In Beijing, the eight-day national holiday sees a massive migration of people returning home, leaving the city’s streets and shops unusually quiet.
Families gather for New Year’s Eve dinners and visit temple fairs to enjoy performances, snacks, and trinkets. Tourists head for popular travel destinations including Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea, according to online booking agency Ctrip.
Even in Moscow, Russia, a 10-day Lunar New Year festival brings in large crowds to witness colorful parades featuring drummers, costumed dancers, and snake and dragon figures. Visitors embraced the opportunity to enjoy Chinese food, folk performances, and cultural displays, strengthening ties between Chinese and Russian communities.
The Year of the Snake Origin Story
The Snake, often referred to as a “little dragon” in Chinese culture, holds a revered place in the zodiac.
Its origin traces back to a legendary race organized by the Jade Emperor to determine the 12 spirit animals. The Snake using its cunning and agility, swam swiftly across the celestial river and secured its position among the honored animals.
