Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival. This is a family celebration and all members of the family will gather at home. You should expect a reduction in services during this festival as many offices, including CITS work restricted hours. Some means of transport get over-crowded during this time, particularly the traffic between the Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The main focus of this festival is the great family meal, visits to relatives and throwing crackers. Traditionally, sacrifies were offered to ancestors and gods, a custom that is still frequently followed in the countryside.