The annual Chinese New Year celebrations kick off in exactly one week's time (22 January) - in an event which celebrates the end of one Lunar Year and the beginning of the next.
Observed in a different fashion to the Gregorian calendar - which always holds New Year celebrations on January 1, the Lunar New Year always comes between January 21 and February 20, hence why it will be celebrated on January 22 this year.
2022's Year of the Tiger commenced on February 1, while 2021's Year of the Ox began February 12 respectively.
Read more: What time is Newcastle's Dragon Dance? Here is the schedule for Chinese New Year events
And billions of people all over the world will no doubt be ringing in 2023's Year of the Rabbit as it hops into the frame - and making the most of the 15-day celebration period which follows on. The North East, being a widely-cultural location of the UK also has a number of events on to take part in and make the most of, which you can find, here.
As well as taking part in the festivities on offer, you may also want to know how to greet people and wish them a Happy New Year in Chinese. So here, Chronicle Live breaks it down for you.
How to say Happy New Year in Chinese:
The simplest way to wish someone a Happy New Year is 新年快乐 or xīn nián kuài lè, which is pronounced shin nee-an kwai le. Another commonly used phrase is 'gong hei fat choy', although this doesn't translate completely.
Here, instead of wishing someone a Happy New Year, you are wishing that person a wealthy year ahead.
Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year runs in line with that of the Chinese Zodiac - which in-turn refreshes after a twelve year cycle.
So don't be surprised to hear some people saying
Therefore, some may say Happy Spring Festival which is 春节快乐 or chūn jiē kuài lè in Mandarin. This is pronounced chun zee faii law.
Will you be celebrating Chinese New Year in a week's time? Let us know in the comments!
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