Hey, my friends! If you’re planning to visit China, I’ve already told you in my article about special activities on Chinese New Year's Eve that you’ve picked the best time of the year—Chinese New Year! This isn’t just one day but a grand celebration that lasts 15 days, starting with the warmth of family reunions on New Year’s Eve and ending with the dazzling lights of the Lantern Festival. It’s a cultural marathon, a feast for the senses, and a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions that are still full of life today. Whether you’re already in China or planning your trip, this article will guide you through how to experience Chinese New Year in the best destinations across the country.
During these two weeks, China has become one big nationwide party. From spectacular street parades to mouthwatering food stalls, you’ll witness everything from dragon dances to grandma's lighting incense. It’s as if the whole country decided, “Let’s throw the biggest celebration on Earth.” Believe me—they nailed it.
Amazing Ancient Chinese New Year Celebrations
China is vast, meaning each region has unique traditions, but they all celebrate the same holiday. During these 15 days, China hosts an array of dazzling celebrations across the best Chinese New Year destinations. While I’d love to go into detail about every single one (trust me, that might take until the next Year of the Horse), I’ve chosen a fascinating event to focus on. Though it’s a traditional celebration in Fujian, a place where locals are very familiar with it, this ritual has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage. If you happen to be nearby, you should definitely check it out!
Let’s dive into one of the most magical and unique traditions of Chinese New Year: Fujian’s You Shen Ritual, also known as the “Parade of Gods.” This isn’t just any ordinary parade—it’s a living folk ritual that feels like it has transported you back in time.
Here’s the deal: during the You Shen ritual, villagers take the statues of their gods out of the temple and place them on beautifully decorated sedan chairs. These statues are carried by strong locals through the streets to bless the community, chase away evil spirits, and ensure that the new year will be filled with prosperity. Imagine this: colorful costumes, deafening drums you can feel in your bones, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and the scent of incense hanging in the air. It’s noisy, chaotic, and deeply spiritual—a perfect sensory overload.
The energy is unmatched. Families bring offerings, the elderly fold their hands in prayer, and kids run after the procession, their eyes sparkling excitedly. The best part? You can join in! It’s like being invited to the most exclusive festival you’ve never heard of.
Here’s when and where to catch You Shen in Fujian during 2025:
Jan 29 (Day 1): Fuzhou, ChangLe District, YuTian Town [福州，长乐区，玉田镇]
Jan 30 (Day 2): Fuzhou, ChangLe District, ShouZhan Town [福州，长乐区，首占镇]
Jan 31 (Day 3): Fuzhou, ChangLe District, GuCun LuXia Village [福州，长乐区，古村镇芦下村]
Feb 6 (Day 9): Fuzhou, CangShan District, XiaQiShan GaoHu Village [福州，仓山区，下岐山高湖村]
In Zhangzhou, also in Fujian, similar You Shen rituals and traditional celebrations fill the air with magic during Chinese New Year. To ensure you find your way to these spots (trust me, some names are tough to translate and might not even pop up on Google Maps), here’s a guide with local names in Chinese to show to the locals. If you can, try to have a local friend guide you—it will improve your experience!
Zhangzhou’s You Shen Schedule:
Jan 29 (Day 1): JingYuan Village Torch Festival [京元村火把节]
Jan 30 (Day 2): CaiBan Village Temple Fair, PingHe GuanDi Shrine Parade [蔡坂村庙会、平和关帝君出巡]
Jan 31 (Day 3): QiTang Village Temple Fair [琪塘村庙会]
Feb 1–4 (Days 4–7): YanCuo Ancient County Wang Gong Parade [颜厝古县王公出巡]
Feb 2 (Day 5): CaiJiaBao Water-Offering Ritual [蔡家堡走水尪]
Feb 3 (Day 6): BeiXiTou Temple Fair [北溪头庙会]
Feb 4 (Day 8): TianGong Birth Celebration (YuZun Palace), LouDai Mazu Parade [天公诞（玉尊宫）、楼埭妈祖巡安]
Feb 5 (Day 9): HouGang Village Temple Fair [后港村庙会]
Feb 6 (Day 10): CaiDian Village Temple Fair, Fuzhou ChangLe HouFu Village [蔡店村庙会、福州长乐厚福村]
Feb 7 (Day 11): PingHe GuoQiang Water-Offering Ritual [平和国强走水尪]
Feb 7–11 (Days 11–15): ChiHu Run Water Ritual, Quanzhou YongChun Buddha-Explosion [赤湖跑尪、泉州永春炸佛]
Feb 8 (Day 12): ChangFu Village Temple Fair, HongTang Village Kowtow Ritual, CuiLin Village Temple Fair [长福村庙会、洪塘村磕尪、翠林村庙会]
Feb 10 (Day 14): ZhangPu XiaMei Temple Fair [漳浦霞美庙会]
Feb 11 (Day 15): LinQian Village Water Festival, GuTang Village Temple Fair, PingHe LongYi (Extra-Large Ritual) [林前村泼水节、古塘村庙会、平和龙艺（超大型)]
Make sure your camera is ready, but don’t just watch through the lenslet yourself get swept away in the experience. Who knows, maybe a god or two will bless your travels!
China’s Nationwide Chinese New Year Experiences
While Fujian’s You Shen is a highlight, there are breathtaking celebrations happening all over China during the Spring Festival. Each region has its own charm, so there’s always something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the best Chinese New Year destinations across the country:
Northern China: History, Snow, and Fireworks
Beijing DiTan Temple Fair
When: Feb 1–5, 2025 | Where: DiTan ParkTraditional lion dances, acrobats, and local snacks all come together at Beijing’s most vibrant festival.
Tianjin TianHou Temple Fair
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: TianHou TempleA blend of worship rituals and delicious food like Tianjin’s famous “Gou Bu Li” baozi.
Changchun Ice Sculpture Festival
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: ChangchunMarvel at massive ice sculptures—think castles Elsa would be jealous of—while sipping hot milk tea.
Shenyang Spring Festival Temple Fair
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: BeiLing ParkTry Northeastern Chinese street comedy (yes, ErRenZhuan), and enjoy lively dragon dances and opera performances.
Xi’an Tang Dynasty Lantern Festival
When: Jan 29–Feb 6, 2025 | Where: DaTang Furong GardenDiscover the festive magic of the Tang Dynasty with lanterns, performances, and cultural immersions.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: Harbin Ice WorldExplore a frozen city of ice castles with ice skating and sledding activities.
Eastern China: Elegance and Tradition
Shanghai ChengHuang Temple Fair
When: Feb 1–7, 2025 | Where: ChengHuang TempleRoam ancient streets illuminated by lanterns, with dragon dances and delicious dumplings.
Hangzhou West Lake Lantern Festival
When: Feb 1–7, 2025 | Where: West LakeStunning lanterns light up the tranquil beauty of West Lake, creating a photographer’s paradise.
Nanjing Qinhuai Lantern Festival
When: Jan 29–Feb 6, 2025 | Where: Qinhuai RiverThe water lantern display and folk culture showcase add magic to this cultural hub.
Suzhou Traditional New Year’s Activities
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: Suzhou GardensTour elegant gardens while listening to Kunqu opera and watching Pingtan performances.
Shandong TaiShan Prayer Ceremony
When: During Spring Festival | Where: TaiShan Mountain. Participate in an ancient prayer ceremony on one of China’s most sacred peaks.
Southern China: Flowers, Lights, and Food
Guangzhou Flower Market
When: Jan 28–Feb 4, 2025 | Where: LiWan District
The air is filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers as locals shop for symbolic blooms like orchids and plum blossoms. It’s a feast for the senses and a great place to take in the lively atmosphere of Guangzhou’s festive spirit.
Guilin Lantern Festival
When: Feb 1–7, 2025 | Where: Elephant Trunk Hill ParkLanterns light up the picturesque karst landscape of Guilin, with traditional Zhuang performances filling the night with energy and joy.
Nanning Spring Festival Temple Fair
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: Nanning People’s SquareA chance to experience the vibrant Zhuang ethnic culture, with their traditional song and dance, and indulge in their delicious cuisine. It’s a beautiful fusion of local traditions and festive cheer.
Macau Spring Festival Celebrations
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: Throughout the city, A delightful mix of Chinese and Portuguese traditions, with dragon dances, fireworks, and festive performances in the casinos. Macau’s celebrations are uniquely vibrant, offering a cross-cultural celebration of Chinese New Year.
Western China: Lanterns and Legends
Chengdu Lantern Festival
When: Feb 1–7, 2025 | Where: DongJiao Memory ParkThe city of Sichuan serves up iconic spicy snacks alongside colorful lantern displays and mesmerizing face-changing performances. A truly unforgettable experience.
Kunming Ethnic Minority Festivals
When: Spring Festival | Where: Kunming and surrounding ethnic villages. Get a hands-on experience with Bai ethnic tie-dye and enjoy the evening Torch Festival performances, which are an incredible cultural experience with vivid colors and stunning fire displays.
Central China: Culture and Spectacle
Wuhan Garden Expo Lantern Festival
When: Feb 1–7, 2025 | Where: Wuhan Garden Expo ParkA family-friendly event with exquisite lantern designs and traditional Hubei performances that bring the region’s rich culture to life.
Changsha Folk Parade
When: Jan 28–Feb 7, 2025 | Where: Orange IsleThis cultural parade is a wonderful showcase of flower floats and traditional Xiang dance, giving you a true taste of Hunan’s vibrant culture.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Chinese New Year is more than just a holiday—a cultural immersion, a sensory celebration, and an experience you’ll remember forever. Whether you’re marching alongside gods in Fujian, devouring dumplings in Shanghai, or marveling at Harbin’s ice sculptures, this is your chance to connect with the soul of China.
And hey, if you need help planning your trip, Sinomate.vip is here for you! Think of us as your best friends in China—ready to help make your journey unforgettable. Let’s make 2025 the year you fall in love with the magic of Chinese New Year. ✨
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