Second trip to china / avoiding Lunar New Year closures

Question

Hi all

My second trip in China. My arrival would be on the evening of Tuesday 11th February. I wondered if cities were back to normal (i.e. celebrations finished, everything reopened, business as usual) when I arrive? I heard there are extended celebrations/holidays up to the lantern festival... which I think would be the day after I arrive?

Also undecided between Chongqing/Chengdu or Shenzhen/Guangzhou - any recommendations on which is better for tourism?

Answer

Arriving in China on the evening of Tuesday, February 11th, you will be arriving right around the Lunar New Year period, which in 2025 falls on February 10th. Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China, and it is followed by an extended holiday period, often lasting about a week. Additionally, some cultural celebrations continue up to the Lantern Festival, which is 15 days after the Lunar New Year.

1. City Status Around February 11th

Most major cities will still be affected by holiday closures around your arrival. While some tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops may be open, many local businesses may operate with reduced hours. Transport hubs, such as airports and train stations, will be extremely busy with travelers returning home or visiting family. By the Lantern Festival, activities gradually return to normal, but immediately after Lunar New Year, you can expect:

Popular tourist attractions may have special holiday events, but some smaller sites may remain closed.
Hotels in major cities are likely to be crowded and more expensive.
Public transportation can be very busy, with trains and buses heavily booked.
Shopping malls and restaurants may open partially or with special holiday hours.

So while cities are not fully back to “normal” immediately on February 11th, you will still be able to enjoy major tourist sites with some planning, but expect higher crowd levels and possible closures for smaller venues.

2. Choosing Between Chongqing/Chengdu or Shenzhen/Guangzhou

Both city pairs offer different experiences for tourists:

Chongqing and Chengdu: Ideal for cultural and food-focused trips. Chengdu is famous for the Giant Panda Research Base, Sichuan cuisine, and historic streets like Jinli. Chongqing offers hot pot, the Yangtze River scenery, and dramatic hilly cityscapes. Both cities are cooler in February, but crowds are manageable outside of key attractions.
Shenzhen and Guangzhou: Better for modern city experiences and shopping. Shenzhen is a tech hub with theme parks like Window of the World and OCT East. Guangzhou offers Cantonese cuisine, historical neighborhoods, and the Pearl River scenic area. These southern cities are milder in winter and generally less impacted by snow or freezing temperatures.

3. Recommendations

If your priority is cultural experiences, panda visits, and spicy food, choose Chongqing/Chengdu.
If you prefer modern city attractions, shopping, and milder winter weather, Shenzhen/Guangzhou is a better choice.
Whichever you choose, book hotels and major attractions in advance due to post-holiday travel surges.
Allow extra travel time, as transport around major cities may be busy immediately after Lunar New Year.

In summary, arriving on February 11th means you will still be in the immediate post-Lunar New Year period, with partial closures and busy transport. Both city options offer great experiences, but Chongqing/Chengdu focuses on culture and cuisine, while Shenzhen/Guangzhou provides modern urban attractions and milder weather. Planning ahead and booking in advance will help you make the most of your trip.

Second trip to china / avoiding Lunar New Year closures

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