100+ Chinese New Year Trivia Questions & Answers for Work Teams

Chinese New Year celebrations are packed with vibrant traditions, lucky foods, folklore, and symbolic decorations. Instead of just talking about it, why not turn it into a fun game your team can enjoy together? Chinese New Year trivia is a great way to learn about the holiday while enjoying a festive battle of wits in a lively setting. 

To make hosting easy, we have listed 100+ Chinese New Year trivia questions and answers for your team. As a bonus, you’ll also find some useful tips to host a smooth trivia session at work. Let’s dive in.

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What Makes Chinese New Year Trivia a Fun Team Game?

Chinese New Year trivia works especially well for teams because it combines cultural learning, friendly competition, and inclusive participation, making it ideal for global and diverse workplaces. Research shows that trivia games can encourage lively interactions and increase workplace satisfaction by up to 30%. That’s why hosting a themed trivia game during Chinese New Year celebrations at work is a great idea to build a stronger team culture. 

100+ Chinese New Year Trivia Questions

Chinese New Year trivia questions should be inclusive and interesting enough to test your team’s cultural wits and promote diversity at work. Here are 100+ questions and answers for your team. 

1. History and Legends

Chinese New Year is rooted in history, folklore, and legendary tales passed down through generations. Here are a few questions to help you explore the same. 

Q: What is the traditional legend behind the Chinese New Year Celebrations?
A: The legend of Nian

Q: Which calendar system determines the date of the Chinese New Year?
A: Lunisolar Chinese Calendar

Q: What was the origin of the Chinese New Year before it became a cultural festival?
A: Ancient agrarian societies’ rituals around the lunar farming cycle

Q: Why is Chinese New Year also called the Spring Festival?
A: It celebrates the arrival of spring

Q: During which Chinese dynasty did Chinese New Year celebrations become standardized and popular?
A: Han Dynasty

Q: What color and sound were believed to frighten the Nian monster?
A: Red color and loud noises

Q: What is the significance of staying up late during Chinese New Year’s Eve?
A: To ward off evil spirits and pray for parents’ long life

Q: Who is associated with the introduction of the Chinese zodiac cycle?
A: The Jade Emperor 

Q: In Chinese Mythology, who is the guardian of the kitchen and reports to the Jade Emperor?
A: Zao Jun

Q: Why is the cat not part of the Chinese zodiac according to the myth of the zodiac race?
A: The rat tricked it

Q: Why is dragon dance performed during the Lunar New Year celebrations?
A: To bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits

Q: According to the Chang’e legend, what does the Moon Goddess hold as a symbol of her immortality?
A: Jade Rabbit

Q: What did people use to scare off the Nian beast before the introduction of firecrackers?
A: Burning bamboo stalks

Q: According to a Chinese Legend, what did the Ox do to help humanity?
A: Taught people to farm

Q: What does the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner symbolize?
A: Family reunion

Q: What historical event helped spread Chinese New Year traditions beyond China?
A: Mass migration 

Q: What ancient belief influenced the tradition of paying respects to elders during the Spring Festival?
A: Filial piety

Q: Why didn’t people sweep on the first day of the Chinese New Year?
A: To avoid removing good luck

2. Customs and Traditions

This category includes questions about the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year celebrations to help you find out how much your team knows about the festival.

Q: Why do Chinese families clean their homes before the New Year?
A: To remove bad luck

Q: Why do people put red Chinese New Year decorations?
A: To symbolize luck, happiness, and prosperity

Q: What is traditionally given in red envelopes during the Lunar New Year?
A: Money

Q: What greeting is commonly exchanged during the Lunar New Year?
A: Gong Xi Fa Cai

Q: What does the Lantern Festival signify?
A: The final day of the Lunar New Year

Q: Why were doors and windows opened at the start of the Chinese New Year?
A: To welcome good fortune

Q: Why do Chinese families visit elders during the Chinese New Year?
A: To show respect and gratitude

Q: Why do people avoid crying on Chinese New Year’s Day?
A: To avoid misfortune, sadness, and bad luck

Q: What number is traditionally considered lucky in Chinese culture?
A: Eight

Q: What citrus fruit is given in pairs for good luck?
A: Tangerines and oranges

Q: What Chinese New Year parade tradition includes drums and cymbals?
A: Dragon and Lion dance

Q: What colors are avoided during the Chinese New Year celebrations?
A: Black and white

Q: What character means “good fortune arrives” in Chinese?
A: Fú

Q: What do Chinese New Year Customs aim to attract?
A: Good luck, prosperity, and happiness

Q: Why are debts traditionally settled before the Chinese New Year?
A: To avoid financial misfortune

3. Cultural Symbols and Decorations

These Chinese New Year trivia questions focus on cultural symbols and decorations, including red lanterns, calligraphy couplets, mandarin oranges, and more. 

Q: Which color is commonly associated with Chinese New Year decorations?
A: Red

Q: What are the poetic lines displayed on doors called?
A: Spring couplets

Q: What character is often hung upside down to decorate homes for the New Year?
A: Fú

Q: Which fruit is commonly displayed during the Chinese New Year to symbolize wealth and good fortune?
A: Mandarin oranges

Q: Which decorative item is believed to ward off evil spirits in Chinese culture?
A: Firecrackers

Q: Which animal figure often appears in Chinese New Year decorations?
A: Dragon

Q: What decorative craft involves making designs on red paper?
A: paper cutting (Jianzhi) 

Q: Which flower symbolizes hope during the Chinese New Year?
A: Plum blossom

Q: What traditional hanging decoration is made by forming knots from red cord?
A: Chinese decorative knot

Q: What materials were originally used to craft red lanterns during the Chinese New Year?
A: Paper and silk

Q: What color is often paired with red in Chinese New Year decorations?
A: Gold

Q: What materials do Chinese people use to write spring couplets?
A: Red paper, brush, and ink

Q: What symbolic decoration is commonly placed on doors for protection?
A: Door gods (Menshen)

Q: What do images of children in Chinese New Year art symbolize?
A: Future prosperity and good fortune

Q: What does the lion hold in its mouth during the lion dance?
A: Lettuce and red envelopes

Q: What floral symbol represents good fortune and wealth in Chinese homes?
A: Peony

4. Chinese New Year Food Trivia

These Chinese New Year trivia questions cover lucky foods served during the celebratory feast and their meanings in Chinese culture. 

Q:  Why do Chinese people shape dumplings like ingots? 
A: To symbolize wealth

Q: Which food is eaten to represent togetherness and reunion?
A: Tangyuan (sweet rice balls)

Q: What is commonly served to symbolize abundance in Chinese culture?
A: A whole fish

Q: Which fruit is associated with good luck because of its color?
A: Mandarin orange

Q: Which cake’s name sounds like “higher year” in Chinese?
A: Nian Gao

Q: In Chinese culture, which food is traditionally not cut to preserve its meaning?
A: Longevity Noodles

Q: Which sweet ingredient is commonly used to represent a sweet year ahead in Chinese culture?
A: Sugar

Q: Which food is associated with prosperity due to Chinese wordplay?
A: Fish

Q: Which vegetable is linked to wealth because it resembles hair?
A: Black moss

Q: Which whole bird is served to represent completeness during a Lunar New Year feast?
A: Chicken

Q: Which dried seafood is linked to good fortune because of its Chinese name?
A: Dried oysters

Q: In China, which vegetable symbolizes family closeness when served whole?
A: Chinese cabbage

Q: Which fruit is commonly avoided during the Chinese New Year to avoid bad luck?
A: Pears 

Q: During the Chinese New Year, which nut is cracked open to welcome new opportunities?
A: Pistachio

Q: Which deep-fried snack is eaten during the Chinese New Year to represent prosperity?
A: Spring rolls

Q: What do lion’s head meatballs represent in a Chinese New Year feast?
A: Family unity

Q: What do shrimps represent during the Chinese New Year?
A: Happiness

Q: Which sweet soup is commonly served during Chinese New Year festive reunions?
A: Tangyuan soup

Q: Which grain symbolizes a strong foundation during the Chinese New Year?
A: Rice

5. Chinese Zodiac Signs and Animals

The Chinese zodiac cycle comprises various animals, each representing different traits and legends. This category covers Chinese New Year trivia questions on zodiac signs and animals to help you learn more about them.

Q: How many animals are there in the Chinese zodiac cycle?
A: Twelve

Q: Which animal starts the Chinese zodiac cycle?
A: Rat

Q: Which zodiac animal is known for strength and reliability?
A: Ox

Q: Which animal represents courage and confidence in the Chinese zodiac?
A: Tiger

Q: Which zodiac animal is associated with gentleness?
A: Sheep

Q: Which animal symbolizes power and good fortune?
A: Dragon

Q: Which Chinese zodiac sign is linked to wisdom and intuition?
A: Snake

Q: Which animal represents energy and enthusiasm?
A: Horse

Q: What does monkey represent in the Chinese zodiac?
A: Curiosity and cleverness

Q: According to legend, which trait helped the Rat rank first in the zodiac?
A: Cleverness

Q: Which animal finished last in the Great Zodiac Race?
A: Pig

Q: How many mythical animals are there in the Chinese zodiac?
A: One 

Q: Which zodiac animal prefers calm over conflict?
A: Goat and Rabbit

Q: What is the animal sign for people born in the year 2025?
A: Snake

Q: During the Chinese Zodiac race, which animal helped the rat win?
A: Ox

Q: Which Chinese zodiac animal is traditionally associated with early mornings?
A: Tiger and Rabbit

Q: Which zodiac animal is believed to dislike restrictions and routine?
A: Horse

Q: What is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac?
A: Rooster

Q: Which Chinese sign values fairness and justice above all?
A: Dog

6. Chinese New Year Around the World

The mass migration and the formation of the Chinese diaspora have brought Lunar New Year celebrations outside China. Here are some Chinese New Year trivia questions from celebrations around the world. 

Q: What is the Chinese New Year commonly called in Vietnam?
A: Tết Nguyên Đán

Q: Which city hosts one of the largest Chinese New Year parades in Europe?
A: London

Q: In which U.S. city is the oldest Chinatown in North America located?
A: San Francisco, California

Q: Which country officially recognizes Lunar New Year as Seollal?
A: South Korea and North Korea

Q: Which Australian city is known for large Lunar New Year festivals and dragon parades?
A: Sydney 

Q: Which Canadian cities host the largest Lunar New Year events?
A: Vancouver and Toronto

Q: In which country is Lunar New Year also known as Tsagaan Sar?
A: Mongolia

Q: What are the two Southeast Asian cities famous for their Chinatown Chinese New Year street celebrations?
A: Singapore and Bangkok

Q: Which country celebrates the Lunar New Year as Imlek?
A: Indonesia

Q: Which South American country has growing Lunar New Year celebrations due to Chinese migration?
A: Peru and Argentina

Q: Which European city celebrates the Lunar New Year in the 13th arrondissement?
A: Paris

Q: Which country celebrates the Lunar New Year alongside Songkran and Loy Krathong festivals?
A: Thailand

Q: Which Asian country calls Lunar New Year Losar?
A: Tibet

Q: Which city hosts Lunar New Year festivities at Federation Square?
A: Melbourne

Q: Which U.S. city celebrates the Lunar New Year in Flushing?
A: New York City

Q: Which continent has the fastest-growing Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia?
A: North America and Europe

Q: Which city in Argentina hosts vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations?
A: Buenos Aires

Tips to Host a Chinese New Year Trivia at Work

Now that you have a Chinese New Year trivia question bank, use these useful tips to host a fun and interesting trivia game for your team. 

• Keep Teams Small: Include 3 to 5 members per team so everyone can participate easily. 
• Include Diverse Questions: Mix simple cultural facts with more challenging ones to keep things exciting.
• Add Inclusive Questions: Frame questions to avoid stereotypes or sensitive topics. 
• Add Audio Visual Rounds: Include categories like ‘Name that Lucky Dish’ or ‘Guess the Zodiac Sign’ to make the questions more engaging. 
• Play Festive Music: Traditional music is perfect for setting the vibe and keeping everyone entertained between rounds. 
• Reward Teams: Offer small prizes to the winning team to encourage friendly competition and ensure maximum participation. 
• Rotate Team Leaders: Encourage teams to take turns submitting answers during each round so everyone can participate. 
• End with a Bonus Round: Include a rapid-fire round towards the end to add an element of surprise. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Chinese New Year trivia?

Chinese New Year trivia is a festive game where teams compete to answer various questions related to the holiday. Topics can include lucky food, Chinese New Year decorations, cultural symbols, and more. 

What are some of the best topics to frame Chinese New Year trivia questions and answers?

Festive food, traditions, lucky symbols, and celebrations around the world are some of the best topics to frame Chinese New Year trivia questions. 

How many categories should we have for Chinese New Year trivia?

We recommend including four to five categories for a sixty-minute session to keep everyone hooked throughout the event. 

What are five interesting facts about the Chinese New Year?

Here are five interesting facts about the festival –

• Chinese New Year is based on the Lunar Calendar, and the date changes yearly. 
• Each new year is associated with one of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals.
• Red is considered good luck and is used for clothing and decorations.
• The festive feast includes food items with symbolic meanings, like fish, which represent abundance.
• Firecrackers are set off during the festival to scare away evil spirits. 

What are the seven lucky foods for the Chinese New Year? 

Here are seven lucky foods in Chinese culture –

• Dumplings: Represent wealth and abundance.
• Mandarin Oranges: Represent wealth and good luck. 
• Fish: Sounds like abundance in Chinese.
• Sweet rice balls: Represent togetherness.
• Seaweed: Homophone for wealth.
• Noodles: Signifies long life.
• Whole Chicken: Represents completeness. 

Can everyone in my team answer trivia questions about Chinese New Year?

Absolutely! These questions are typically inclusive and educational, making them perfect for diverse teams to participate. The Chinese New Year trivia questions usually include a mix of easy cultural facts, lucky foods, and zodiac basics, along with a few tricky questions to keep things engaging. 

Is it possible to host Chinese New Year trivia virtually?

Yes. Select a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Create a list of trivia questions for Chinese New Year and assign a host to lead the session. Send out meeting invites with all the necessary details so everyone can join the event. Alternatively, opt for a virtual team building company for a fully hosted experience.