Lunar New Year

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

[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

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

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

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

Year of the Dragon: How to tell a 'real' dragon from a 'fake' one

Commentator Zhang Tiankan notes that the mythical Chinese dragon has gone through numerous iterations over a long history, and there is not one definitive version of it, much less one "correct" number of claws that it should have. As long as the general image is in line with its majestic and fantastical heritage, the number of claws is secondary.

Zhang Tiankan

Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year or 'China's New Year'? The rise of (China's) identity politics

ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata observes that in multi-ethnic Southeast Asia, the term "Lunar New Year" is more befitting than "Chinese New Year", as the traditional celebration has always transcended ethnicity and national identity.

Leo Suryadinata

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's Lunar New Year celebration paid tribute to Megawati

PDI-P, the political party in Indonesia with the most Chinese parliamentarians and heads of local government held a virtual Lunar New Year party to usher in the Year of the Ox. Party members paid tribute to Ibu Megawati Sukarnoputri, general chairperson of the party and former Indonesian president. How did this party put itself forward as the strongest guardian of Chinese interests in Indonesia? Leo Suryadinata listens in.

Leo Suryadinata