The Lunar New Year holiday is upon us.
Chinese or Lunar New Year is upon us. This year, it falls on Wednesday, 29 January. This is a significant holiday across East and Southeast Asia, leading to business closures that vary by country. Chinese people will get 8 days off from work from 28 January to 4 February 2025 as a public holiday, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on 12 February.
Chinese New Year 2025 is a Year of the Snake, specifically Wood Snake, from 29 January 2025 until 16 February 2026.
Recent years of the Snake are 2013, 2001, and 1989. If you were born in one of these years, you are a Snake. You will experience your zodiac birth sign year (benmingnian) in 2025, which is considered bad luck. People born in the year of the Snake are considered wise, charming, mysterious, orderly, intelligent, and have a refined taste. They have a keen intuition and a deep understanding of themselves and others. They may also be precise, cool-headed, creative, logical, and witty. Snakes are ambitious and determined, but they can sometimes be secretive and jealous. Snakes enjoy learning new things and exploring different cultures and philosophies.
Is the Year of the Snake Good Luck?
According to the Chinese Horoscope 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake in will be a time of tremendous opportunity, renewal and potential. Using the Snake’s wisdom and intuition, coupled with the inspirational and flexible nature of the Wood element, we can anticipate a year full of both challenges and opportunities.
Like a snake sheds its skin and emerges with a new appearance, we, too, are advised to let go of our old habits and fixed ideas. Undoubtedly, the year of the Snake 2025 can be an excellent time to start new projects, explore new opportunities or even make significant changes in your life.
Another key Chinese zodiac prediction for 2025 is that the Year of the Wood Snake will be a time to think strategically and plan carefully.
Armed with the Snake’s calmness and intellect, coupled with the adaptability and flexibility in the face of change given by the Wood element, we will be capable of tackling the goals we set for ourselves in 2025 with determination and objectivity. The Year of the Snake 2025 will be about setting realistic goals, devising plans and working towards our dreams.
On the other hand, according to Chinese astrology, in 2025, we will also face some challenges. During the year of the Snake, people may be negatively influenced by the manipulative tendencies of this Chinese zodiac animal; the number of people trying to take advantage or cheat you will probably increase.
Lucky elements for people born in the Year of the Snake
- Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9, and numbers containing them (like 28 and 89)
- Lucky colours: black, red, and yellow
- Lucky flowers: orchid and cactus
- Lucky directions: east, west, and southwest
- The lucky month of the Snake is the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between May and June.
- Lucky days: 1st and 23rd of any month according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Unlucky elements for people born in the Year of the Snake
- Unlucky colours: brown, gold, white
- Unlucky numbers: 1, 6, and 7
- Unlucky directions: northeast and northwest
Famous Snakes
1473: Nicolaus Copernicus
1869: Mahatma Gandhi
1917: John F. Kennedy
1929: Anne Frank
1929: Audrey Hepburn
1941: Bob Dylan
1942: Muhammad Ali
1953: Xi Jinping
1977: Kanye West
1989: Taylor Swift
2013: Prince George
Shipping during Chinese New Year
If you’re importing goods from China, Hong Kong or other Asian nations during this period, please note the public holidays and office closures below.
China
Public Holiday: 28 January to 4 February 2025.
Most businesses, including factories and offices, will close during this period. It’s common for operations to wind down a week before the official holiday, with regular activities resuming about a week after, leading to potential disruptions from mid-January to mid-February.
Hong Kong
Public Holiday: 29 January to 31 January 2025.
Many businesses will close during these three days, with some extending closures to include adjacent weekends. Essential services and large retail outlets may operate with reduced hours.
Vietnam (Tết Holiday)
Public Holiday: 28 January to 3 February 2025.
Businesses often close for the entire week, with some extending closures.
Taiwan
Public Holiday: 27 January to 2 February 2025.
Businesses typically close for the entire week. Some may begin shutting down a few days earlier to allow employees to travel, and normal operations usually resume shortly after the holiday.
South Korea (Seollal):
Public Holiday: 28 January to 30 January 2025.
Seollal is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea, similar to Chinese New Year. Most businesses, government offices, and schools will close during the official three-day period. Many businesses may extend closures to allow employees to travel, and operations could wind down a few days before the official start.
Singapore
Public Holiday: 29 January to 30 January 2025.
Businesses close during these days, with some extending closures. Essential services may remain operational with reduced hours.
Malaysia
Public Holiday: 29 January to 30 January 2025.
Similar to Singapore, with potential extended closures.
China Customs
China customs will arrange skeleton staff on duty or half-day duty throughout CNY at some ports. Most Customs brokers, trucking companies and LCL warehouse operations will also be closed. Therefore, we recommend the following:
- Complete the customs clearance process for all shipments before CNY.
- For emergency or exceptional cases, advance notice (including complete customs documents) will be required to determine the feasibility.
Trucking Services
In China, most transport companies will stop services one week before the CNY and remain closed for at least two weeks.
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Magellan Logistics provides freight and logistics services to all industries, including sea freight, air freight, customs clearance, carbon offset freight and the all-important digital freight portal, providing 24/7 visibility of all your shipments. Get in touch with one of our freight specialists on 1800 595 463.
Sources:
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) 2025: Calendar & Horoscope
