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China's Lunar New Year: Families Skip Village Traditions

2/19/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

During the Lunar New Year, more people in China are choosing not to return to their villages and families.
Businessman Xue Gang, 44, said his parents are traveling within China instead of celebrating at home.
He noted that festive performances are rare in his village, so residents must travel to Shanghai.
Xue, who is in Penang, Malaysia, hopes to bring his parents there for future celebrations, reflecting shifting attitudes.

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Story summary

During the Lunar New Year, more people in China are choosing not to return to their villages and families.
Businessman Xue Gang, 44, said his parents are traveling within China instead of celebrating at home.
He noted that festive performances are rare in his village, so residents must travel to Shanghai.
Xue, who is in Penang, Malaysia, hopes to bring his parents there for future celebrations, reflecting shifting attitudes.