How much money to put in a red envelope?

David Ho   |   February 3, 2021

2021农历新年越来越近
年味也越来越浓
想好怎样迎接新年了吗?

汉林祝大家

新年快乐，牛年大吉！

2021 放假安排 Holiday schedule

  • Image Courtesy of HCL
  • Image Courtesy of HCL

汉林春节放假时间为： 2021年2月9日—2月17日

9th February – 17th February

Image Courtesy of HCL

How much money to put in a red envelope?


Chinese new year is just around the corner. For ex-pats who are staying in China, you might have to face this tough situation – should I give red envelopes? If so, how much money should I put in it?

Here’s a guidance for you if you’re new to this tradition.

01 Who do you need to give red envelopes to?

  • 1.Elderly to young people/kids
  • 2.Young people who have jobs or are married to parents & grandparents & kids

Basically, if you’re working, you should prepare red envelopes for the kids in the family and your parents & grandparents. Its also nice and well-mannered to give red envelopes to your friends kids if you meet during the new year holiday.

In some places, like Guangdong Province, people who’re not married do not give envelopes. Because people see marriage as a sign of adulthood, not the age.

3.Business owners to employees

It’s very common for business owners to give employees red envelopes. It shows their appreciation for the hard work of the employees.

02 How much money should I put in the red envelopes?

There are different standers in different places. Here’s the map to show you.

You should avoid unlucky numbers like 4, 7, 250 for the amount of the money you put in the red envelopes.

Here are some recommended numbers: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000

For people who’re celebrating Chinese New Year in Putian area Fujian province, I would like to say good luck~

Image Courtesy of HCL
Image Courtesy of HCL

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Originally published on Hanlin Language Center