Hundreds of millions across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, bidding farewell to the Year of the Dragon and ushering in the Year of the Snake with family gatherings and festive traditions.
In China, the 2025 Spring Festival brings eight consecutive public holidays, offering time for shared meals, cultural performances, and fireworks displays.
Train stations and airports have been packed for weeks as travelers embark on the annual migration home, expected to break records this year.
Throughout East and Southeast Asia—including South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand—streets, malls, offices, and homes are adorned with red banners, symbolizing protection against misfortune.
Traditions
In Taiwan, temple visits marked the first day of celebrations.
People of all ages gathered to offer fruit, sweets, and crackers while praying for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
"Our tradition is to visit the temple and pray for good fortune," said Chen Ching-yuan, 36, at Taipei’s Longshan Temple. "We don’t ask for anything specific, just a smooth and safe year."
Some temple-goers competed to be the first to place incense for luck.
Kao Meng-shun, a young participant in Yunlin County, expressed his excitement: "I didn’t want to regret missing this opportunity, so I went for it."
Travel disruptions
During China’s 40-day Lunar New Year travel rush, an estimated nine billion trips will take place across the country, setting new travel records.
Heavy snowfall in South Korea disrupted train, flight, and bus schedules as families traveled to the countryside.
Images showed snow-covered highways, with traffic authorities warning of extended delays.
Many opted to travel abroad instead, with Incheon International Airport expecting over 2.1 million passengers between January 24 and February 2—the highest holiday travel volume since its opening in 2001.
Celebrations in outer space
Even astronauts joined the celebrations.
Chinese space crew members Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze sent festive greetings from the Tiangong space station.
Dressed in traditional blue jumpsuits with red cloud patterns, they held paper-cut decorations featuring the Chinese character "fu," symbolizing good fortune.
"In the new year, may all your dreams come true," Wang said, forming a heart shape above her head.
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