Chinese New Year 2025
Date: January 29, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Taiwan Public Holidays
Description
Chinese New Year in Taiwan is the most important holiday of the year. It marks the start of the lunar new year and is a time for families to be together and celebrate new beginnings.
The date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar. It usually falls between late January and mid February. The holiday lasts several days, and many people have time off work and school to spend with family.
For people in Taiwan, the holiday is about hope and renewal. It is a chance to leave behind the past year and look forward to good things. Wishes for health, happiness, and success are very important.
Chinese New Year also strengthens family and community bonds. It brings people together across generations. The holiday reminds everyone of shared values and cultural identity, making it deeply meaningful to many people.
Traditions
Before the New Year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck. They hang red couplets, lanterns, and New Year pictures. Oranges and kumquats are placed on altars and tables for good fortune and bright color.
On New Year Eve, relatives gather for a big reunion meal. They eat fish, sticky rice cake, dumplings, and sweet rice balls. Children receive red envelopes with money. Many families stay up late to welcome the first day together.
In the days after, people visit temples to burn incense and make offerings. Lion and dragon dances appear in streets with drums and cymbals. Fireworks, visiting friends and relatives, new clothes, and exchanging well wishes fill the celebrations.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, and government offices close for several days. Trains, buses, and airports are very busy before and after the holiday. Book tickets and hotels early, allow extra travel time, and carry some cash in case card machines are offline.
Public celebrations and temple areas get crowded and loud. Keep valuables safe, follow crowd directions, and respect closed businesses and private homes. Join official events or guided tours, visit parks and scenic spots, and try night markets that often stay open for visitors.