name and ID. Then, inspectors cross-check a passenger's ticket with their ID before allowing them to board. This has caused passengers to arrive earlier at train stations during Chunyun and reduced the activity of illegal ticket holders and scalpers.

 

Conclusion

 

The Chinese New Year is one of the most memorable and exciting times of the year. If you live in China, you have much to look forward to early next year. But even if you don't, you can still enjoy the festivities if there's a Chinatown near you. Don't forget to make these festivities extra special with some great deals from TVCMALL. Contact us today to learn about our products and opportunities to help your business THRIVE!