Chinese New Year Special Feature (Year of the Horse): Survival Tips & Must-Dos
- Ethan Yuan Ma form Beijing Survival Guide
- Jan 21
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 26
Hey fellow adventurers! If you're an expat or traveler eyeing Beijing for Chinese New Year, buckle up.
2026 is the Year of the Horse (马年), symbolizing energy, speed, and adventure . Beijing's CNY isn't just fireworks and dumplings; it's a massive family reunion, temple fairs exploding with color, and streets alive with red lanterns.
But it can also be chaotic: shops close, crowds swarm, and transport turns into a battlefield.
This special feature in your Beijing Survival Guide is here to help you thrive, not just survive. We'll start with the must-know pitfalls and tips (as requested), then dive into the fun stuff. Let's make your Chinese New Year unforgettable.
Essential Survival Tips and Common Pitfalls
CNY is China's biggest holiday (think Thanksgiving x10), so Beijing transforms: quiet streets, closed businesses, and family-focused vibes. As an expat, the "culture shock" is real – but avoid these pitfalls, and you'll be golden.
10 Common FAQs for Expats
Do most shops open during Spring Festival? No—most small business and restaurants close for 2-7 days, so stock up on essentials in advance.
Can I use WeChat Pay/Alipay everywhere? Most places accept it, but carry cash for small stalls at temple fairs.
Is public transportation running during the holiday? Yes, but subways and buses run on modified schedules—check updates via official apps.
Are fireworks allowed in Beijing? Yes, but only in designated areas and times—check local regulations before watching or setting off fireworks.
How cold is Beijing during Spring Festival? Temperatures often drop below 0°C, so dress warmly in layers.
Can I visit the Forbidden City during Spring Festival? Yes, but book tickets online in advance—they sell out quickly. The Forbidden City is decorated with festive lanterns.
What’s the best way to get tickets for trains/plane? Book as early as possible—train tickets via 12306, plane tickets via travel platforms.
Is it safe to travel during Spring Festival? Yes, but be cautious of crowds and keep your belongings secure. Avoid scalpers for tickets.
Can I join a local family’s New Year’s Eve dinner? Some expat communities or cultural centers organize homestay experiences—check online for opportunities.
What’s the significance of the Year of the Horse? It symbolizes vitality, courage, and prosperity—look for horse-themed decorations around the city.
Practical Guide for Expats
Accommodation
Those traveling to Beijing specifically for Spring Festival should book accommodation well in advance. Mid-range and luxury hotels remain open, but budget hostels and guesthouses may close. Note that some hotels may charge holiday premiums, and amenities like room service or on-site restaurants may be limited. If you’re staying in a serviced apartment, confirm in advance whether cleaning services and maintenance will be available during the holiday.
Payment
As mentioned, mobile payment is still the most convenient option, but cash is a backup. Ensure your WeChat Pay or Alipay accounts have sufficient funds, or link them to a Chinese bank card for easy top-ups. If you don’t have a Chinese bank card, exchange foreign currency for yuan at the airport or major banks before the holiday, as exchange services at smaller branches may be unavailable.
Language
Language barriers can be more pronounced during Spring Festival, as many younger, English-speaking locals leave the city to visit family. Carry a translation app (like Baidu Translate or Google Translate, with offline packages downloaded) to communicate with vendors, taxi drivers, or hotel staff. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases related to Spring Festival, such as "Xin Nian Kuai Le" (Happy New Year) and "Xie Xie" (Thank you)—locals will appreciate the effort.
Weather
Beijing’s winter is cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F) during Spring Festival, and occasional snowfall. Dress in layers: a warm down jacket, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots are essential. Indoor spaces are usually well-heated, so wearing layers allows you to adjust comfortably when moving between inside and outside. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin and lips, as the dry air can cause irritation.
Transportation During CNY: Before, During, and After
Before Spring Festival (Pre-Holiday Peak)
The pre-holiday peak typically runs from 10 days before Chinese New Year to New Year’s Eve, with the busiest period being 3-5 days before the holiday. This is when millions of migrant worker return to their hometowns, leading to severe shortages of train and plane tickets. If you plan to travel out of Beijing before Spring Festival, book tickets as early as possible—train tickets go on sale 15 days in advance via the official 12306 app/website, while plane tickets should be booked 1-2 months ahead to secure the best prices and availability.
If tickets are sold out, consider alternative options: intercity buses (though they can be slower, smelly and less comfortable), carpooling with locals or other expats (via platforms like Didi Carpool), or taking a high-speed train to a nearby city and then transferring to a local bus. Avoid buying tickets from scalpers, as they are often overpriced and may be counterfeit.
During Spring Festival
Surprisingly, Beijing’s internal transportation becomes much less crowded during the holiday itself, as a large portion of the population leaves the city. Subways and buses run on modified schedules (check the official Beijing Subway app for updates), but they are generally less packed than usual. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Didi) are available, but wait times may be longer in popular tourist areas, and some drivers may charge holiday surcharges.
Walking and cycling are great options for exploring the city during Spring Festival, especially in areas like Qianmen, Houhai, and Nanluoguxiang, where the festive atmosphere is strongest. Just be sure to dress warmly and watch out for icy sidewalks after snowfall.
After Spring Festival (Post-Holiday Peak)
The post-holiday peak lasts from the 3rd day of the lunar new year to 10 days after, with the busiest time being 5-7 days after New Year’s Day as people return to Beijing for work. Similar to the pre-holiday period, train and plane tickets are in high demand. Book return tickets as early as possible, and be prepared for long lines at airports and train stations. If you’re traveling back to Beijing by train, arrive at the station at least 2 hours early to go through security and find your platform.
Experiences: Temple Fairs (庙会)
Recommended Locations
Temple fairs are the heart of Spring Festival celebrations in Beijing, combining traditional performances, local snacks, handicrafts, and religious rituals. The most popular and authentic temple fairs include:
Ditan Temple Fair: Held at Ditan Park (Temple of Earth), this is one of the oldest and largest temple fairs in Beijing, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It’s known for its grand imperial-style performances, such as dragon and lion dances, Peking Opera, and acrobatics.
Longtan Temple Fair: Located in Longtan Park, this fair is more family-friendly, with plenty of games, rides, and interactive activities. It also features folk art performances and a wide variety of local snacks.
Yonghe Temple Fair: Held at the Yonghe Lama Temple (Lama Temple), this fair has a unique Tibetan Buddhist influence, with prayer ceremonies, Buddhist music performances, and traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Qianmen Temple Fair: Situated in the historic Qianmen area, this fair blends traditional culture with modern elements, featuring street performances, boutique handicraft stalls, and restored old Beijing architecture.
How to Enjoy Temple Fairs
Temple fairs typically run from the 1st to the 7th day of the Chinese new year, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early to avoid crowds and have enough time to explore. Don’t miss the traditional performances—dragon and lion dances are a highlight, often accompanied by drumbeats and firecrackers. You can also try your hand at traditional games, such as ring-tossing, bean-bag throwing, and shooting balloons with a toy gun, with small prizes for winners.
Food is a big part of temple fairs, be sure to bring cash, as some food stalls may not accept mobile payment. Finally, browse the handicraft stalls for unique souvenirs, such as paper-cuttings, red envelopes, jade carvings, and horse-themed decorations (perfect for the Year of the Horse).
If you have food allergies, such as nut allergies, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease, please be cautious when purchasing food at temple fairs.
Temple Blessing
Enter the Temple: Step over the threshold.
Incense Burning: Light the provided incense with matches, bow three times towards the main hall, and then place it in the incense burner.
Photo Rules: Photography is not permitted inside the main halls; however, photos of the temple grounds are allowed.
Places to Visit:
Yonghe Temple (work/study)
Tanzhe Temple (health/wellness)
Hongluo Temple (love/marriage)
Timing: Generally open the day after New Year’s Eve from 7:00 to 17:00 (please check the official notice online).
Fireworks and Festive Nights
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are a classic part of Beijing’s Spring Festival, used to scare away evil spirits and welcome good luck. While Beijing has imposed restrictions on fireworks in recent years (to reduce air pollution and noise), they are still allowed in designated areas and during specific times during Spring Festival (typically from New Year’s Eve to the 7th day of the lunar new year, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM).
The best places to watch fireworks are in suburban areas or parks, such as Olympic Forest Park, Chaoyang Park, and Mentougou District. Avoid setting off fireworks yourself unless you’re familiar with the local regulations—illegal fireworks can result in fines, and safety is a top priority. Always keep a safe distance from people setting off fireworks, and never let children handle them.
Festive Night Views
Beijing’s skyline comes alive during Spring Festival, with thousands of red lanterns hanging from buildings, streets, and parks. The most stunning night views can be found in:
Wangfujing Street: A famous shopping street decorated with festive lights and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere after dark.
Houhai (Shichahai) and Sanlitun: These popular nightlife areas are adorned with lanterns and neon lights, and many bars and restaurants host Spring Festival-themed events.
Olympic Park: The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube are illuminated with festive light shows, and there are often fireworks displays nearby during the holiday.
Taking a night walk along the Chang’an Avenue is also a great way to enjoy the festive decorations, with government buildings and landmarks lit up in red and gold.
Recommended Lantern Shows
Beijing Garden Expo Park Lantern Show: One of the largest lantern shows in Beijing, featuring over 10,000 lanterns in various shapes and sizes, including horse-themed lanterns for 2026. The show also includes light projections, water performances, and traditional music.
Yuyuantan Park Lantern Show: A more intimate lantern show with a focus on nature, featuring lanterns shaped like flowers, birds, and animals. The park is beautifully lit up, and there are food stalls and performances to enjoy.
Qianmen Lantern Show: Held in the historic Qianmen area, this lantern show combines traditional lanterns with modern LED lights, illuminating the old streets and buildings. It’s a great place to take photos and experience the festive atmosphere.
Most lantern shows run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM during Spring Festival, and tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
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