Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the oldest and most significant holidays in China. The dates of the Chinese New Year are determined by the lunar calendar. This year, it will begin on January 29 and continue until February 12.
Here are a few interesting facts and business tips for this period.
Here are a few interesting facts and business tips for this period.
Gifts
In China, it is customary to give so-called «paired gifts» (two items), symbolizing harmony and unity. For the New Year, just like here, people like to give tangerines (also in pairs), as a symbol of abundance and financial well-being.
Another traditional Chinese New Year gift is the hongbao—red envelopes with money. If appropriate, consider offering such lucky envelopes to employees, colleagues, or partners. The amount placed in the envelope is up to the giver, but it should not include the number 4, as this number is considered unlucky in Asia due to its association with an unpleasant word.
On the list of undesirable gifts are clocks, knives, shoes, and gifts packaged in sets of four.
Another traditional Chinese New Year gift is the hongbao—red envelopes with money. If appropriate, consider offering such lucky envelopes to employees, colleagues, or partners. The amount placed in the envelope is up to the giver, but it should not include the number 4, as this number is considered unlucky in Asia due to its association with an unpleasant word.
On the list of undesirable gifts are clocks, knives, shoes, and gifts packaged in sets of four.
Business etiquette
Please note that most businesses close during Chinese New Year, so you shouldn't expect immediate responses. Ideally, plan all important matters in advance.
While business might slow down during the holidays, don’t forget to reconnect with your Chinese contacts once the festivities are over. Keep cultural differences in mind and avoid making critical remarks about the reduced business activity in China during this period.
While business might slow down during the holidays, don’t forget to reconnect with your Chinese contacts once the festivities are over. Keep cultural differences in mind and avoid making critical remarks about the reduced business activity in China during this period.
Celebration in Russia
The holiday is becoming increasingly popular in Russia and is celebrated in major cities across the country. If you are interested in this theme, we recommend joining in the festivities.
Moscow
The «Chinese New Year in Moscow» festival will open on January 28th with a festive show and a Dragon and Snake parade. Until February 9th, there will be various performances, master classes, and games of Xiangqi—Chinese chess—at the venue.
At the VDNH skating rink on February 1st, you can join the "Catch the Dragon’s Luck" party with dance master classes and fortune-telling.
From February 1st to 9th, Dream Island Park will offer stilt walker performances, a drum show, the "Fire Dragon Parade" performance, and other events.
Saint Petersburg
From January 25th to February 20th, the «Chinese New Year – Joyful Spring Festival» will take place, featuring themed lectures, exhibitions, Chinese language conversation clubs, and quizzes about Chinese culture.
Kazan
From January 20th to February 2nd, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan will host themed tours, quests, and concerts dedicated to Chinese New Year.
Yekaterinburg
On January 29th, the skating rink at 1905 Square will also become a venue for Chinese New Year celebrations.
The «Chinese New Year in Moscow» festival will open on January 28th with a festive show and a Dragon and Snake parade. Until February 9th, there will be various performances, master classes, and games of Xiangqi—Chinese chess—at the venue.
At the VDNH skating rink on February 1st, you can join the "Catch the Dragon’s Luck" party with dance master classes and fortune-telling.
From February 1st to 9th, Dream Island Park will offer stilt walker performances, a drum show, the "Fire Dragon Parade" performance, and other events.
Saint Petersburg
From January 25th to February 20th, the «Chinese New Year – Joyful Spring Festival» will take place, featuring themed lectures, exhibitions, Chinese language conversation clubs, and quizzes about Chinese culture.
Kazan
From January 20th to February 2nd, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan will host themed tours, quests, and concerts dedicated to Chinese New Year.
Yekaterinburg
On January 29th, the skating rink at 1905 Square will also become a venue for Chinese New Year celebrations.