Travel Information for Chinese New Year 2018

• The Lunar New Year, commonly called Chinese New Year, begins on 16 February 2018.
• Mainland China is not the only culture to celebrate the Lunar New Year at this time, with separate New Year celebrations also occurring in Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, and Mongolia.
• Travel disruptions should be expected in all the aforementioned countries, most notably in China.

Travel Information: The Lunar New Year begins on 16 February 2018. Commonly associated with China, where it is known as Spring Festival, 16 February marks the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Lunar New Year is also celebrated in the Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macau, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam (where it is called Tet), North and South Korea (where it is known as Seollal), and Mongolia (Tsagaan Sar). The festival is also celebrated in countries with significant Chinese and East Asian populations in the region, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Mauritius, and the Philippines, as well as smaller events in countries around the world with Chinese minorities such as the United States. Indeed, events should be expected in all cities with Chinatowns. Celebrations for the New Year only officially finish with the Lantern Festival on 02 March.

What if I am travelling during this period?

The festival marks the largest migration of people in the world. Hundreds of millions of migrant workers and students from across China return home to visit their families. An estimated 385 million will travel domestically during the 2018 Chinese New Year Golden Week (15 to 21 February), an increase of around 12 per cent from 2017. Chinese authorities estimate that 2.98 billion passenger journeys will be taken over a 40-day period which covers the New Year, 390 million of these are set to be made by train. To combat the increased demand, the China Railway Corporation (CRC) plans to add an extra 576 trains to its system before the festival and a further 665 in its immediate aftermath. This marks a 15 per cent increase in the average number of trains on Chinese railways.

For travellers in China, it is important to be prepared. Expect transport tickets and hotel rooms to sell out quickly and be more expensive than usual, also be ready for long delays at transport hubs and sightseeing locations. This is partly due to the influx of people and the increased level of security. Invariably, tourist locations will stay open over the New Year period but with reduced opening times. Businesses and factories are likely to close for a week and sometimes as long as six weeks; the service industry will remain largely unaffected. Banks, post offices, and shops will likely close for only a few days. Travellers should expect New Year events in cities across China which may welcome thousands of people; if possible, follow local media or local advice for the location of such festivities. Be prepared for the sound of firecrackers and fireworks. Travellers should also note that there are thousands of injuries each year due to faulty firecrackers and fireworks, it is important to not stand too close when watching displays.

Not only will migrant workers and students across China return home but Chinese New Year is the prime opportunity for Chinese citizens to travel. Domestically, the most popular locations being Sanya, Harbin, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Zhanjiajie, Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Chongqing. International destinations which are likely to see an influx of Chinese tourists during the New Year’s include Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, United States, and Australia.

Criminality

Crime rates in China generally increase in the lead up to, and during, holidays. Criminals are looking for ways to finance gifts and Chinese New Year expenditures. Be especially careful in crowded areas as these are routinely exploited by criminals. Always avoid overt signs of wealth and keep valuable possessions hidden. Be conscious of scams and counterfeit goods, money, and train tickets.

Travellers should also note the Chinese police often use the New Year period to crack down on illegal workers or migrants. Non-Chinese nationals may be stopped and have their documents requested. By law in China you are required to keep your passport on your person at all times but police generally accept copies of your passport photo page and visa if they stop you.

Health

The Lunar New Year falls within influenza season. Travellers should consider a flu vaccination before going to China. It is also important to note that public and personal health provisions in China are generally lower than in western countries. Travellers should consider carrying hand sanitiser and use it regularly, particularly before meals.  Medical advice on the necessary pre-arrival vaccinations should also be sought prior to travel; the advised vaccinations may vary depending on location of travel. Travellers should also note that some medical facilities may be closed while others may have limited hours and staffing; many Chinese hospitals also fall below western standards.