A Guide to Chinese New Year

Just what is Chinese New Year? There's actually a lot more to it than lion dances and firecrackers, although these two pieces of tradition are integral and more visible, Chinese New Year to China is like Christmas to the West. In essence, Chinese New Year is spending time with family, gift giving and, the all important, food-fest.

When is Chinese New Year this year? The upcoming Chinese New Year falls on February 10, 2013, when we'll be ringing in the Year of the Snake.

Here's an index of links to articles about the traditions and events that surround Chinese New Year in China:

• Introduction to Chinese New Year
• New Year Activity Calendar
• Hong Bao (Red Envelopes) at Chinese New Year
• Fu Dao Le - A Tradition Explained
• Warding Off Unlucky Events with Red Underwear
• What's with the Tiger's Forehead?
• Gifts to Bring Your Chinese Hosts
• The Lantern Festival
• Lantern Festival Photo Gallery from Shanghai's festival.

A bit of background on the why and how it all got started:

• Origins of Chinese New Year
• Origins of the Lantern Festival

Here is information on the Chinese Lunar Calendar as well as an index to the Chinese Zodiac Signs and their associated characteristics.

The Lunar Calendar & Chinese Zodiac

The Twelve Animal Signs

• Year of the Rat
• Year of the Ox
• Year of the Tiger
• Year of the Rabbit
• Year of the Dragon
• Year of the Snake
• Year of the Horse
• Year of the Sheep
• Year of the Monkey
• Year of the Rooster
• Year of the Dog
• Year of the Boar

It's possible, and most attractions are open, but fares will increase and many places might be crowded. Read more to understand what travel during the season is like.

• Chinese New Year Travel Q&A
• Travel Ideas for Chinese New Year
• China in February

Here are some wonderful articles about what is traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year from our guide to Chinese cuisine:

• Symbolic Chinese Food and Recipes
• Chinese New Year Menus
• Chinese New Year Recipes

If you're not going to be in China, here's what's happening closer to home:

• Chinese New Year in Brazil
• Chinese New Year in Canada
• Chinese New Year in Dublin
• Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
• Chinese New Year in London
• Chinese New Year in Los Angeles
• Chinese New Year in Montreal
• Chinese New Year in New York City
• Chinese New Year in Paris
• Chinese New Year in Penang
• Chinese New Year in Scandinavia
• Chinese New Year in Singapore
• Chinese New Year in Southeast Asia
• Chinese New Year in Sydney
• Chinese New Year in the UK
• Chinese New Year in Vietnam (technically, this is not Chinese New Year but the Lunar New Year known as Tet)
• Chinese New Year in Washington DC
• Event Round Up (Travel With Kids)