Written by Veronica |
Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival) is the most significant traditional celebration in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year in lunar calendar, and it is a time for family reunions and the exchange of all heartfelt blessings for a new chapter. In 2026, the Chinese Lunar New Year will fall on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse, seeing progress for those possessing great energy and endurance.
Exchanging Chinese New Year greetings and wishes is a meaningful tradition that reflects the deep cultural values of respect, goodwill, and hope for the year ahead. If you’re wondering about what to say when preparing red envelopes (hongbao), writing greeting cards, or sending messages to friends, family, or business partners during Chinese new year, this article will sure be useful to you.
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- Common Chinese New Year Greetings and Wishes
- Special Chinese New Year Greetings for 2026 (The Year of the Horse)
- Chinese New Year Greetings to Wish Wealth & Prosperity
- Chinese New Year Greetings for Happiness, Health & Peace
- Chinese New Year Wishes for Colleagues and Bosses
- Chinese New Year Greetings for Kids and Students
- Usual Chinese New Year Greetings for Any Occasion
- Funny and Modern Chinese New Year Wishes and Greetings for 2026
- Recommended Phrases and Quotes for CNY Greeting Cards
- Why the CNY Greetings and Wishes Matter?
- Tips for Sending Your Chinese New Year Wishes and Greetings in 2026
- Experience the Chinese New Year with China Xian Tour
Common Chinese New Year Greetings and Wishes
During the period around Chinese New Year, people always greet one another with auspicious phrases that express their best wishes for the year ahead. These Chinese New Year greetings are used almost everywhere: in person, over text messages, and on greeting cards. Below are some of the most frequently applied in Chinese New Year wishes.
1. 新年好 (Xīn Nián Hǎo) – Happy New Year!
Mandarin: xīn nián hǎo Cantonese: san nin hou
A warm, friendly phrase that often heard in the beginning of Chinese New Year. “新年好” is widely used in both formal and informal contexts and is suitable for all people.
- Example:
“你们一家新年好！” – Wishing you and your family a happy New Year!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s one of the easiest and most versatile greetings to use. “新年好” is absolutely a universal and cheerful way to start the new year with positivity.
2. 新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè) – Wishing You a Joyful New Year
Mandarin: xīn nián kuài lè Cantonese: san nin faai lok
This is the most recognized and widely used phrase during Chinese New Year and it literally means “Happy Chinese New Year”. This greeting can be used with virtually anyone, even strangers you run into on the street.
- Example:
“祝你新年快乐，万事如意！” – Wishing you a happy Chinese New Year and may everything go your way!
- Why It’s Special:
Its simplicity and positive tone make it perfect for starting conversations. And it’s a conventional phrase that everyone would use more than once during the festival.
3. 身体健康 (Shēn Tǐ Jiàn Kāng) – Wishing You Good Health
Mandarin: shēn tǐ jiàn kāng Cantonese: san tai gin hong
In translation, it means “May you have good health.” In Chinese culture, health is always considered the foundation of one’s life-long happiness and success. As a result, this phrase can go for all contexts.
- Example:
“祝您新年快乐，身体健康！” – Wishing you a happy New Year and good health!
- Why It’s Special:
This phrase reflects one’s genuine concern about others. It’s perfect for you to use to deliver greetings that go beyond surface-level.
4. 万事如意 (Wàn Shì Rú Yì) – May All Go As You Wish
Mandarin: wàn shì rú yì Cantonese: maan si yu yi
This elegant, classic and poetic phrase is often coming out together with other greetings. It can deliver good wishes in all aspects of life.
- Example:
“新的一年，祝你万事如意!” – May all your wishes come true In the new year!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s one of the most comprehensive Chinese blessings that suitable for basically all situations. Use it whenever you feel like to offer well-rounded and heartfelt wishes.
5. 吉祥如意 (Jí Xiáng Rú Yì) – Wishing You Good Fortune and Everything As You Wish
Mandarin: jí xiáng rú yì Cantonese: gat cheung yu yi
“吉祥如意” is an auspicious greeting often used in Chinese New Year. It expresses meanings of both “good luck” (吉祥) and “everything going smoothly” (如意).
- Example:
“新春佳节，祝你吉祥如意，幸福美满！” – Here comes the joyful festival, I truly wish good luck be with you and may your life be full of happiness!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s a versatile wish that sounds both respectful and heartfelt. It can be used in basically all context—formal or informal—and conveying a tone of deep warmth.
Special Chinese New Year Greetings for 2026 (The Year of the Horse)
2026 is the Year of the Horse according to Chinese zodiac, which symbolizes nature of energy, freedom, endurance and progress. In the very beginning of the year, it’s common for people to include horse-themed blessings when sending Chinese New Year greetings, especially to people born in the Year of the Horse or those about to start new ventures in 2026. Here are some are traditional phrases blended with the horse’s spirited nature.
1. 马到成功 (Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng) – May You Achieve Success As Soon As Possible
Mandarin: mǎ dào chéng gōng Cantonese: ma dou sing gung
In translation, it means “getting success upon the arrival of the horse (in a battlefield).” It’s used to deliver a wish for one’s fast and decisive success.
- Example:
祝你马到成功，事业蒸蒸日上! – Wishing you instant success and a thriving career!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s especially popular in business and academic contexts or to encourage someone who’s going to take a new challenge in the new year.
2. 龙马精神 (Lóng Mǎ Jīng Shén) – Wishing You Energy and Vitality
Mandarin: lóng mǎ jīng shén Cantonese: lung ma zing san
A poetic phrase combining the symbolism of dragon and horse, this phrase often used to describe robust spirit and perseverance. It’s ideal to use it for cheering seniors or those recovering from illness.
- Example:
愿您新年龙马精神，健康长寿！– Wishing you vitality and a long, healthy life!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s a refined, respectful phrase showing admiration and also goodwill for one’s health, perfect as blessings to elders, mentors, or health-conscious friends in the New Year.
3. 一马当先 (Yī Mǎ Dāng Xiān) – May You Always Take the Lead
Mandarin: yī mǎ dāng xiān Cantonese: yat ma dong sin
Literally means “one horse leads the way” in English, this phrase symbolizes taking leadership and initiative. It’s a typical greeting in Chinese New year for people striving for excellence.
- Example:
新一年里祝你一马当先，领先群雄！– Wishing you can outshine other brilliant people in your job this year!
- Why It’s Special:
It’s a quite encouraging and aspirational phrase. And it is common for people to use it in most career contexts such as New Year speeches of leaders or greeting cards for colleagues.
4. 一马平川 (Yī Mǎ Píng Chuān) – May You Ride Smoothly on Open Roads
Mandarin: yī mǎ píng chuān Cantonese: yat ma ping chyun
Literal explanation of this phrase is “a horse galloping across flat plains.” It’s a poetic way to wish someone a trouble-free year which is filled with steady progress.
- Example:
新年新气象，祝你一马平川，事业顺利，生活无忧！– I wish you would ride on smooth roads, succeed in your career in the new year!
- Why It’s Special:
“一马平川” emphasizes on a steady and calm path forward. It’s widely applied for wishing peace and progress to anyone starting something new.
Chinese New Year Greetings to Wish Wealth & Prosperity
Money-related Chinese New Year greetings are especially popular. These wishes reflect the deep-rooted cultural importance of prosperity, abundance, and financial growth in the new year. You can say them to business partners, colleagues, clients, bosses, and even friends or family members.
Whether you’re writing a New Year’s card, sending a message, or greeting someone at a Spring Festival banquet, these expressions convey your heartfelt hope for their flourishing financal conditions and successful ventures in the coming year.
1. 恭喜发财 (Gōngxǐ Fācái) – Wishing You Wealth and Prosperity
Mandarin: gōng xǐ fā cái Cantonese: gung hei faat choi
It is the most iconic and widely used New Year greeting in Chinese for financial success. In translation, it means “congratulations and may you make a fortune.”
- Example:
恭喜发财，红包拿来！– I wish you wealth and prosperity, and now hand over the red envelope to me!
2. 财源广进 (Cáiyuán Guǎngjìn) – May Wealth Flow in from All Directions
Mandarin: cái yuán guǎng jìn Cantonese: choi yun gwong zeon
This greeting conveys a wish for money and opportunities to come from every possible source—business, investments, luck, etc.
- Example:
祝您新年财源广进，生意兴隆，日进斗金! – May wealth pour in from all directions and your business thrives daily!
3. 财源滚滚 (Cáiyuán Gǔngǔn) – May Your Wealth Keep Rolling In
Mandarin: cái yuán gǔn gǔn Cantonese: choi yun gwan gwan
In translation, it means wishing you a continuous and abundant income, like waves of fortune rolling in non-stop.
- Example:
新的一年，祝你财源滚滚，富贵连连！ – May wealth keep rolling in and riches come endlessly!
4. 年年有余 (Nián Nián Yǒu Yú) – Wishing You Abundance Year After Year
Mandarin: nián nián yǒu yú Cantonese: nin nin yau yu
This is a classic Chinese New Year blessing tied to wealth and prosperity. The phrase literally means “May you have surplus every year.” There’s a play on words here: in Chinese “余” (yú) sounds exactly like “鱼” (also yú), meaning “fish,” since that most families would serve fish at their New Year’s Eve dinner as a symbol of abundance.
- Example:
“祝你年年有余，财源广进！” – Wishing you abundance every year and wealth flowing in from all directions!
5. 生意兴隆 (Shēngyì Xīnglóng) – May Your Business Flourish
Mandarin: shēng yì xīng lóng Cantonese: sang yi hing lung
“May your business be prosperous and thriving”. A classic blessing used for businesspeople, wishing their ventures prosperity and great performance.
- Example:
祝您新年生意兴隆，客户满门！– Wishing your business flourishes with a full house of clients!
6. 日进斗金 (Rì Jìn Dǒu Jīn) – May You Make a Bucket of Gold Each Day
Mandarin: rì jìn dǒu jīn Cantonese: yat zeon dau gam
An exaggerated but joyful wish for daily riches—ideal for ambitious professionals or businesses.
- Example:
祝你日进斗金，财运亨通！– Wishing you earn a bucket of gold every day and enjoy financial luck!
7. 大吉大利 (Dàjí Dàlì) – Wishing You Great Luck and Profits
Mandarin: dà jí dà lì Cantonese: daai gat daai lei
“Big luck and big profit.” “吉” means luck and “利” means profit, so this phrase is about blessing people a New Year wth both good fortune and monetary success in Chinese.
- Example:
大吉大利，鸿运当头！– May you enjoy great luck and soaring prosperity!
8. 鸿运当头 (Hóngyùn Dāngtóu) – May Good Fortune Be Right in Front of You
Mandarin: hóng yùn dāng tóu Cantonese: hung wan dong tau
A vivid blessing that good luck is “leading” you—especially powerful for those starting new jobs or projects in the New Year.
- Example:
祝你鸿运当头，马到成功！– May good fortune lead your way, and may success follow!
Chinese New Year Greetings for Happiness, Health & Peace
Not every Chinese New Year greeting is about fortune or wealth, there are more about heartfelt expressions of care, love, and well-being. These blessings are typically shared with anyone you hold dear. They’re perfect for showing warmth and genuine affection during the festive season.
1. 阖家欢乐 (Héjiā huānlè) – Joy to the Whole Family
Mandarin: hé jiā huān lè Cantonese: hap gaa fun lok
In English it means, “may your whole family together with happiness.” This greeting is perfect for sending blessings to others during this festival of reunions.
- Example:
新春佳节，祝您阖家欢乐，幸福美满！ – Wishing your whole family share joy and happiness in the New Year!
2. 平平安安 (Píngpíng ān’ān) – Wishing You Safety and Peace
Mandarin: píng píng ān ān Cantonese: ping ping on on
You can understand this phrase as “safe and sound” in English. It is a common blessing for anyone you care about during not just Chinese New Year but any moment in your daily life.
- Example: 祝你新年平平安安，出入无忧！– May you have a peaceful and safe New Year!
3. 心想事成 (Xīnxiǎng shìchéng) – May All Your Wishes Come True
Mandarin: xīn xiǎng shì chéng Cantonese: sam soeng si sing
It’s both poetic and powerful, expresses the genuine hope that everything one wishes for will become reality.
- Example:
新年快乐，心想事成！– Happy New Year and may all your dreams come true!
4. 福寿安康 (Fúshòu ānkāng) – Blessing, Longevity, and Good Health
Mandarin: fú shòu ān kāng Cantonese: fuk sau on hong
This phrase is best for older people (like your relatives or mentors), which shows your respect and care for them.
Example: 祝爷爷奶奶福寿安康，新年快乐！– Wishing grandma and grandpa a joyful New Year with good health and longevity!
5. 步步高升 (Bùbù gāoshēng) – Step by Step to Greater Heights
Mandarin: bù bù gāo shēng Cantonese: bou bou gou sing
This is a classic blessing in Chinese, which is typically used as a good wish for people like students, professionals, or anyone aiming for promotion and self-improvement (at the start of a new year).
- Example:
祝你新年步步高升，事业顺利！– Wishing you steady success and promotion in the new year!
6. 快乐常伴 (Kuàilè chángbàn) – May Joy Always Be With You
Mandarin: kuài lè cháng bàn Cantonese: faai lok soeng bun
It is sure a sweet and heartfelt phrase that people would usually say to their close friends, children, or loved ones, in hope to bless them a joyful year ahead.
- Example:
祝你快乐常伴，天天开心！ – May joy and happiness be with you like always!
7. 喜气洋洋 (Xǐqì yángyáng) – Full of Joy and Festive Cheer
Mandarin: xǐ qì yáng yáng Cantonese: hei hei joeng joeng
In translations, it means “overflowing with happiness”. It is often used for blessing couples, families, or groups who are celebrating together with you in a written form.
- Example:
祝你新年喜气洋洋，阖家幸福！ – May your New Year be full of festive joy and family happiness!
8. 花开富贵 (Huā kāi fùguì) – Blossoms Bring Wealth
Mandarin: huā kāi fù guì Cantonese: faa hoi fu gwai
In literal translation, it means “flowers bloom and bring riches”. People often use it to wish a prosperity that blooming like flowers. This greeting is perfect for people who’s about start a new chapter.
- Example:
愿你花开富贵，生活美满幸福!– May your life blossom with beauty, blessings and wealth!
Chinese New Year Wishes for Colleagues and Bosses
There are also many profession-related New Year greetings that are ideal for all workplace contacts. Whether you’re writing a greeting card or offering in-person wishes, these phrases can all show your respect and encouragement for their professional success.
1. 工作顺利 (Gōngzuò shùnlì) – May Your Work Go Smoothly
Mandarin: gōng zuò shùn lì Cantonese: gung zok seon lei
This is one of the most typical Chinese greetings applied in workplaces during spring festival (also suitable in other times). It’s simple, sincere, and suitable anyone you would encounter in work.
- Example:
新年快乐，祝您新的一年工作顺利，万事顺心！- May your work go smoothly in this year.
2. 事业有成 (Shìyè yǒu chéng) – Wishing You Career Success
Mandarin: shì yè yǒu chéng Cantonese: si jip jau sing
This is a respectful and ambitious greeting often give to bosses, mentors, or business partners.
- Example:
值此新春佳节，祝您事业有成，大展宏图！- Wishing you success in your career in the new year!
3. 升官发财 (Shēngguān fācái) – Be Promoted and Prosper
Mandarin: shēng guān fā cái Cantonese: sing gun faa coi
It’s a bold and cheerful wish, suitable for close colleagues or longtime business partners who appreciate a humorous and enthusiastic tone for blessing.
- Example:
愿你新年升官发财，财源广进！- May you get promoted and becoming wealthier in the new year!
4. 前程似锦 (Qiánchéng sì jǐn) – A Glorious Future Ahead
Mandarin: qián chéng sì jǐn Cantonese: cin cing ci gam
This poetic phrase describes a bright and promising path of one’s future, and it is excellent to say to young people at the beginning of a year.
- Example:
祝你前程似锦，鹏程万里！- Wishing you a bright future and a long, successful journey!
5. 财运亨通 (Cáiyùn hēngtōng) – Smooth and Abundant Wealth Luck
Mandarin: cái yùn hēng tōng Cantonese: coi wan hang tung
This one is used mostly for business associates or corporate clients, emphasizing financial success and smooth operations.
- Example:
新年快乐，祝贵公司财运亨通，业绩长虹！- May your company enjoy smooth wealth luck and strong performance!
6. 业绩长虹 (Yèjì chánghóng) – Outstanding Performance
Mandarin: yè jì cháng hóng Cantonese: jip zik coeng hung
A contemporary phrase often used in sales or corporate conversations, delivering a wish for record-breaking results in work.
- Example:
祝新年业绩长虹，旗开得胜！- Wishing you outstanding performance and success from the very start of the year!
7. 蒸蒸日上 (Zhēngzhēng rìshàng) – May Your life Rise Day by Day
Mandarin: zhēng zhēng rì shàng Cantonese: zing zing jat soeng
This is a highly positive and uplifting expression in Chinese, commonly used to wish someone getting steady improvement in all aspects of life, especially career. It fits well in both formal and informal greetings, and it would be warm to give people this greeting in the very beginning of the new year.
- Example:
祝您事业蒸蒸日上！
– Wish your career rise steadily!
8. 再创佳绩 (Zàichuàng jiājì) – Wishing You Greater Achievements Ahead
Mandarin: zài chuàng jiā jì Cantonese: zoi cong gaa zak
This greeting expresses the hope for continued excellence and outstanding results. It’s ideal to say it to your business partners, clients, teams, or coworkers, showing your great confidence in future collaboration in the new year.
- Example:
新年伊始，愿我们携手再创佳绩，共赢未来！
– As the new year begins, may we achieve even greater success together and share a prosperous future!
Chinese New Year Greetings for Kids and Students
Don’t miss the New Year blessings which are perfect for encouraging children and students. In Chinese culture, spring is a quite crucial season for young learners, as they are expected to make a good start of study for the coming year. Here are some common greetings carry hopeful wishes for academic success, personal growth, and a bright future.
1. 学习进步 (Xuéxí jìnbù) – Make Progress in Your Studies
Mandarin: xué xí jìn bù Cantonese: hok zaap zeon bou
This common greeting expresses simple wishes for students to improve steadily in their studies. It’s ideal for teachers, relatives, or elders to say to kids or younger students.
- Example:
祝你学习进步，天天向上！
– Wishing you continuous progress and improvement!
2. 学业有成 (Xuéyè yǒu chéng) – Getting Academic Success
Mandarin: xué yè yǒu chéng Cantonese: hok jip jau sing
This rather formal and respectful greeting is more suitable for older students, especially those in their senior year or those going to graduate from higher education.
- Example:
新年快乐，祝你学业有成，金榜题名！
– Happy New Year and may you succeed in your studies!
3. 才高八斗 (Cái gāo bā dǒu) – May You Be Exceptionally Talented
Mandarin: cái gāo bā dǒu Cantonese: coi gou ba dau
Originally it is used to praise literary talent,however, it has now become a blessing for outstanding intelligence and achievement.
- Example:
祝你才高八斗，前途无量！
– Wishing you exceptional talent and a limitless future!
4. 聪明伶俐 (Cōngmíng línglì) – May You Be Smart and Quick-Witted
Mandarin: cōng míng líng lì Cantonese: cung ming ling lai
Often said to praise or bless young children, this phrase wishes them intelligence, liveliness, and charm.
- Example:
祝你聪明伶俐，讨人喜欢！
– Wishing you to be smart, lively, and loved by everyone!
5. 金榜题名 (Jīnbǎng tímíng) – Succeed in Important Exams
Mandarin: jīn bǎng tí míng Cantonese: gam bong tai meng
This phrase is rooted in the imperial examination system and it now refers to achieving top marks in school tests or big exams. And it is particularly meaningful for students who’ll have their College Entrance Examination in the coming year.
- Example:
祝你金榜题名，前途无量！
– May your name shine on the honor roll, and may your future be limitless!
Usual Chinese New Year Greetings for Any Occasion
Below are some universal Chinese New Year greetings which are appropriate for almost anyone and any setting. They’re classic, easy to remember, and always festive.
1. 岁岁平安 (Suìsuì píng’ān) – Peace Year After Year
Mandarin: suì suì píng ān Cantonese: seoi seoi ping on
This is a beautiful phrase which is used to wish safety and peace for others in each coming year. So you can basically say it as a Chinese New Year greeting in every spring festival.
- Example:
春节快乐，岁岁平安！
– Happy Spring Festival and peace all year round!
2. 万福临门 (Wànfú línmén) – May Thousands of Blessings Come to Your Door
Mandarin: wàn fú lín mén Cantonese: maan fuk lam mun
This is a grand Chinese New Year greeting, and it tells a wish for immense blessings and good luck arriving at one’s door. You can often see it in festive couplets, greeting cards, and also holiday messages.
- Example:
祝您万福临门，好运连连！
– I wish you would have endless good fortune in the new year!
3. 金玉满堂 (Jīnyù mǎntáng) – A Home Full of Treasures
Mandarin: jīn yù mǎn táng Cantonese: gam juk maan tong
In translation, this phrase means a home full of gold and jade. It’s a refined and auspicious blessing especially popular for household greetings or home décor during the New Year. It expresses your wish for others to have richness and wealth in their life.
- Example:
祝您金玉满堂，财源滚滚来！
– Wishing your home be filled with riches and wealth rolls in endlessly!
4. 一帆风顺 (Yīfān fēngshùn) – May Everything Go Smoothly
Mandarin: yī fān fēng shùn Cantonese: jat faan fung seon
Originally, it is used to describe a sailboat which can catch the wind and gliding forward effortlessly. Now it has become a classic blessing to wish someone a smooth and obstacle-free journey in life.
- Example:
祝你一帆风顺，万事如意！– May everything go smoothly and may all your wishes come true!
5. 春风得意 (Chūnfēng déyì) – May Spring Winds Bring You Success
Mandarin: chūn fēng dé yì Cantonese: ceon fung dak ji
This poetic phrase implies riding the momentum of success is much like enjoying the pleasant breeze in spring. It’s an elegant way to bless someone with great achievements and joyous progress, especially in their career or new ventures.
- Example:
祝你春风得意，好运连连！
– Wishing you success and smooth progress like riding the spring wind!
Funny and Modern Chinese New Year Wishes and Greetings for 2026
1. 恭喜发财，红包拿来 (Gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo nálái) – Congrats on Your Wealth, Now Hand Over the Red Envelope!
Mandarin: gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái Cantonese: gung hei faat coi, hung bou naai loi
This line is probably the most famous playful greeting you’ll hear during Chinese New Year, and it is widely used among kids and young adults. It starts with the classic blessing, then flips into a humorous demand for a red envelope—because what’s New Year without lucky money?
2. 吃嘛嘛香，身体倍儿棒 (Chī ma ma xiāng, shēntǐ bèir bàng) – May You Eat Well and Feel Even Better
Mandarin: chī ma ma xiāng, shēn tǐ bèi ér bàng Cantonese: hek mat mat ho mei, san tai baai baang
A humorous and catchy New Year greeting that wishes someone good appetite and excellent health condition. It’s funny and humorous, especially warm for foodies or those who love holiday feasts.
3. 财神住你家 (Cáishén zhù nǐ jiā) – May the God of Wealth Move into Your House
Mandarin: cái shén zhù nǐ jiā Cantonese: coi san zyu nei gaa
This is a humorous exaggeration that expresses the hope that not only does wealth come your way—but that the God of Wealth actually settles down at your place!
Recommended Phrases and Quotes for CNY Greeting Cards
Looking for meaningful and elegant Chinese New Year quotes for your greeting cards in 2026? Whether you’re writing to clients, colleagues, or loved ones, the following phrases will help you convey your best wishes with style and sincerity.
- 恭贺新禧，四季平安 (gōng hè xīn xǐ, sì jì píng ān) – Wishing you a joyful New Year and peace in all four seasons.
- 吉祥如意，阖家幸福 (jí xiáng rú yì, hé jiā xìng fú) – Good fortune as you wish, and happiness for the whole family.
- 岁岁平安，年年有余 (suì suì píng ān, nián nián yǒu yú) – Peace every year, and abundance year after year.
- 步步高升，前程似锦 (bù bù gāo shēng, qián chéng sì jǐn) – Step by step to success, and may your future be glorious.
- 春回大地，万象更新 (chūn huí dà dì, wàn xiàng gēng xīn) – As spring returns to Earth, all things are renewed.
- 金玉满堂，喜气洋洋 (jīn yù mǎn táng, xǐ qì yáng yáng) – May your halls be filled with treasures and joy overflow.
- 新春快乐，福星高照 (xīn chūn kuài lè, fú xīng gāo zhào) – Happy Spring Festival, and may the lucky star shine bright on you.
- 万事如意，心想事成 (wàn shì rú yì, xīn xiǎng shì chéng) – May everything go as you wish, and all your dreams come true.
Why the CNY Greetings and Wishes Matter?
Chinese New Year is not just a time for celebration, it is also a moment for building connection with family and friends, showing gratitude for people who have helped you, and expressing hope for the next year.
As a result, in Chinese culture, sharing New Year greetings (祝福语, zhùfú yǔ) has long become a key tradition, it allows everyone to use the simple but festive words to express their heartfelt blessings and add a touch to the new year atmosphere.
These greetings are more than formality—they reflect one’s deep sincerity and respect. In a culture where words are often symbolic, a well-chosen blessing can always deliver joy, convey good fortune, and strengthen relationships. That’s why thoughtfully selected Chinese New Year wishes are deeply meaningful in both personal and professional contexts
Tips for Sending Your Chinese New Year Wishes and Greetings in 2026
When offering Chinese New Year blessings in 2026, a few thoughtful touches can make your message more sincere, appropriate, and culturally resonant.
Use “祝您” to Start the Sentence
Chinese blessings typically begin with “祝您” (zhù nín)—meaning “I wish you”—to create a complete and polite sentence.
Tailor Your Messages for Specific Recipients
It is important to tailor your messages for diffent people, which can, on the one hand, show your sincerity and, on the other hand, make them feel happy and touched. For example, for friends or students, “学业进步” (academic progress) is an appropriate blessing and don’t forget to plus some words that you just want to tell her/him.
Incorporate Auspicious Elements for the Year of the Horse
2026 is the Year of the Horse, and it would be a good idea to include some horse-related blessings in messages. Use them especially when you want to greet someone that actually born in the Year of Horse.
The following are popular words in China.
- Mǎshàng yǒu qián (马上有钱):means”Have money immediately”.
- mǎ lì quán kāi(马力全开): means “Wish you have a promising fortune in all aspects”.
- ….Mǎshàng dào (马上到):means “…arriving immediately.” You can add any blessings you like at the beginning of the sentence. For example, hǎo yùn mǎshàng dào（好运马上到）, which means “good luck arriving immediately”.
Consider Age and Relationship Dynamics
Elderly recipients usually appreciate wishes for health and longevity, while children might enjoy more lively and joyful blessings. Business contacts or colleagues often expect wishes for prosperity and success in the new year. Matching your words to their role, status and also your relationship with them is thoughtful and culturally respectful.
Digital Greeting & WeChat Etiquette
Nowadays, the digital greeting has become the mainstream for New Year greetings and Wechat is the main platform. Besides the formal blessings, it is also very popular to send animated Horse stickers, which is more lively. To get the stickers, you can click the “smiling face” icon at the top of input box of any chat interface. Then click the search icon on the top right corner and input the keyword, such as horse. Finally, choose the one you like and click to send. You can also use it in daily life.
Say Sui Sui Ping An (岁岁平安) When Break the Plates or Bowls
During the New Year, it is common to break the plates or bowls. In this situation, Chinese will always say “Sui Sui Ping An”. It means “May every year be peaceful and safe.” The reason is that break (碎) pronouns the same as years of age (岁) in Chinese. This clever connection transforms the unpleasant thing into a wish, showing the optimistic and open-minded life wisdom of the Chinese.
Experience the Chinese New Year with China Xian Tour
As the grandest festival in China, Chinese New Year is the best time to experience the Chinese culture. In almost all cities in China, there are various activities and folk performances. You can also take part in to feel the joyous atmosphere. But the train ticket is hard to book because all Chinese will go home to travel around during this time. China Xian Tour can offer help if you need. We are also willing to recommend the cities with the strongest atmosphere and tailor a trip for you. No matter you want to include the major attractions or experience unique activities, we will make every effort to arrange them. So do not hesitate to contact us.
