6 reasons why staying in Beijing over CNY is totally fine

Not going away these holidays? Look on the bright side

We're getting ready to ring in the Year of the Pig which means it's time to make plans for Chinese New Year. As the world's biggest human migration, whether you're travelling domestically or going overseas, the rush at this time of year is next level. 

Image: 热美妆荐 via Weibo

No, the picture above isn't the main stage at Glastonbury or Donald Trump's inauguration – there aren't enough people for it to be the latter, obviously – it's Beijing West Railway Station. Personal space is nothing more than an abstract concept, a dream, a fantasy. 

It's almost enough to make you not want to travel, right? And there's no shame in that. Here are just six reasons why staying in Beijing during CNY is totally fine.

You don't have to go to a train station or airport

Image: Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash

Remember that picture of Beijing West Railway Station you saw like 30 seconds ago? Horrifying wasn't it? If you don't travel outside of Beijing for Spring Festival, you don't have to worry about any of the horrors associated with train stations or airports. No ticket queues or bag checks. No unnecessary human contact or feelings of commuter's remorse. Have you ever actually stood next to another person? Gross. Yes, you'll probably still take the metro, but it'll actually be pleasantly quiet. Still expect an ayi to beat you to your seat though...

You don't have to visit family

GIF: via giphy

We don't mean this in a bad way, time with family should be cherished. But for many of us, Spring Festival means probing questions about love, life and work. 'Why are you still single?' 'How much are you getting paid?' 'What is Peppa Pig and why is it all over Family Mart?' Going home and hanging out with relatives can be stressful. Sure, the fridge is full and they're happy to see you, but the novelty soon wears off by the time the fifth member of your extended family asks you when you're going to get married. And think of all the money you're going to save on hongbao.

You won't have to queue for stuff

Image: Cory M. Grenier via Flickr

Fewer people in Beijing = less time waiting in line. The maths checks out. Imagine: first in line at your favourite coffee shop; not having to battle to get a table at your preferred brunch joint; your food delivery order turning up in less than 30 minutes. Dreamy. However, your bubble will be burst if you go anywhere vaguely touristy during the CNY period – think the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, etc. If you're ever walking down a lonely street and are wondering where all the people are at this time of year, they're probably at the Wall...

You can enjoy some quality me time

GIF: via giphy

As you already know, Beijing is a hectic city and it often feels like you're living life at 100mph. With everyone out of town, you have the perfect excuse to slow down, do nothing and not see anybody. Spend a week in bed. Watch all the films. Play an incredible amount of video games. Read a library's worth of books. Don't wear any clothes. Who cares? Human interaction is overrated, anyway.

You have time to mull over the things that really matter

Image: via Max Pixel

Who are we? Why are we here? Okay, maybe not issues that deeply philosophical, but the other things. Like, why has the person living in the apartment above us been drilling since 2015? Where did my ayi put my shoes? Why can't I find that new bar Arch? Why is that dog better dressed than its owner? Does the DJ at Elements know that the bass is far too heavy and that going there is like clubbing inside a vibrating Nokia 3210? Who stole my bike? You know, the big questions...

You can do all the cool things you've been putting off

Meaning to check out that art gallery for weeks? Now you can. Wanted to try ice skating but hated the thought of possible colleagues or friends watching you fall over in the distance? What about that hot spring you really wanted to soak in, but just hadn't gotten around to trying? Now you're in Beijing for the break, time to start ticking off that bucket list. (Just make sure you check it's open.)

For other great things to do in Beijing, hit 'Read more' below. 

You might have missed

More from Time Out Beijing

Stay up to date in Beijing