How much money should I put in a red envelope (hongbao)?
Published: April 30, 2026 • Updated: May 29, 2026
Short Answer
It depends on your relationship to the person and the occasion. Always use even numbers — they're considered lucky. 8 is especially good because it sounds like "wealth" in Chinese. Avoid 4 at all costs — it sounds like "death."
For Chinese New Year with younger relatives, 50 to 200 RMB is typical. Close family at a wedding give 500 to 2000 RMB, depending on what you can afford. If you're just a friend attending the wedding, 200 to 500 RMB works in most areas.
Stack of red envelopes for Chinese New Year
Red envelope with lucky money
Deep Dive
The number rules are all about homophones in Chinese — words that sound the same but mean different things. That's why certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky:
- 8 (bā) sounds like "fortune" (fā) — so it's extremely popular
- 4 (sì) sounds like "death" (sǐ) — so you never see 40, 400, or 1400 in red envelopes
- Even numbers in general are considered luckier than odd numbers
The amount also depends on how close you are:
- Kids and younger relatives at Chinese New Year: 50-200 RMB from an adult relative
- Friends at a wedding: 200-500 RMB
- Close family members at a wedding: 500-2000 RMB, depending on your income and local customs
The most important thing? Give what you can afford. Nobody expects you to give more than you're comfortable with.
Chinese New Year 2026: Red Envelope Guide for the Year of the Horse
2026 is the Year of the Horse (马年), which begins on February 17, 2026. Here's what's special about red envelopes this year:
Lucky amounts for 2026:
- 168 (一路发, yī lù fā) — "Prosper all the way" — very popular
- 288 (二发发, èr fā fā) — "Double prosperity"
- 666 (六六大顺, liù liù dà shùn) — "Everything goes smoothly" — extremely popular among younger people
- 888 (发发发, fā fā fā) — "Triple prosperity" — for close family or business relationships
- 2026 — Using the year itself is a modern, fun trend, especially among friends
Horse year personality: People born in the Year of the Horse are energetic, free-spirited, and adventurous. If you're giving a red envelope to someone born in a Horse year (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978), consider adding a small horse-themed decoration or card for a personal touch.
Digital red envelopes: WeChat and Alipay red envelopes are now the most common way to send hongbao during Chinese New Year. In 2025, over 10 billion digital red envelopes were exchanged during the Spring Festival period. If you're sending digitally, the same lucky number rules apply.
Who to give red envelopes to:
- Children and unmarried younger relatives (most common)
- Parents and grandparents (a sign of respect and gratitude)
- Employees from their bosses
- Service workers like building security or house cleaners
- Friends in group chats (small amounts, like 8.88 or 66.66 RMB)
For a complete guide to 2026 red envelope amounts, lucky numbers, and digital hongbao tips, see our Chinese New Year 2026 Red Envelope Guide.