blogs / 11 Jan 2024

lunar new year 2024 – ushering in the year of the dragon!

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Chinese people across the globe. The widely celebrated holiday lasts 16 days, from the eve of the festival on February 9th to the Lantern Festival on February 24, 2024. This year, we welcome the Year of the Dragon!

2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, also known as the Year of the Green Dragon in Chinese Astrology. The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese Zodiac, representing power, strength, and good fortune. The wood element adds creativity, flexibility, and generosity to the dragon’s personality. The wood dragon is also associated with the “life force” or “chi” of wood, which brings growth and prosperity. People with wood in their Zodiac sign will have a lucky and prosperous year.

challenges for relocation in china

As China’s most important and festive holiday, the country will have a week-long holiday from February 9th to February 17th, when most businesses and offices will be closed. With COVID-19 under control in China, many people will travel to their hometowns or other destinations to reunite with their families and friends. This means that travel during this period will be very crowded and hectic, with long queues and delays at airports, roads, and trains.

International flights and travel to China are gradually resuming, and the mandatory quarantine requirement has been lifted for some countries. This makes relocating to China more feasible and convenient. However, expect some disruptions and challenges in immigration, household goods shipments, and moving services, as their availability will be limited during the holiday. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid relocating to China before or during the Chinese New Year.  

International assignees who plan to travel within China during the holiday should book their tickets early and be prepared for changes or cancellations. If you are driving, you should allow extra time for your trip, as traffic will be heavy. Assignees should also get updates on the latest COVID-19 and travel restrictions.

what will the year of the wood dragon bring?

According to Chinese Astrology, the dragon symbolizes ambition and courage, and 2024 will bring opportunities and challenges that will test our abilities and potential. We expect a more dynamic and exciting year as compared to the previous Year of the Rabbit. We will see a positive influence on people who are timid or passive as they become more confident and assertive. It is, therefore, an excellent time to pursue new dreams and goals. The Year of the Dragon is going to be a favorable time for most zodiac signs; we can expect success in work and business, with advancement and expansion opportunities. The Year of the Dragon brings energy, enthusiasm, and optimism.

Here at Cartus, we wish you a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year. May you and your family enjoy good health and fortune!

Follow the “Cartus” official account on WeChat for the latest relocation and immigration news in China.

Sanny Linawati

about the author

Sanny is the Global Director of Cartus Destination Services and currently based in Shanghai. She has more than 15 years of global mobility experience and leads the service delivery teams for the APAC region and oversees the account management and operations functions.