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Introduction to the Chinese Lunisolar New Year System

This documentation project examines:

  • The historical origin of the Chinese lunisolar calendar
  • The astronomical structure determining the New Year date
  • The transmission of the calendar to neighboring regions
  • The evolution of English terminology

The focus is historical and astronomical documentation.


  • The calendar system originated in ancient China.
  • The New Year date is determined by a Chinese-developed lunisolar framework.
  • Korea and Vietnam calculate the date using the same structural rules.
  • Japan historically used the same system but abandoned it in 1873.
  • The term “Lunar New Year” is a modern umbrella term.


All claims are supported by:

  • Academic publications
  • Historical records
  • Astronomical calculations
  • Encyclopedic references

This site does not diminish regional traditions. It distinguishes between calendrical origin and cultural evolution.