Spring Festival Countdown
Until the 2027 Spring Festival
The exact countdown is calculated when the page loads
Recent Spring Festival Dates
How to Use
This page shows a live countdown to the next Chinese New Year. To check the official holiday schedule, see Holiday Schedule.
Spring Festival Countdown - Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the date of Chinese New Year change every year?
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) falls on the first day of the first month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Because the lunar year is based on moon phases—12 months totaling roughly 354 days—it runs about 11 days shorter than the solar (Gregorian) year. To keep the calendar aligned with the seasons, an extra leap month is inserted every so often. This is why the Gregorian date of Chinese New Year floats between January 21 and February 20 each year. For example, it fell on February 6 in 2027 and January 26 in 2028—about 11 days apart.
How do I check the official holiday schedule?
The statutory holiday for Chinese New Year is usually 3 days (the 1st to 3rd of the first lunar month), plus weekend adjustments, typically giving about 7 consecutive days off. The exact arrangement is announced each year by China's State Council. See our Holiday Schedule page for the latest dates, and follow the official notice from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
What is the difference between Chinese New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year's Day?
Chinese New Year's Eve (chuxi) is the last day of the lunar year (the 29th or 30th day of the 12th lunar month), while New Year's Day (the 1st day of the 1st month) is the start of the new year. Key customs on chuxi are the reunion dinner, staying up to welcome the new year, and pasting spring couplets; on New Year's Day, people exchange greetings, give red envelopes, and set off firecrackers. The statutory holiday counts from the first day, but many people begin their break on chuxi.
When does the Spring Festival travel rush (chunyun) begin?
The travel rush usually starts about 15 days before Chinese New Year and lasts around 40 days. This countdown counts the days until the first day of the first lunar month, so the chunyun countdown begins about 15 days earlier. During chunyun, rail, road, and air passenger numbers surge, so it is wise to plan your homeward trip and booking schedule well in advance.
When does booking for the journey home open?
Train tickets go on sale 15 days in advance, and the peak booking window is usually 2-3 weeks before Chinese New Year. For example, with the next New Year falling on February 6, 2027, start watching for booking windows in mid-January. This countdown tool helps you keep track of the days remaining until New Year and plan your ticket-booking milestones.
What are the traditional customs of Chinese New Year?
A tradition spanning thousands of years, the main customs include: on New Year's Eve, pasting spring couplets, hanging lanterns, enjoying the reunion dinner, and staying up late; on New Year's Day, greeting relatives and giving lucky money; on the second day, visiting the bride's family; on the fifth day, welcoming the God of Wealth; and on the 15th day (Lantern Festival), viewing lanterns. There are also dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and other folk activities, with some regional variations.