Chinese New Year Tour FAQs

Plan to visit Beijing and China during the Chinese New Year period? Have many questions about traveling to Beijing and China during the significant festival?

1. Will everything be closed over Chinese New Year in Beijing and other cities?

The answer is no. Restaurants, tourist spots, hotels, airports, etc, all will be open and ready for business. Some restaurants might have limited hours over the holiday period but for the most part, the tourist is not going to have any trouble with tourist-rated (service industry) places being closed over the New Year.

2. What business close over Chinese New Year?

Places that are closed: office, some shops, factories and the like. If you’re planning to have anything custom-made, like suits, clothing, furniture, bed linens, etc while in China, then you’ll find that the factory will be shut over the holiday and unless you pay to have it ready before the New Year, you’ll have to wait several weeks after the holiday for your items.

3. Is it possible to travel in Beijing and China during Chinese New Year?

Absolutely Yes!

Various entertainments are held to celebrate this week-long extravaganza in Beijing, while the most important celebration activity is the Temple Fair of Beijing.

But be prepared to pay higher fares and see bigger crowds. Outside the service industry, most workers have at least one week’s holiday. This translates into mass exodus from major cities to smaller cities or the countryside.

Millions of migrant workers flood the big cities doing construction and other work and these jobs are on hold over the holidays. So, bus terminals and train stations will be overflowing with people heading home to eat dumplings with families they haven’t seen in a year.

4. Is it difficult to make travel bookings over the holidays?

For us, No!

Although you’ll find fares for all modes of transportation hiked and top hotels booked out, we still can arrange everything for you as comfortable and delightful.

While if you have decided to tour Beijing during Chinese New Year festival, just book with us now! Earlier booking can help you save more.
Of course, last minute arrangements can be made for you, just be prepared to pay a premium.

5. Is it possible to eat out on New Year’s Eve

Absolutely yes! But the rule is book ahead.

Many restaurants and hotels will have New Year’s Eve Specials, just like they did over the Christmas holidays. Just book in advance if you’re planning to dine somewhere special. Read more about Chinese New Year Eve Dinner.

6. What is the weather like during the New Year Festival?

The Chinese New Year festival takes place in late January and late February, which is the coldest time in China.

In Beijing, temperate sometimes plummets to -10 ℃ during the New Year, while the daytime is warm and sunshine.

Read more about Beijing weather condition in winter, or check out the Beijing Weather Forecast.

7. Do I need to bring some small gifts for my guide during the New Year? If so, what are the best options?

Gifts from tourists to tour guides are not expected. But your tour guides will appreciate your practice if you do bring surprise for them. A pair of warm gloves, a warm scarf or a box of candies is recommended.

8. Where can I see fireworks on New Year’s Eve?

Anywhere! The pyrotechnics are unbelievable on New Year's Eve. I recommend getting yourself ensconced with a glass of champagne in a top-floor bar or lounge at a five-star hotel (you don't have to stay there to enjoy a drink). Make sure you have a window seat and possibly earplugs. At midnight, you'll feel like you're in the middle of a Steven Spielberg war movie as you'll hear firecrackers popping and rockets shooting in every direction. After you've enjoyed the view for a few minutes, take a walk along the street, cautiously avoiding lighter-happy youths - and experience Chinese New Year at street level.