How Does China Celebrate Western New Year?

Introduction to Western New Year in China

China is renowned for its celebration of Chinese New Year, which is the most important annual Chinese holiday and festival. But, what about Western New Year? Western New Year, known as Yuándàn (元旦) in Chinese, is a public holiday in China and it is widely celebrated and observed. In this article we explore how Western New Year is celebrated in China and how it differs from Chinese New Year.

Top 8 ways people in China celebrate Western New Year

Western New Year is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially among younger generations with a modern twist. Here are the top ways Western New Year is celebrated in China:

Fireworks displays. Many major cities play host to a major firework display (like those held for Chinese New Year). Take care with the local rules around firework and firecracker use if you are hosting a party at home!
Countdown parties. Hotels, bars and nightclubs across China organize special events featuring live music and celebratory toasts as the clock strikes midnight.
Shopping sales. Western New Year is a big day for online shopping in China so you can expect large discounts and promotions as retailers try to draw in the holiday crowd. Likewise, shopping malls will also offer discounts and incentives to New Year’s holiday shoppers.
Travel and tourism. Many people take advantage of the holiday to travel, either within China or to nearby countries. Popular tourist destinations see a surge in visitors looking to celebrate the New Year in a new setting.
Workplace parties. Many offices will hold a New Year’s party for their workforce, particularly international companies with a presence in China or those with expatriate workers.
Social media celebrations. As with other Chinese holidays and festivals, expect to see a variety of emojis and memes being shared across WeChat and other Chinese social media channels to welcome the new year.
Give presents. Some people give New Year-themed presents to their friends and family. This has become more common in recent years as Western New Year celebrations become more popular in China.
Have a rest. As Western New Year is not as widely observed as Chinese New Year, many people choose to use the extra rest day from work to have a break and recharge their batteries.

Is Western New Year a public holiday in China?

Yes, Western New Year (1^st January) is a public holiday in China. It has been observed as a public holiday in China since soon after the Chinese Communist Party rose to power in the 1940s.

Chinese New Year vs. Western New Year

Despite being distinctly different holidays, there are some other key differences that set Chinese New Year and Western New Year apart. These are:

Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, known in Chinese as nónglì (农历). The date for Chinese New Year varies each year in the Gregorian calendar and it usually falls between late-January and early- to mid-February. Chinese New Year is the most important annual celebration in China and it is observed over a 15-day period, culminating in Lantern Festival.

Western New Year. Western New Year is celebrated on 1^st January each year according to the Gregorian calendar, known in Chinese as gōnglì (公历). Celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve (31^st December) and people often party long into the night as they welcome in the new year.

Key Chinese vocabulary for Western New Year

Here are some essential Chinese terms to help you navigate Western New Year in China:

元旦 (Yuándàn) – Western New Year
公众假日(gōngzhòng jiàrì) – public holiday
午夜 (wǔyè) – midnight
倒计时 (dàojìshí) – countdown
公历 (gōnglì) – Gregorian calendar
新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè) – Happy New Year
元旦快乐 (Yuándàn kuàilè) – Happy New Year
烟花 (yānhuā) – fireworks

FAQ

How is Western New Year referred to in Chinese? Western New Year is known as Yuándàn (元旦) in Chinese.
Is Western New Year a public holiday in China? Yes, Western New Year (1^st January) is a public holiday in China.
How do people in China typically celebrate Western New Year? People in China celebrate Western New Year with fireworks displays, countdown parties, shopping sales, travel, workplace parties, social media celebrations, giving presents and having a rest from work.
What is the difference between Chinese New Year and Western New Year? Chinese New Year is based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, whereas Western New Year is celebrated on 1^st January each year according to the Gregorian calendar.
Do people in China travel during Western New Year? Yes, many people take advantage of the holiday to travel, both within China and to nearby countries. Popular tourist destinations often see a surge in visitors during this time.

Author

Sean studied Chinese and Spanish at University of Leeds and founded The Chairman’s Bao alongside Tom Reid in his final year of study in 2015. Current Managing Director of The Chairman’s Bao, he has overseen the company’s growth from university bedroom concept to an international force in the EdTech industry with over 200,000 individual users and over 400 global partner institutions. Sean also launched Newsdle alongside Tom Reid and Oliver Leach in 2021, for students and teachers of Spanish and French. In his spare time, Sean is still a keen language learner and runner. He also sits on the Board of charity Leeds Irish Health and Homes in the UK.