7 Things To Remember This CNY Holiday

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Chinese New Year is almost here! While we already know that CNY celebrations in a post-Covid world are entirely different than years past, what we couldn't have anticipated is that once again we've been met with even more complications.

Already, Beijing's latest flare-up has shifted students into online learning for the last week before the holiday and most schools will remain online well after the break concludes, with most reporting until at least Feb 21. I know, I know, we all hate online learning. But there’s a silver lining here: If you factor in the 14 day self-quarantine with online learning, technically you might be able to actually do a bit of traveling outside of Beijing – something that wasn’t previously an option for international school families. Of course, we're not necessarily recommending this, we're just pointing out the facts. Which is to say, don’t take our word for it since every international school has their own policy regarding student travel over the holiday. Check with your school before making any plans.

For those of us staying put in Beijing over CNY, here are seven reminders about this long holiday.

1

Ride hailing apps employ a large number of drivers who aren’t from Beijing, which means that during the country’s biggest migration of the year, it’s notoriously hard to get a Didi. Be patient and plan ahead when you’re thinking of going somewhere. Remember that there are public transportation options available as well.

2

Expect irregular operating hours. Businesses need to pay their staff three times their regular salary to work during the Chinese New Year, which is one of the reasons many businesses will choose to close or have limited hours during CNY. We recommend calling ahead, instead of assuming that your favorite places will be open during the holiday.

3

Avoid crowds whenever possible. There are cases of Covid in Beijing and it should be a no-brainer that if you do need to go out in public, mask up.

4

There’s no need to hoard. Before, in the old days, people would stock up on groceries before the CNY holiday since markets were largely closed. That’s no longer the case. There’s plenty of supermarkets that’ll remain open and delivery apps that will continue to operate throughout the entire holiday. But, be warned, food delivery services might be slower than what you’re used to due to limited staffing.

5

There are no temple fairs. There weren't any in 2020, nor were there last year, and there certainly won't be any this year.

6

Changes to Covid testing regulations. If you haven’t read the latest info yet, starting at midnight on Jan 22, to enter Beijing you’ll need a negative Covid test before departing wherever it is you are, and another within 72 hours of arriving in Beijing.

7

There are no fireworks in Beijing. Not even at Universal Studios.

Images: Pexels

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