Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about the title of how long is the CNY holiday. Now, I’ll break it all down for you and share everything you need to know about the Chinese New Year holiday duration. Whether you’re planning a trip, catching up with family, or just curious, this article has got you covered!

The Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant and longest holidays in China. It’s a time for family reunions, delicious feasts, and celebrating the Lunar New Year. But just how long is the CNY holiday? Well, it typically lasts for about 7 days, but the actual celebration and festivities can stretch much longer, depending on where you are and how you celebrate. Let’s dive into the details!

How Many Days Off Do You Get for CNY?

Officially, the Chinese government designates 7 days as public holidays for the Chinese New Year. These 7 days usually include the Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first 6 days of the Lunar New Year. However, the exact dates can vary slightly each year based on the lunar calendar. For example, in 2023, the CNY holiday officially ran from January 21st to January 27th. But here’s the thing: many people take additional days off before or after the official holiday to extend their break. Some companies even shut down for up to two weeks, giving employees a much longer vacation. So, while 7 days is the standard, the actual time off can feel much longer for many folks.

Why Does CNY Have Such a Long Break?

The Chinese New Year isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s the most important time of the year for families to come together, no matter how far apart they are. Millions of people travel across the country (and even internationally) to reunite with loved ones, a tradition known as the Spring Festival travel rush or “Chunyun.” Because of this massive migration, the government allocates a longer break to accommodate travel and family time. Plus, the holiday is packed with traditions, from giving red envelopes (hongbao) to setting off fireworks, so having extra time to celebrate is a must!

What Happens During the CNY Holiday?

The CNY holiday is jam-packed with activities and rituals. It all kicks off on Lunar New Year’s Eve with a big family dinner, followed by staying up late to welcome the new year. The first day of the new year is all about visiting family and friends, while the following days are filled with temple visits, feasting, and more celebrations. Many businesses and shops close during this time, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials before the holiday begins. And let’s not forget the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the CNY celebrations on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year.

To sum it up, the CNY holiday officially lasts for 7 days, but the celebrations and time off can stretch much longer depending on personal and work arrangements. It’s a time for family, traditions, and joy, making it one of the most cherished holidays in Chinese culture.

Faqpro Thank you for reading! I hope this article helped you fully understand how long the CNY holiday is. If you have more questions about Chinese New Year or other public holidays, feel free to reach out to us. Happy holidays!