Throughout the festive period the color red can be seen just about everywhere. Red is the symbolic color for good luck and prosperity, therefore you will see red lanterns, red couplets and red paper cuttings that decorate shopping malls, offices and homes. Many children are very excited about the prospect of New Year as the older generation hand out red pockets (Hong Bao) filled with lucky money. Red pockets are usually handed out to children or adults that are not married. Married relatives and family are usually expected to hand out red pockets to family.

Over the celebratory period there are many superstitious things that cannot be done as it is believed to affect your luck for the coming year. Below are some of the things that cannot be done:
1. No housework should be done on the first 5 days of Chinese New Year especially sweeping the floor as this means you are sweeping away your good fortune.
2. Washing your hair on the first day of New Year is also a big no as this again symbolizes washing away your good luck.
3. For those who are extra superstitious it is believed that by wearing red underwear can ward off evil and bring you prosperity and fortune.

Travelling during the Chinese New Year is often chaotic due to high numbers of migrant workers returning to their hometowns for the festive holidays. This period is referred to as "Chunyun". Purchasing train tickets, flights and bus tickets during this period is troublesome. The high peak travel period usually begins 15 days before the Chinese New Year and comes to an end after 30 days. Travelling in China during this time is not ideal due to many migrants carrying lots of luggage and overcrowding on trains and buses.