The Spring Festival, China’s celebration of the Lunar New Year, has made it onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) world intangible cultural heritage list. Photo: VCG

The decision was made Wednesday during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is taking place this week in Asunción, Paraguay. Photo: VCG

Adding the Spring Festival to the list promotes the common values of harmony and peace, Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Rao Quan said at the session. Photo: VCG

China now has 44 cultural elements or practices recognized on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Photo: VCG

The Spring Festival is China’s biggest holiday of the year. Next year’s festival, which falls on Jan. 29, marks the start of the Year of the Snake. Photo: VCG

The festival is usually a peak time for travel, as millions return home to celebrate and others embark on vacations, giving rise to the Spring Festival travel rush, which typically lasts for 40 days. Photo: VCG

The holiday usually includes activities like lion or dragon dances, and celebrations to welcome the arrival of the God of Wealth, ushering in prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Photo: VCG