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Chinese New Year is just around the corner. If you're planning to stay in China for the holiday, here are a few simple but important tips you won't want to miss.
When you receive a red envelope, please don't open it right away. This is basic good manners and a quiet sign of respect. At the reunion dinner, do not flip the fish over. In Chinese, this sounds similar to “capsizing a boat,” which is considered unlucky. If you want the other side, you can gently remove the backbone instead.
Chicken and fish are usually served whole during the meal, symbolizing a complete, smooth year and good fortune ahead.
This year is the Year of the Horse, so greetings like 马到成功 “may you succeed quickly” and 马上有钱 “may wealth come soon” carry lucky meanings wordplay. These small traditions are not strict rules—they are kind wishes in daily life.
We hope this simple guide helps international friends understand the customs, join the celebration, and experience the warm, genuine charm of Chinese New Year.
中国新年马上就要到了，如果你打算留在中国过年，这几个实用小提示一定要记住。
收到红包时，千万不要当面打开，这是基本的礼貌，也是我们之间心照不宣的尊重。年夜饭的鱼也不能直接翻过来，因为 “翻鱼” 听起来像 “翻船”，寓意不吉利。想吃另一边，把中间的鱼骨挑开就可以。
年夜饭上，鸡和鱼通常都是完整上桌，有头有尾，象征团圆顺利，也代表年年有余、生活富足。
今年是马年，像 “马到成功”“马上有钱” 这样的祝福语，都是利用谐音表达好运。这些小习俗不是约束，而是藏在生活里的善意与祝福。
希望这份简单的春节指南，能帮外国朋友们更好地理解习俗、融入节日，真正感受中国年温暖又真诚的魅力。
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Reported by Su Nan, Li Xiaokang
Edited by Shi Sijia
Reviewed by Fang Jialu He Tingting Wang Tingting
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