In Chinese culture, 元旦 (Yuán dàn), 春节 (Chūn jié) and 除夕 (Chú xī) are three important annual festivals, but they differ greatly in origin, timing and customs.

 

元旦 (Yuán dàn) is China’s official Gregorian New Year, falling on January 1st every year. It is a modern festival, usually celebrated with short holidays, public gatherings or simple family dinners, focusing on welcoming the new calendar year.

 

除夕 (Chú xī) refers to the last day of the lunar year, the eve of 春节 (Chūn jié). It is a time for family reunions, with the highlight being the "reunion dinner". Families also paste couplets, hang lanterns and stay up late to welcome the new lunar year, symbolizing driving away bad luck.

 

春节 (Chūn jié), also known as the Lunar New Year, starts on the first day of the first lunar month, right after 除夕 (Chúxī). It is the most important traditional festival in China, lasting for several days. Customs include visiting relatives, giving red envelopes and setting off firecrackers, carrying the wishes for prosperity and good fortune in the new year.