Latest Chinese New Year News

China's manufacturing activity expands in March after a 5-month lull

Mar. 31, 2024 00:48 AM EDT

BEIJING (AP) — Manufacturing in China expanded in March after contracting for five consecutive months, according to an official survey of factory managers released Sunday, suggesting a rebound in industrial activities following the Lunar New Year holiday. The official purchasing...

China's manufacturing activity contracts for 5th straight month despite policy support

Feb. 29, 2024 23:52 PM EST

HONG KONG (AP) — Manufacturing in China contracted for a fifth consecutive month in February, according to an official survey of factory managers released Friday, reflecting persistent weakness in the economy ahead of annual legislative meetings where officials are expected to boost policy...

Dragons and dancers parade through Manhattan's Chinatown for Lunar New Year

Feb. 25, 2024 19:54 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Dragons took a starring role at the Lunar New Year parade in Manhattan’s historic Chinatown on Sunday — it’s the Year of the Dragon, after all — as hundreds of revelers filled the cold clear air with the sound of drums, cymbals and puffs of confetti. Lions...

China cuts key interest rate in latest move to boost its ailing property sector

Feb. 20, 2024 09:20 AM EST

BANGKOK (AP) — China’s central bank announced Tuesday that it cut its 5-year loan prime rate while leaving its 1-year rate unchanged in the latest move to ease pressures on the ailing property market. The 5-year rate was lowered by 0.25 basis points to 3.95% while the 1-year rate...

Stock market today: Asian shares trade mixed after Wall Street was closed for a holiday

Feb. 19, 2024 22:11 PM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were trading mixed Tuesday a day after Chinese markets reopened from a long Lunar New Year holiday. Wall Street trading was closed Monday in the United States for President's Day. Investors were generally turning less optimistic because of expectations...

At start of Lunar Year of the Dragon, China seeks to assert its own interpretation of cultural icon

Feb. 16, 2024 08:14 AM EST

BEIJING (AP) — At the start of the Lunar Year of the Dragon, China is seeking to assert its own interpretation of the cultural icon that dates back centuries in both Eastern and Western cultures. The Lunar New Year holiday that began on Feb. 10 is celebrated in countries across...

The Lunar New Year of the Dragon flames colorful festivities across Asian nations and communities

Feb. 10, 2024 14:33 PM EST

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — With fireworks, feasts and red envelopes stuffed with cash for the kids, numerous Asian nations and overseas communities have welcomed Saturday the Lunar New Year. It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first...

AP PHOTOS: Asia welcomes Lunar New Year of the Dragon with temple visits and celebrations

Feb. 10, 2024 03:31 AM EST

People across Asia welcomed the Lunar New Year on Saturday with family gatherings, festivals and temple visits to ask for blessings. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China, a time for reunions with relatives and friends and to enjoy festive feasts. Each year...

Stock market today: Tokyo hits 30-year high, with many Asian markets shut for Lunar New Year holiday

Feb. 08, 2024 23:57 PM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mostly higher Friday as Tokyo’s benchmark momentarily touched a 34-year high, while many regional markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.5% to 37,029.91, slipping back from earlier gains. ...

What is Lunar New Year and how is it celebrated?

Feb. 08, 2024 08:18 AM EST

On Feb. 10, Asian American communities around the U.S. will ring in the Year of the Dragon with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and other festivities. In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities,...