Skip to content
Lunisolar.org

Is the Chinese Calendar Truly Lunar?

Key Facts

Section titled “Key Facts”
  • The traditional Chinese calendar is lunisolar.
  • It synchronizes lunar months with the solar year.
  • The New Year is determined by astronomical rules tied to the winter solstice.

Lunar vs Lunisolar

Section titled “Lunar vs Lunisolar”

A purely lunar calendar (such as the Islamic Hijri calendar) does not correct for the solar year.

The Chinese calendar:

  • Begins months on astronomical new moons.
  • Inserts leap months to maintain seasonal alignment.
  • Anchors to the winter solstice.

The Second New Moon Rule

Section titled “The Second New Moon Rule”

Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.

This ensures seasonal consistency.

For historical development, see The Origin of the Chinese Lunisolar Calendar.

Further Reading

Section titled “Further Reading”