5 Tips for Business Travel during Chinese New Year

While the Western World settles back into business after their own New Years’ celebrations, about 1.5 billion people are gearing up for the most important festival in China’s history, the Chinese New Year. Similar to western Christmas, the Chinese New Year is much larger and more rooted in traditions. Unlike the first of January merriments, this festival doesn’t have a definitive annual date. It all depends on what’s happening up above. Following? The start of the Chinese New Year aligns with the first day of the lunar month (end of January or early February) and ends with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the lunar month. If you are travelling to this region during this period, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. This time of year can be chaotic for the poorly planned traveller so here are five tips to help you ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Book Your Flights Early

If you thought the normal New Years was busy enough, the Chinese New Year is the largest human migration of the year with over three billion travellers returning home or joining in on the party. Don’t expect to show up to the train station, airport or bus station to purchase a ticket on the spot as millions of Chinese are way ahead of you, camping out for days waiting for an available method of transport. If you’ve had dealings with Chinese business folk before, you would know that it’s incredibly rude to show up late, therefore make it your mission to avoid getting stuck by booking all flights and transfers far in advance.

Organise Your Hotel In Advance

Much like the chaos at found at transportation centres, hotels are likely to be on the same level of crazy. Especially in the major cities, travellers from all around the world will snatch up those hotel rooms fast. Be prepared and reserve a spot at least six months ahead.

Be Patient in the Crowds

Travelling around any kind of holiday is stressful for everyone, but with the influx of voyagers congregated in the one area, the Chinese New Year is one of the more intense to navigate. Remember to be patient when walking through crowded areas, and if possible, leave to reach your destination earlier than normal to ensure you arrive on time.

There Will Be Limited Business Hours

If meeting with other clients, be mindful that their opening hours will vary during this period. As this is the time when Chinese people make the journey back to their families, some restaurants, shops and offices will be closed.

Reserve Your Client Dinner ASAP

There are always going to be people who cannot be bothered preparing a meal on Chinese New Year so the next best option is to head out on the town to grab a bite to eat. Research places to take your like www.corporatetraveller.com.au/
Have you ever travelled for business over the Chinese New Year? What are your survival tips?

Written by Keryn Thomson