Key Takeaways
- Li Chun falls on 4 February 2026 this year.
- Deposit your money on this date at a specific time for good fortune.
- There are lucky and auspicious colours for each zodiac sign.
- You can deposit your money online if you don’t want to physically queue at ATMs.
Singaporeans love to queue. And if you’ve ever witnessed snaking queues at banks and ATMs right before Chinese New Year (CNY), it’s probably because of Li Chun.
Li Chun (立春), or the “Start of Spring”, is an important date in the Chinese lunar calendar. It signifies a new beginning and is widely regarded as an auspicious period.
So, how does Li Chun relate to banks and ATMs? In Singapore, Li Chun has taken on a uniquely modern twist in recent years. Some feng shui experts believe that it’s auspicious to deposit money at specific timings based on your Chinese zodiac sign. And this changes from year to year.
TLDR: You deposit your money on a specific date, at a specific time for good fortune.
In this article, we’ll explore what Li Chun is, when Li Chun 2026 takes place, and the best time to deposit money based on your zodiac sign, according to feng shui beliefs. Not only that, we’ll also explore auspicious colours for each zodiac sign and whether you can deposit money online instead of queuing at the ATM. This is the full package CNY fortune guide for you.
What Is Li Chun?
Li Chun marks a new beginning in Chinese culture and typically falls on either the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of February. Traditionally, Chinese customs include eating spring rolls, standing eggs upright, decorating homes with calligraphy or paintings, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
However, in recent times (particularly in Singapore), Li Chun has evolved into the practice of depositing money into one’s bank account to symbolise steady income and wealth for the year.
That said, some feng shui masters have disputed this as a modern fad rather than a traditional practice.
Indeed, what started as a gimmick has since evolved into a full-blown annual ritual. Today, it’s not unusual to see long queues forming at ATMs or banks during Li Chun, as people hope to “kick-start” their wealth luck for the year.
When Is Li Chun 2026 & When’s the Best Time to Deposit Your Money?
According to Way Fengshui, Li Chun falls on 4 February 2026.However, it is not just the date you need to take note of.
You will also have to choose the most auspicious timings to deposit your money depending on your Chinese zodiac sign, between 3am to 8:59pm.
Reference: Way Fengshui
If you can’t view the image, we’ve got you. Here’s a breakdown based on your zodiac sign:
| Timing (on 4 Feb 2026) | Chinese zodiac sign |
| 3am to 4:59am | Good for Horse, Dog, Pig |
| 7am to 8:59am | Most auspicious for all zodiacs except Dog |
| 9am to 10:59am | Good for Ox, Monkey, and Rooster |
| 11am to 12:59pm | Good for Tiger, Goat, and Dog |
| 1pm to 2:59pm | Good for Rabbit, Horse, and Pig |
| 5pm to 6:59pm | Good for Ox, Dragon, and Snake |
| 7pm to 8:59pm | Good for Tiger, Rabbit, and Horse |
And yes, there is only one timeslot for the Rat.
Li Chun 2026: Auspicious Colours for Every Zodiac Sign
Aside from the auspicious timing, it’s said that wearing specific colours based on your zodiac’s lucky colour can help to boost your luck.
If you are planning for some mahjong or lottery purchases, you might want to note down your lucky colours.
Here are the lucky colours for all 12 zodiac signs.
| Zodiac | Auspicious colours |
| Rat | Yellow, brown |
| Ox | White, gold, blue, black |
| Tiger | Green, blue, black |
| Rabbit | Yellow, brown, blue, black |
| Dragon | White, gold |
| Snake | Yellow, brown, white, gold |
| Horse | Yellow, brown |
| Goat | Green, blue, black |
| Monkey | Yellow, brown, white, gold |
| Rooster | Yellow, brown |
| Dog | Green |
| Pig | Green, yellow, brown |
Li Chun 2026: Can I Deposit My Money Online Instead?
Just like how ang paos have evolved over the years to e-ang paos, Li Chun has evolved too.
We did some research and the good news is that you can make your Li Chun deposit via online banking from the comfort of your home.
This is especially convenient if you’re unable to visit an ATM in the wee hours of the morning or at very specific times. Simply transfer the money to your bank account once your auspicious timing arrives.
And if you’re looking for a positive start to the year, the best way is to manage your money and plan your finances well. As the old saying goes, if you don’t plan, you plan to fail.

