Chinese New Year in China is a family holiday first and a tourist season second. Trains and flights fill early, small shops close for the first days, and the famous sights are crowded. It still works well if you plan around it, and for a Malaysian family it may be the only week everyone is free.
If you are torn between the dates that suit your family and the dates that suit China, you are not alone. Both are fair reasons, and the plan below keeps them together.
When is the holiday, and how long does it last?
The date moves each year, so confirm it before you fix flights. In 2026 China’s official Spring Festival holiday ran 15 to 23 February, nine days[1]. Saturdays 14 and 28 February were make-up workdays around it[2].
Lunar New Year’s Day in 2027 falls on 6 February[3]. The official 2027 holiday window was not yet published when we checked in October 2026, and it normally appears in early to mid November[4]. Wait for that notice before buying anything you cannot change, and read our guide to China’s public holidays for how make-up days work.
What closes and what costs more?
Hotels, malls, large restaurants and major attractions stay open. Small family shops, local eateries and some tour offices close for the first days, so keep a few meals flexible.
Fares, rooms and guided packages price higher on festival dates. Prices move, so put real quotes into the budget planner rather than guessing.
How do you book the things that sell out?
Train tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure[5]. Locals going home buy the moment sales open, so be ready on day one and have passport details to hand.
Some sights need a reservation. The Forbidden City needs a real-name advance booking and has no same-day walk-up entry[6]. It is also closed on Mondays except national holidays[7], so check the day before you build the route around it.
Which cities feel festive, and which feel empty?
Choose by atmosphere, cold and how much walking your group can manage.
| City | At New Year | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Temple fairs and red lanterns, very cold | Families who enjoy culture and can wear layers |
| Xi’an | City walls lit up, indoor food streets | Food lovers and history fans |
| Chengdu | Relaxed teahouses and mild winter | Slow walkers and grandparents |
| Kunming | Flower markets and mild days | Older relatives who dislike cold |
| Harbin | Snow and ice, extreme cold | Adventurous groups, not toddlers |
| Factory cities | Quiet streets as workers go home | A calm break, not festivities |
Beijing averages about -3.7 C in January[8], while Kunming is far gentler, averaging roughly 9 C in January[9]. See China in January for what to wear, and our Harbin winter planning guide if snow is the point.
What should you do next?
Fix your leave dates first, then wait for the official holiday notice, then book trains and sights. Keep two light days in the plan so a crowded morning does not ruin the trip. Browse the seasons topic page for other holiday windows.