Chinese Spring Festival: A Guide for International Students

As an international student in China, experiencing the Chinese Spring Festival can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in China. It marks the start of the new lunar year and is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods and customs.

In this article, we will guide you through the Spring Festival celebrations in China, including the customs, traditions, and activities that take place during this joyous occasion. We will also provide tips and advice for international students who want to experience the festival to the fullest.

When is the Chinese Spring Festival?

The Chinese Spring Festival falls on a different date each year, as it is based on the lunar calendar. However, it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th on the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, the Spring Festival is on February 1st.

Customs and Traditions

The Chinese Spring Festival is a time-honored tradition that is steeped in customs and rituals. Here are some of the most important customs and traditions associated with the festival:

Reunion Dinner: The reunion dinner is a crucial part of the Spring Festival celebrations. Families gather together to share a meal and catch up on the past year. It is considered a time to forgive and forget any grudges and to start the new year on a positive note.

Red Envelopes: Red envelopes filled with money are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults by older relatives. The red color of the envelopes symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the new year.

Decorations: Decorations such as red lanterns, paper-cuts, and couplets (traditional Chinese New Year couplets) are commonly seen during the Spring Festival. They are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Dragon and Lion Dances: Dragon and lion dances are traditional performances that are performed during the Spring Festival. They are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

Fireworks: Fireworks are an essential part of the Spring Festival celebrations. They are set off during the New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year.

Tips for International Students

If you are an international student in China, here are some tips to help you make the most of the Spring Festival celebrations:

Join a local family’s reunion dinner: If possible, try to join a local family’s reunion dinner to experience the tradition firsthand. You can make friends with local students or families through social media or language exchange programs.

Learn some Chinese phrases: Learning some basic Chinese phrases can help you communicate with locals during the festival. You can learn phrases such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Happy New Year) and “Xin Nian Hao” (New Year’s greetings).

Watch a dragon or lion dance performance: Dragon and lion dance performances are a highlight of the Spring Festival celebrations. Watching a performance can be a fun and memorable experience.

Try traditional foods: The Spring Festival is a time to indulge in traditional foods such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake). Try some of these dishes to experience the local culture.

Explore local markets: Local markets are a great place to experience the Spring Festival atmosphere. You can buy traditional decorations, try local snacks, and observe the bustling crowds.

The Chinese Spring Festival is a unique and exciting experience for international students in China. By understanding the customs and traditions associated with the festival, you can make the most of your time in China and create unforgettable memories. Whether you join a local family’s reunion dinner, watch a dragon or lion dance performance, or try traditional foods, the Spring Festival is a time to embrace the local culture and make new friends.