How long does China shut down for the Chinese New Year 2025?

The Chinese New Year is an exciting time, for both China and the world. This spring festival is set on 29 January 2025 and brings in a substantial amount of revenue to the country each year — with 2023’s festival seeing 226 million air, waterway, road, and railway passengers travelling in China during the public holiday. 

But what is the Chinese New Year, how long does China shut down to celebrate this holiday, and what does the Chinese New Year mean for businesses? 

What is the Chinese New Year? 

The Chinese New Year marks the start of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. It takes place each year, lasts 15 days, and is also referred to as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. 

Each year is associated with a different animal. There are 12 animals and this year (2025) is the Year of the Snake. The Year of the Snake is associated with wisdom, deep thinking, and resourcefulness. The Chinese New Year represents new beginnings and is celebrated with lanterns and fireworks. 

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How long will China shut down to celebrate the Chinese New Year in 2025?

The Chinese New Year is an extremely important holiday to Chinese citizens, and in fact, is celebrated across many other neighbouring countries and throughout the world as well. Chinese citizens will get 28 January 2025 to 4 February 2025 off as part of the public holiday. Be aware that while these are the official holiday dates, manufacturing, factory and shipping businesses often face disruption in the surrounding weeks due to increased demand for products related to the New Year celebrations. 

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What does the Chinese New Year shut down mean for businesses?

Do you work closely with China? Are you clients or suppliers based there? If so, you may be wondering what this holiday means for businesses.  

Shipping delays

E-commerce businesses, brick and mortar stores, and retail companies who rely on Chinese production centres to deliver products to customers may experience shipping delays, backups, and delays in order fulfillment both during and surrounding the holiday season. If you do rely on Chinese suppliers, we recommend putting in orders well in advance of this period. 

Reduced communication 

If you do business with China, including partaking in weekly meetings or coordinating across sales channels, you may notice reduced communication with your Chinese counterparts over this period. 

Material shortages 

Limited production could also lead to a shortage of raw materials and the essential components international businesses rely on to produce their products. If you rely on Chinese businesses to ship raw materials to your production facilities, we recommend discussing your needs with your supplier in advance. 

Increased spending 

While the Chinese New Year celebrations do signal a slow-down, the surrounding weeks can also see an increase in spending within the country as many families give gifts and purchase decorations.  

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How to prepare your business for the shut down

If you rely on suppliers in China, work closely with Chinese businesses, or conduct business with China’s neighbouring countries, you might like to consider taking certain steps to ensure your business activities face minimal disruption: 

• Speak to your suppliers early on about your upcoming needs

• Place larger orders in advance 

• Consider discussing temporary fulfilment needs with businesses in other countries if you foresee severe delays impacting your business 

• Acknowledge the festive spirit by wishing your Chinese clients, suppliers and partners a great Year of the Snake. 

• Confirm timelines with clients and suppliers 

• Discuss communication plans with your Chinese partners — will all communication be halted or should you still contact in emergencies? 

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Considering expanding your business operations into China?

Are you considering expanding into China, Asia, or another market? If so, you may be aware of some of the related costs of geographical expansion, including seeking legal support, producing market research, as well as possible onboarding and tax fees. 

We help eligible businesses and founders achieve their expansion dreams by connecting them to suitable lenders offering up to £20M. Whether you need a commercial mortgage to support the purchase of a new premises, a limited company business loan to pay for legal fees, or invoice finance to cover the first few months of onboarding, we may be able to help you secure the funding you need. Just click the link below and submit your information to find out more. 

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Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.

It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.

Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.