Mandarin Lessons? Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy New Year! – or Xin Nein Kuai Le! (Mandarin). 

Learning Mandarin is very popular these days, so students will be aware that the Chinese New Year is approaching.  Perhaps you’re planning a trip to China?

This Sunday, February 18th, starts the Chinese New Year (year 4705) and the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese Calendar.  Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year and is the most important of all the Chinese traditional holidays.  The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese Calendar and ends on the 15th day which is known as the Lantern Festival or Shi Wu Wan in Mandarin.  The Chinese Calendar has been around for centuries, predating the International Calendar we use (based on the Gregorian Calendar) which only dates back just over 400 years. 

Chinese New Year is a time when many Chinese living around the world will travel home to their families for celebrations and reunions.  It is also celebrated by many of China’s neighbours, including Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. 

Before travelling to China remember to check on visa requirements.  Ensure your passport will be valid for the required time and it’s always safest to have blank pages available.  For other travel advice and warnings refer to:  Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO):  fco.gov.uk; Home Office Identity and Passport Office (IPS):  passport.gov.uk.

Mandarin students may know that the main message of the Chinese New Year is for peace and happiness for all family and friends.  We extend the same wishes to all: Gong Xi Fa Cai! (wishing you prosperity) and remind you to make sure you purchase your travel insurance before you leave!