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Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated across China and in many parts of Asia and the world where Chinese communities can be found. It is often marked by time off work or school and includes family visits, meals together, and games like mahjong.
last updated:
14 November, 2024
The Year of the Snake is bad for Snakes. Photo: Getty Images
Chinese culture

Year of the Snake may be unlucky for Snakes. How to avoid misfortune

The Lunar New Year in 2025 heralds the Year of the Snake. It’s bad news if the Snake is your zodiac – you’ll be hit by the ‘12-year curse’.

Chinese culture

Being Chinese | Who’s Singaporean and stressing over Lunar New Year food abroad? Not me

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Hong Kong

Editorial | Stub out costly Hong Kong trade in illicit cigarettes

Chinese culture

Why are there fewer babies born during the Year of the Snake?

Many think those born under the Snake will be unlucky. On the other hand, fewer births means less competition for things like school places.

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A family where the lucky colour red for Lunar New Year. Fewer babies are born in the Year of the Snake, with many parents believing they will be unlucky. Photo: Shutterstock
Asia travel

Chinese cancel Thai holidays as actor Wang Xing’s kidnapping fuels safety fears

Thailand is expected to take a tourism and economic hit from Lunar New Year trip cancellations.

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Chinese culture

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Monkeys, such as a big career boost

Monkeys can expect career advancements – especially if they work with women or are in a women-led industry – according to Chinese geomancy.

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Hong Kong tourism

100,000 spectators expected at Hong Kong Lunar New Year float parade

Night parade will be held on the first day of the Year of the Snake, showcasing 55 performance groups, including K-pop band Kep1er.

K-pop girl group Kep1er will perform during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Photo: Handout
Chinese culture

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Sheep, including their lucky colour

According to Chinese geomancy, those born in the Year of the Sheep will make money this year if they are careful – but love won’t come easy.

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Chinese culture

What is that red Chinese candy box you see during Lunar New Year?

The chuen hup, also known as a togetherness box, is full of tiny sweet treats that carry rich cultural connotations and auspicious meanings.

Horoscopes

Chinese horoscopes: what does January 2025 hold for your zodiac sign?

The final phase of the Dragon year is about balance, reflection and preparing for the Year of the Snake – discover your potential challenges and opportunities ahead.

The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Photo: SCMP Graphics
Hong Kong society

Hongkongers can have string of 9 days off over Lunar New Year holiday

There are 17 public holidays in 2025 and residents can enjoy extended breaks if they take leave in between those dates.

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A family poses for a photo with a Lunar New Year installation at MegaBox shopping centre. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong

Editorial | Hong Kong harbour boardwalk a step in right direction

Feature due to open by Lunar New Year is first phase in project that will provide recreation and enjoyment for Hong Kong public.

China's economic recovery

Inbound travel to China set to surge in Lunar New Year amid visa-free expansion

International travel bookings to China have already doubled the previous year’s figure, spurred by additions to the visa exemption list.

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Chinese culture

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Horses, who’ll find love easily

Horses will be lucky in love, women above all, in the lunar new year according to Chinese geomancy. Men in certain jobs will make good money.

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The Year of the Snake will be an auspicious one for Horses. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Chinese culture

Chinese horoscopes: what to expect in the Year of the Wood Snake 2025

As the world enters the Year of the Wood Snake later this month, those born in the Years of the Rat, Monkey, Rooster, Horse and Dragon should experience good luck.

What to expect in the Year of the Wood Snake 2025. Photo: SCMP Graphics
Electric & new energy vehicles

China vows better EV charging as Lunar New Year trips poised to hit record high

Beijing plans to improve electric vehicle facilities to ease travel rush as it prepares for around 9 billion holiday trips.

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Chinese culture

Why Year of the Snake 2025 won’t follow Lunar New Year’s Eve, technically

The Chinese calendar has no 30th day of the 12th lunar month this year, and it’s to do with the moon’s orbit. So when will people celebrate?

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Chinese culture

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Snakes, including their lucky colour

What lies in store for Snakes in the new lunar year according to Chinese geomancy, including why they should focus on work – and avoid water.

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Snakes will have mixed fortunes in the Year of the Snake. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Ways to boost your luck in the Year of the Snake

It is about time to welcome the Earthly Snake as we bid farewell to the Celestial Dragon on January 29, 2025. Feng shui master, author and television host Tong Pik-ha has laid out her predictions for all 12 zodiac signs for the coming Year of the Snake.  

From our archives

Our most-read PostMag stories of 2024, from Donald Trump to Sammo Hung

What were the most popular stories with our online readers this year? Donald Trump was the winner, as a look back at his attempt to sell his yacht in Hong Kong was No 1 on our charts ….

What to do in Hong Kong

AIA Carnival super fans, including one who moved house to fit all her prizes

Running from December 20, 2024 to February 16, 2025, the much-loved event featuring rides, games, even a circus attracts dedicated visitors.

People play booth games at the AIA Carnival, at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, on December 22, 2024. Photo: Elson Li
Chinese culture

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. Is your luck in?

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha gives her predictions, from the lucky colours to wear to which sign will have a bad year when it comes to love.

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Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha predicts the varying fortunes of people born under the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the coming Year of the Snake. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez
Wellness

Escape Lunar New Year bad luck with a snake-themed run through Hong Kong

The third day of the Lunar New Year is considered an unlucky day. Shake off that bad luck with a run that snakes through country parks.

Art

Arts stories you read most in 2024, including one about a Cantopop classic

We look back at some of the top arts stories in 2024, from a deep dive into Cantopop song The Bund to the criticised Chubby Hearts project.

Fashion

Serpent-inspired shoes, dresses and accessories for Year of the Snake

From shoes to dresses and watches, some of the best fashion and jewellery items to wear for the coming Year of the Snake.

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René Caovilla’s Cleo shoes feature a snake strap design that coils around the ankle. Photo: Instagram/@renecaovilla
Wellness

Year of the Snake retreat in Hong Kong to feature snake-themed exercises

The day-long fitness retreat taking place on Lamma Island before Lunar New Year will include strength-building, yoga and Muay Thai classes.

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Two Sweet Feet’s Muay Thai coach Natalie Sin will put retreat participants through the paces of her martial art. Photo: Two Sweet Feet HK
Hong Kong’s pandas

Hong Kong public may get to see panda cubs in February, Ocean Park boss says

Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong says he hopes the twins can be introduced to everyone after Lunar New Year.

China's economic recovery

China sees surge in travel demand for extended Lunar New Year holiday

Flights and group tours are already booking up weeks ahead of the eight-day public holiday, which begins on January 28.

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