If Spring Festival is China's most important holiday, the Chinese Little New Year marks the beginning of the lively preparations leading up to it.

Customs vary by region. In northern China, it's celebrated on the 23rd day of the 12th month in the traditional Chinese calendar, while in most southern areas, it is observed on the 24th, which falls on Feb 11 this year.

Despite the differing dates, the spirit remains the same: a shared hope for a bright future and a warm, inspiring anticipation of the year ahead.

Honoring the Kitchen God

A key tradition is making offerings to the Kitchen God, who watches over the family's hearth and home. Legend says that on this day, he ascends to heaven to report the household's deeds to the Jade Emperor. To encourage a good report, families offer sticky sweets such as malt sugar candy and sesame candy, hoping to sweeten his words, along with fruits and pastries as a gesture of respect.

Annual clean-up

Another important ritual is the thorough cleaning of the home. Known as sao chen ("sweeping away dust"), it symbolizes removing the troubles of the past year and making space for new luck. Families work together to tidy every corner, leaving the house fresh and bright — and the spirit of the new year even stronger.

Celebratory treats

Food is central to the day's joy. In North China, families often gather to make dumplings, a warm, communal activity filled with chatter and laughter. In parts of the south, people eat niangao (sticky rice cake), whose auspicious meaning is "yearly improvement", expressing wishes for continuous prosperity. Festive snacks like crispy peanut candy and sesame cakes also fill the home with nostalgic, holiday flavors.

From Little New Year onward, excitement builds steadily. Travelers set out for home, hearts focused on reunion, as families everywhere look ahead to a joyful Spring Festival spent together.

Source: China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center