Chinese New Year
Culture
There’s no city like Singkawang: Where Hakka is the lingua franca and Cap Go Meh dazzles
In Singkawang, West Kalimantan, writer Teo Han Wue found kindred spirits, a vibrant Chinese community and a chance to witness the colourful culmination of Chinese New Year celebrations there — a spirit-medium parade, known to the locals as Cap Go Meh or Pawai Tatung.
Teo Han Wue
02 Apr 2026
History
[Photos] From Nanjing streets to family memories: A historical photo collector reflects on Chinese New Year
Through rare photos of Beiping and Nanjing, Taiwanese historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao recalls bustling temple fairs, lanterns and family traditions, reflecting on the enduring spirit of Chinese New Year.
Hsu Chung-mao
13 Feb 2026
Culture
A taste of fear: On snakes and the Wood Snake Year
The snake is a creature with a very mixed reputation; in Chinese culture, it is simultaneously seen as auspicious and as a symbol of evil. In celebration of the Year of the Snake this year, Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai discusses the duality of the slithering reptile.
Chew Wee Kai
14 Feb 2025
Economy
Middle East nations woo Chinese tourists with grand Chinese New Year celebrations
Celebrating Chinese New Year in the Middle East might seem unusual, but it is becoming a reality in member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In a bid to boost tourism, these countries are ramping up efforts to appeal to Chinese tourists, reflecting a recent strengthening of mutual relations between China and GCC nations. Academic Ghulam Ali tells us more.
Ghulam Ali
07 Feb 2025
Culture
[Vox pop] How much hongbao money do people give in China?
In China, a red packet or hongbao is a gift of money symbolising good luck and blessings for the New Year. However, the customs surrounding red packets vary widely across regions. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina get people from different regions of China to share their experiences.
Lu Lingming, Yi Jina
31 Jan 2025
Culture
Growing up with red packets: A Shanghai boy remembers [Eye on JiangZheHu series]
Red packets are not just cash; they are tiny bundles of nostalgia, family quirks and cultural pride. From the bustling chaos of childhood to the quiet satisfaction of giving, red packets have shaped his Chinese New Year memories in ways that money alone never could, says ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming.
Lu Lingming
27 Jan 2025
Society
[Big read] Online Chinatowns: Connecting or isolating overseas Chinese?
Chinese social media platforms are seeing the rise of online Chinatowns — online communities that bridge the geographic gap between Chinese nationals living around the world and help overseas Chinese to connect with each other. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing discusses how this modern phenomenon is making an impact.
Chen Jing
18 Dec 2024
Economy
[Big read] Red-hot Spring Festival spending brings boom to China's economy?
Red-hot spending data over the recent Spring Festival in China caused the stock market in Hong Kong to rise three days in a row after it resumed trading first, with the country's A-shares following suit a few days later. How long will this recovery in spending and such positive market sentiments last? Will this allow the Chinese economy to shake off fears of deflation and get over its confidence crisis? What other stabilising measures will the authorities introduce?
Chen Jing
05 Mar 2024
Economy
More Chinese EV brands to falter as market realigns
China's electric vehicle (EV) market has seen a slew of bad news this year, with issues coming from car owners and manufacturers. While the sector is going through a necessary rite of passage for emerging industries, this is also a crucial test of whether the EV industry can uplift itself and adapt with the changing times. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.
Chen Jing
27 Feb 2024
Society
Rising hongbao rates are putting pressure on Chinese youths
As China's tradition of giving red packets or hongbaos during festive occasions puts young people under pressure, they are pushing back by giving fewer hongbaos or none at all, hoping that their refusal to conform will help to bring the focus back to the sentiment behind the giving.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
21 Feb 2024