Planning on travelling to China for the Chinese New Year? The Chinese New Year is an enchanting time to visit China.
The prospect of experiencing the vibrant and culturally rich Chinese New Year celebrations is undoubtedly exciting.
However, before embarking on your journey to China, it’s crucial to ensure that your travel preparations, particularly obtaining a China Tourist Visa, are in order.
This article will guide you through the visa application process while providing insights into where you can visit and stay during the Chinese New Year and the festivities you can partake in.
The China Tourist Visa, or L visa, is key for travellers planning a visit to China for leisure purposes, such as exploring the Chinese New Year celebrations.
And yes, to go on a trip to China, you’ll need to obtain a visa.
Note that you should apply for the appropriate visa well in advance of your trip.
Before applying for the Chinese Tourist Visa, you’ll need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria.
This typically includes having a valid passport with sufficient validity and an empty visa page.
Once you apply for your China Tourist Visa and provide all the required documents, it can take around a week to obtain your Chinese Visa.
You can apply for your visa to China alone or you can do so with a visa expert like Visa First.
When you apply with Visa First, we’ll complete your application form, so what you’ll need to do is start by preparing your documents.
To apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa, you’ll need to gather the required documents.
You’ll need:
Our agents will let you know what the required documents are.
Once you send us all the required documents, we’ll send your application to the embassy.
You can track your application status through your account on our Visa First website.
Once your visa is approved, our agents will collect your visa from the embassy and send it to you, then you’ll be ready to go.
Getting a visa for China from Ireland is no different to the regular process of applying for a visa.
You’ll first have to determine the type of visa you want to apply for.
If you are applying with Visa First, we can help you apply for the Chinese Tourist or Business Visa.
Once you fill out our short online application form and provide us with your documents, we’ll take care of the rest and we’ll keep you updated each step of the way.
Now that your visa is in order, let’s explore some destinations and festivities awaiting you during the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year is widely celebrated throughout China, and you can experience the festive atmosphere in various cities and regions.
Some iconic cities to embrace the festive spirit include Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
In Beijing, you can experience things like Temple Fairs, live music, and firework displays, along with its historic hutongs – narrow alleys with traditional courtyard homes.
These hutongs come alive during Chinese New Year, adorned with red lanterns, offering a glimpse into Beijing’s rich traditional culture.
In Shanghai, you can experience the perfect mix of modernity and tradition in one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities. You can enjoy lively parades, traditional performances, and bustling markets.
Hong Kong also boasts a dazzling fireworks display, lively street parades, and festive markets during the Chinese New Year.
Note that in 2024, after a five-year break, the annual Lunar New Year parade in Hong Kong is scheduled to return.
If you’d like to escape the crowds in the big cities, you can explore a more rural area like Guilin where you can celebrate Chinese New Year surrounded by the region’s breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery.
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to cosy guesthouses, offering a diverse range to suit every traveller’s preferences.
However, make sure to book your stay in advance. This is a busy time and accommodations may fill up quickly.
In China during the Chinese New Year, the country comes alive with vibrant performances and traditional festivities.
Let’s explore some of these performances and celebrations that you can encounter and engage in on your trip to China for the Lunar New Year!
Dragon dances play a crucial role in Chinese festive celebrations, particularly during the Chinese New Year, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
The dragon, mounted on poles, is carried by skilled performers who move the dragon to make dancing motions.
During the dance, there’s traditional Chinese music with rhythmic beats from drums, cymbals, and gongs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
These performances are commonly seen in public spaces during New Year celebrations.
The lion dance is also a traditional and lively performance closely associated with Chinese New Year celebrations.
Unlike the dragon dance, the lion dance features performers in a lion costume.
Symbolizing power and good fortune, the lion dance includes dynamic movements, such as roaring and acrobatics.
Much like the dragon dance, rhythmic beats from drums, cymbals, and gongs accompany the lion dance, contributing to the festive atmosphere during celebrations.
Fireworks play a crucial role in Chinese New Year celebrations, rooted in ancient customs and welcoming good luck for the New Lunar Year.
Firework activity peaks on Lunar New Year’s Eve, with households and communities across China setting off displays at midnight.
You’ll find public fireworks displays in cities and towns across China.
Red lanterns play a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
People use red lanterns in various ways during this festive period, with one of the most common uses during Chinese New Year being decoration.
Homes, businesses, and streets are adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.
During Chinese New Year, there are also plenty of vibrant markets in China.
You can find markets with decorations, food, clothing, plants, flowers, and gifts.
Some popular foods to try from the markets during Chinese New Year include:
These foods not only have cultural significance but are also delicious and widely enjoyed during the festive season in China.
So there are plenty of different things to see and experience during the Chinese New Year in China.
Visiting China during Chinese New Year offers a unique and enriching cultural experience.
By planning ahead and understanding the key aspects of your trip, you can ensure a joyful celebration and create lasting memories during this time.
Visa First has got you covered!
Our agents will guide you throughout the entire visa application process, ensuring an easy and stress-free process.
When you think of visiting China, what is the first thing that comes into your head? Maybe it’s the Great Wall? Or perhaps it’s the countless bustling cities like Shanghai or Beijing? For many, it’s simply the endless sources of delicious food!
Embarking on a journey to immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities around the world is an exciting experience! From the lively streets of Thailand’s Songkran to the captivating lantern-lit alleys of Vietnam’s Hoi An, each festival offers a unique cultural experience worth exploring.
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