New Year's Day in China, which is sometimes referred to as Yuan Dan, marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the calendar year. While it might not be treated as lavishly as the Chinese Lunar New Year, it is still a public holiday, providing a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Modern celebrations often include fireworks, dance, and music, similar to festivities around the globe.
The holiday is often spent with family members, starting with a traditional New Year's Eve dinner. The day might include exchanging gifts, decorating homes, and making resolutions for the new year. Some cities may provide public events in local parks or squares, countdowns, and concerts to attract both locals and tourists to celebrate together. Chinese television networks also broadcast special New Year's programs, which often include celebrity appearances, music, and comedy sketches.
Despite the gaiety, some Chinese maintain quiet traditions like memorializing ancestors at temples. Although people in China have officially celebrated New Year's Day on January 1 since 1912, when the country adopted the Gregorian calendar, the date is not as significant as the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, which is considered the most important annual holiday in China. However, the Western style New Year’s Day is widely celebrated, especially in the major cities.