All about Chinese New Year 中国新年

A wide variety of beautiful music from many locations plus informational films on the Chinese New Year.

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[640],shadow=true,start=2220,stop=Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. It is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, as well as in other East Asian countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Here's an overview of Chinese New Year and its traditions:

Timing and Duration:
Lunar Calendar: Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, with the date falling between late January and mid-February each year. The exact date varies because it is based on the lunar phases.

Festival Period: The celebrations typically last for 15 days, beginning on the eve of Chinese New Year and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.

Traditions and Customs:
Family Reunions: Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people travel long distances to reunite with their relatives, leading to the largest annual human migration in the world, known as Chunyun.

Cleaning and Decoration: In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets (duilian), and paper cutouts featuring auspicious symbols.

Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner: The New Year's Eve dinner, known as 'reunion dinner' (??? tunninfn), is a lavish feast shared with family members. Traditional dishes include fish (symbolizing prosperity), dumplings (symbolizing wealth), and various other symbolic foods.

Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Red envelopes containing money are given as gifts during Chinese New Year, especially to children and unmarried individuals. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.

Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off at midnight on New Year's Eve and throughout the festival period to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed in streets, parks, and public squares to bring prosperity and good fortune to communities.

Zodiac Animals:
Each Year is Associated with an Animal: Chinese New Year is symbolized by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Each animal is believed to influence the personality traits and destiny of individuals born in that year.

Travel and Celebrations:
Spring Festival Gala: The Spring Festival Gala, broadcasted on Chinese television on New Year's Eve, features a variety of performances, skits, and musical acts. It is one of the most-watched television programs in the world.

Temple Fairs: Traditional temple fairs are held throughout China during Chinese New Year, offering food stalls, performances, games, and cultural activities for visitors to enjoy.

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reunion, and renewal, filled with rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. It is a celebration of family, community, and the arrival of spring, marking a fresh beginning and the promise of prosperity in the year ahead.

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With MisterVaughn ... Welcome to Yuan Dadu City Wall Park Discover the ancient walls of Beijing About Yuan Dadu City Wall Park Yuan Dadu City Wall Park is a historical park located in the northern part of Beijing, encompassing the remnants of the city walls from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The park preserves a section of the ancient city walls and provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich history of Beijing. The park stretches for several kilometers and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax, exercise, and learn about the city's past. Main Attractions Ancient City Walls The park features well-preserved sections of the ancient Yuan Dynasty city walls. These walls, originally built to protect the capital, now stand as a testament to the architectural prowess and historical significance of the Yuan Dynasty. City Wall Relics Museum Located within the park, the City Wall Relics Museum offers an in-depth look at the history of the Yuan Dadu city walls. The museum displays artifacts, historical documents, and detailed models of the ancient city. Scenic Walkways The park features beautifully landscaped walkways that run alongside the ancient walls. These walkways are perfect for leisurely strolls and provide visitors with picturesque views of the park's greenery and historical structures. Peony Garden The Peony Garden, located in the park, is a must-visit during the blooming season in spring. The garden showcases a stunning variety of peonies and is a popular spot for photography and relaxation. Activities Morning Exercises Yuan Dadu City Wall Park is a popular spot for locals to perform morning exercises such as tai chi, dancing, and jogging. Visitors can join in or simply enjoy watching these traditional Chinese activities. Photography The park offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially around the ancient city walls and gardens. Capture the historical essence and natural beauty of the park in your photos. Seasonal Festivals Yuan Dadu City Wall Park hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Peony Festival in spring and traditional Chinese cultural performances. These events provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and history. Transport Yuan Dadu City Wall Park is easily accessible from various parts of Beijing. Here are some ways to get there: By Subway: Take Line 10 to Jiandemen Station, then walk north for about 10 minutes to reach the park. By Bus: Multiple bus routes stop near Yuan Dadu City Wall Park, including routes 27, 55, and 305. Get off at the Dadu Ruins Park stop. By Taxi: Taxis are a convenient option, especially if you are traveling with a group or have heavy luggage. Just ask the driver to take you to Yuan Dadu City Wall Park (元大都城垣遗址公园).
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