Asia's economic dynamics offer unprecedented opportunities for international companies. However, a lack of understanding of local customs and traditions can lead to reputational and financial losses. In this context, understanding the local culture becomes a strategic necessity and a foundation for long-term cooperation.
Learning about Asian business etiquette should start with familiarizing yourself with the lunar calendar and major Chinese holidays. The most important among them is the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), celebrated not only in Mainland China but also in many Asian countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
The dates of the Chinese New Year are not fixed in the Gregorian calendar because they are determined by the lunar phases according to the traditional lunar calendar:
Year
Lunar New Year Date
2026
February 17
2027
February 6
2028
January 26
2029
February 13
2030
February 3
2031
January 23
This holiday is an official public holiday in several countries, though the duration and exact dates vary from country to country.
In Mainland China, the New Year is usually celebrated for 7 days: 3 main days of the festival, plus 2 preceding/following weekends, and 2 additional days due to workday adjustments. During this period, banks and factories close, transport is disrupted, and streets may be empty as shops often shut down. This is linked to internal migration in China, as many workers travel to major cities for work but make a point of returning home for the New Year. This results in one of the largest migration phenomena in the world, called 春运 (Chūnyùn) or the “Spring Migration,” lasting about 40 days (15 days before and 25 days after the New Year) and causing extreme transport congestion. Entrepreneurs should note that the holiday is a time for family, not business; pressuring partners during this period can be perceived as disrespectful. It is best not to schedule important meetings, shipments, or business visits to China during this time. About two weeks before the official holidays, many Chinese take leave to return home early while transport is less crowded. This can lead to decreased work activity, delays, and extended delivery times. Staff shortages and rush can also increase the likelihood of defective products.
Illustration: defective toys with sad faces produced for New Year 2026, which became a hit in China.
The centerpiece of the New Year celebration for every Chinese family is the reunion dinner 团圆饭 (tuányuán fàn), where several generations gather together. Fish and dumplings are staples on the New Year table. On the first day of the New Year, following ancient tradition, Chinese people set off firecrackers and visit relatives and friends.
Although Hong Kong was recently returned to China, the city still maintains relative autonomy and preserves traditions lost during the Cultural Revolution. During the Lunar New Year, 3–4 days are usually public holidays, but celebrations can last until the 15th day. Most local companies, especially small and medium enterprises, close completely for 2–3 days, sometimes even a week. In preparation, extra working Saturdays may be scheduled to compensate. In the first days of the New Year, it is important to greet partners and avoid business negotiations.
Before the New Year, Hong Kong hosts large-scale public events attracting many tourists, including street parades with illuminated figures, performers, and dancing dragons and lions. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a dinner with fish and sticky rice cakes. A grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, one of the largest in Asia, is a highlight. In the first days of the New Year, locals visit temples to light incense, make wishes, receive predictions for the year, and offer respects to deceased ancestors.
Multicultural Singapore, where Chinese people form the majority, observes 2 public holidays for the Lunar New Year, though the festive season can last up to 3 weeks. One of the most prominent public events is the Singapore River Hongbao or the Chingay Parade—a colorful multicultural street show featuring giant puppets, lion and dragon dances, acrobats, and fireworks, symbolizing unity and renewal. Red and gold, symbols of luck and prosperity, dominate. Paired auspicious messages and mandarin tree decorations are popular. On New Year’s Eve, Singaporean Chinese prioritize family gatherings. The menu is carefully curated, with each dish symbolizing good wishes. A salad called yusheng 鱼生, made of fish and vegetables, is tossed high by all family members with chopsticks while making wishes (e.g., “luck!” or “wealth!”) to attract prosperity. This ritual is so popular it is also performed in corporate settings weeks before the holiday to strengthen teams and attract business success.
How to greet partners for Chinese New Year?
A mandatory attribute of the Chinese New Year is the red envelope with money, 红包 (hóngbāo) or 利是 (lai see). Family members and friends exchange them during major holidays. In corporate culture, red envelopes are acceptable but require tact. Large sums or expensive gifts can be seen as bribery or pressure. This is especially important in China, which has strict anti-corruption laws limiting the value of business gifts. A paper envelope may contain a new banknote of 10 or 50 yuan, or money can be sent via the Red Packet feature in WeChat. When choosing the amount, numerology is important: combinations of 6, 8, and 9 are considered lucky, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and longevity, while 4 is avoided due to its association with “death.” 666 yuan is considered auspicious and conveys “all is well.”
Modesty and thoughtfulness in gift selection are often valued over expense. High-quality corporate souvenirs and items reflecting your country’s culture are well-received. In Hong Kong and Singapore, practical, premium gifts such as elegant stationery, desk accessories, or gift cards are appreciated. In China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, popular gifts include baskets with dried seafood, mushrooms, tea, nuts, fruits, or sweets. Avoid giving clocks, sharp objects, umbrellas, or pears, which are associated with bad luck. White or black packaging may signify mourning. Bright red and gold packaging is safest and festive.
If meeting partners in person is not planned, it is appropriate to send a greeting card or a short message via messenger or email: