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Why the Date of Chinese New Year Changes Every Year
Feb 04, 2026

Why the Date of our "Spring Festival" Changes (and How We Plan for Your Orders) ??

As we approach the most significant holiday in China—the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival)—I often get asked by our global partners: "Why does the date change every year, and how do we plan around it?"

If you’ve noticed your production timelines shifting between January and February each year, here is a quick look behind the scenes of the Chinese calendar.

? The Science of the "Lunisolar" Calendar

Unlike the Gregorian calendar (which follows the Sun), the traditional Chinese calendar is Lunisolar.


  • It tracks the Moon’s phases to determine months.
  • Because a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a solar year, the New Year "drifts" annually.
  • To keep the festival in the correct season, we add a "leap month" every few years.


For 2026, the New Year officially begins on February 17th.

? Why This Matters for Your Supply Chain

In China, the Spring Festival is more than just a day off; it is a time for family reunions. This results in the "Spring Migration," where our team members travel back to their hometowns.

For our partners, this means:

  • Production Pause: Most manufacturing facilities pause for 10–14 days.
  • Logistics Buffer: Ports and trucking services often experience "pre-holiday rushes," so booking space early is critical.


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