Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Famous Holidays & Festivals in China by Month
The table below gives you a list of the important Chinese festivals and celebrations by month.
| Festivals | Date | Celebrations/Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | 1st day of the lunar calendar | Red decorations, family feast, temple fairs |
| Lantern Festival | 15th day of the lunar New Year | Lantern displays, riddle games, tangyuan |
| Qingming Festival | April 4th or 5th | Tomb sweeping, spring outings |
| Dragon Boat Festival | 5th day of the 5th lunar month | Dragon boat races, zongzi, herbs and sachets |
| Qixi Festival | 7th day of the 7th lunar month | Qiaoguo, river lanterns, wish upon the stars |
| Chinese Ghost Festival | 15th day of the 7th lunar month | Honoring ancestors, floating river lanterns, charity for spirits |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 15th day of the 8th lunar month | Mooncakes, lanterns, gazing at moon |
| Chongyang Festival | 9th day of the 9th lunar month | Climb mountains, hike to high places, honor the elderly |
| Laba Festival | 8th day of the 12th lunar month | Eat Laba porridge, meet friends, or even donating to charity |
| Dongzhi Festival | December 21st | Dumplings, tangyuan, lamb stew, yuzu baths |
| Chinese New Year’s Eve | Final night of the lunar year | Reunion dinner, red lanterns and Spring Festival couplets, and staying up late to “guard the year” |
Key Takeaways about the Traditional Festivals in China
- How many Chinese festivals are there? – There are a total of 26 traditional festivals in China.
- What are the 4 most important Chinese festivals? – They are Chinese New Year, Qingming, Duanwu, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- What is the biggest celebration in China? – That would definitely be Chinese New Year.
- How many Chinese festivals are listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list? – Two festivals: Dragon Boat Festival and Chinese New Year.
1. Chinese New Year Festival: The Biggest Traditional Festival in China
Chinese: 春节 (chūn jié)
Date: First day of the lunar calendar
Where to Experience: Langzhong Ancient City, the birthplace of Chinese New Year culture
Ever heard of Chūn Jié? That’s Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, the most vibrant festival in China, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar (usually late January to mid-February). It’s all about family, happiness, and good luck!
Did you know? Spring Festival has a 4,000-year history, born in Langzhong Ancient City, Sichuan, one of the must-visit old towns in China. It’s even on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2024!
Here’s what you can experience:
- Red decorations everywhere—Spring Festival couplets, lanterns, “福” (good fortune) signs, and fireworks lighting up the sky.
- Family feasts with dumplings (north), tangyuan (south), or rice cakes (south), symbolizing prosperity.
- Temple fairs in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, packed with lion dances, lanterns, and local snacks.
Come to China during Spring Festival—you’ll feel the joy, warmth, and rich culture like nowhere else!
2. Lantern Festival: A Chinese Festival Celebrated on the First Full Moon Night of the Year
Chinese: 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié)
Date: 15th day of the lunar New Year
Where to Experience: Zigong, Xian Ancient City Wall, Shanghai Yu Garden, etc.
Get ready to light up your trip to China! Meet Yuán Xiāo Jié—the Lantern Festival! Celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar New Year, it’s the first full moon night, symbolizing reunion and perfection in Chinese culture.
With a history of over 2,000 years, it started as a torch festival in the Han Dynasty to pray for good harvests. Today, it’s all about lanterns, riddles, and sweet treats!
Here’s what makes it magical:
- Lantern displays: Streets glow with dazzling lanterns in cities like Xian’s Ancient City Wall, Shanghai’s Yu Garden, and Zigong, known for its epic lantern shows.
- Riddle games: Solve clever lantern riddles—it’s fun and brainy!
- Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball): Bite into these sticky, sweet balls symbolizing family unity.
Join us for the Lantern Festival—it’s a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul!
3. Qingming Festival: A Chinese Festival to Honor Ancestors and Welcome Spring
Chinese: 清明节 (qīng míng jié)
Date: April 4th or 5th
Celebrated for: Honor ancestors and embrace spring’s renewal
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, it’s a deeply meaningful festival celebrated around April 4th or 5th. With a history of over 2,500 years, it’s a time to honor ancestors and embrace spring’s renewal.
Here’s how Qingming Festival is celebrated:
- Tomb Sweeping: Families visit ancestors’ graves, offering flowers, paper money, or planting trees to show respect and remembrance.
- Spring Outings (Tà Qīng): As nature blooms, people head outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, scenic beauty, and the joy of life. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and nature!
Qingming is more than a festival—it’s a heartfelt connection to the past and a celebration of life’s beauty.
4. Duanwu Festival: Dragon Boat Races Held during this Chinese Celebration
Chinese: 端午节 (Duān wǔ jié)
Date: 5th day of the 5th lunar month
What to Expect: Dragon boat races, zongzi tasting, etc.
Ready to dive into one of the most exciting Chinese festivals? Come to experience Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It’s a vibrant mix of history, culture, and fun!
Here’s what to expect:
- Dragon Boat Races: Watch or even join these thrilling races, rooted in the legend of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet.
- Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings): Taste these delicious treats wrapped in bamboo leaves—sweet or savory, they’re a must!
- Herbs and Sachets: See homes decorated with fragrant herbs like mugwort, and try making your own sachet for good luck.
In 2009, UNESCO added it to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, making it a global treasure.
With Asia Odyssey Travel, you can experience it all—race-watching, zongzi-making, and more. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel >>
5. Qixi Festival: Most Romantic Traditional Celebrations in China
Chinese: 七夕节 (qī xī jié)
Date: 7th day of the 7th lunar month
How to Experience: Visit romantic spots like Hangzhou’s West Lake with your loved one
Looking for a romantic escape? Let us introduce you to Qixi Festival, is known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, this enchanting festival is one of the most romantic traditional festivals in China, perfect for couples to share memorable moments.
Inspired by the ancient love story of Niulang (牛郎) and Zhinu (织女), a cowherd and a weaver girl separated by the heavens, this festival celebrates their annual reunion on a bridge of magpies—a tale as magical as the festival itself.
Here’s how you can celebrate:
- Wish upon the stars: Join locals in making wishes for love and happiness.
- Try Qiaoguo (巧果): These sweet pastries symbolize joy and togetherness.
- Release river lanterns: Light up the night with floating lanterns, a beautiful tradition.
If you want to make the most of Qixi vide, visit romantic spots like Hangzhou’s West Lake, home to legendary love stories of Bai Suzhen (白素贞) and Xu Xian (许仙).
6. Chinese Ghost Festival: The Chinese Day of the Dead
Chinese: 鬼节 (guǐ jié)
Date: 15th day of the 7th lunar month
Celebrated for: Honor the ancestors and appease the wandering souls
If you’re drawn to the mystical and meaningful, Chinese Ghost Festival is a must-experience among traditional festivals in China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, it’s a unique blend of tradition, spirituality, and cultural depth.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Honoring Ancestors: Families pay respects to their ancestors by offering food, flowers, and prayers at gravesites or home altars.
- Floating River Lanterns: Watch or join locals as they light lanterns and set them afloat on rivers to guide lost souls and bring peace.
- Charity for Spirits: People also offer food and paper offerings to wandering spirits, reflecting the traditional value of compassion.
- Burning Street Clothes: In places like Hong Kong, you’ll see the unique custom of “burning street clothes” to provide warmth for lonely souls.
7. Mid-Autumn Festival: A Traditional Chinese Festival to Celebrate Reunions
Chinese: 中秋节 (zhōng qiū jié)
Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Where to Experience: Beijing’s Summer Palace, Hangzhou’s West Lake, etc.
Don’t miss the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, one of the most heartwarming Chinese festivals!
Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it’s the perfect time to experience the magic of traditional celebrations in China under the brightest full moon of the year—a symbol of reunion and harmony.
Here’s how to celebrate the Moon Festival in China:
- Mooncakes: Bite into these rich, round pastries filled with sweet or savory flavors, a symbol of togetherness.
- Moon Gazing: Join families and friends as they gather to admire the glowing moon, reflecting on love and unity.
- Lanterns: Light up the night with colorful lanterns, adding a festive glow to the celebrations.
During this festival, iconic spots like Beijing’s Summer Palace or Hangzhou’s West Lake host moon-viewing events, blending tradition with stunning scenery. If you’re looking for a time to connect with traditional festivals in China and feel the warmth of its culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival is your perfect choice.
As an experienced travel agent, Asia Odyssey Travel is your best travel partner! We will arrange traditional activities like making mooncakes and our English-speaking guide will recount the Mid-Autumn Legends. Join in Asia Odyssey Travel >>
8. Chongyang Festival: This Chinese Tradition Is Perfect for Autumn Hiking
Chinese: 重阳节 (Chóng yang jié)
Date: 9th day of the 9th lunar month
How to Spend the Day: Climbing or hiking to appreciate the stunning autumn scenery
Imagine visiting China during its most picturesque season—autumn—and experiencing one of its most cherished traditional festivals in China: the Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival!
Celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, this festival is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and heartfelt traditions.
On this day, locals climb mountains or hike to high places, symbolizing rising to new heights and good health. It’s also a time to honor the elderly, reflecting the deep-rooted value of respect for seniors in Chinese culture.
Insider tips for travelers to experience the festival in China:
- Join in by enjoying chrysanthemum flowers, sipping chrysanthemum wine, or tasting Chongyang cake, a seasonal delicacy.
- This is a golden opportunity to hike scenic trails, admire autumn foliage, and immerse yourself in local customs.
Whether you’re exploring ancient towns or strolling through parks, the Chongyang Festival offers a serene yet vibrant glimpse into traditional celebrations in China!
9. Laba Festival: A Traditional Festival Marks the Countdown to Chinese New Year
Chinese: 腊八节 (là bā jié)
Date: 8th day of the 12th lunar month
What to Expect: Taste Laba porridge and Laba garlic, meet friends, or donate to charity
Ever tried a bowl of Là Bā Zhōu (腊八粥)? This hearty porridge, made with grains, beans, and nuts, is the star of Laba Festival, celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month. Originating from Buddhist traditions, this festival honors the enlightenment of Buddha and ancient harvest rituals.
Join locals in tasting Laba porridge, meeting friends, or even donating to charity—it’s a celebration of warmth and kindness. Don’t miss Là Bā Suàn (腊八蒜), pickled garlic that adds a tangy twist to the season.
With Asia Odyssey Travel, you can dive into this cozy festival, tasting traditions and connecting with the heart of Chinese festivals.
10. Dongzhi Festival: A Chinese Festival Marks the Shortest Day of the Year
Chinese: 冬至节 (dōng zhì jié)
Date: December 21st
What Celebrations to Expect: Dumplings, tangyuan, lamb stew or yuzu baths
Marking the shortest day of the year, Dongzhi Festival, or Winter Solstice Festival, is a celebration of light’s return and family unity. Celebrated around December 21st, it’s one of the most cherished traditional festivals in China.
In the north, families gather to eat dumplings, shaped like ancient coins for good fortune. In the south, tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) symbolize reunion. Southwest areas such as Sichuan even enjoy lamb stew or take yuzu baths to ward off bad luck.
Come during Dongzhi in China—it’s a time to savor warmth, food, and the joy of togetherness!
11. Chinese New Year’s Eve: A Festival Celebrated to Welcome the New Year
Chinese: 除夕 (chú xī)
Date: Final night of the lunar year
What's Going to Happen: A dinner with old friends, fireworks, or staying up late to welcome the New Year.
Chú Xī (除夕) is the final night of the lunar year, which is celebrated with fireworks, feasts, and family. It’s the most anticipated moment in celebrations in China.
Families reunite for a lavish reunion dinner, decorate homes with red lanterns and spring couplets, and stay up late to “guard the year”, symbolizing good fortune. The crackle of firecrackers fills the air, driving away evil spirits and welcoming a fresh start.
Join the festivities and experience the magic of Chinese New Year’s Eve—it’s a night of joy, hope, and new beginnings!
Busiest Chinese Holidays to Affect Your Travel Plans to China
When planning your trip to China, it’s important to be aware of the busiest holidays in China, as they could impact your travel experience.
China National Day (October 1-7)
China National Day is a massive celebration with parades, events, and tourism discounts, attracting millions of Chinese travelers. With over 760 million domestic trips expected in 2024, expect crowded attractions and busy transport.
Chinese New Year (1st-5th Day of the First Lunar Month)
Chinese New Year is the most significant traditional festival in China. During this time, families reunite, and tourism numbers skyrocket, with over 500 million people traveling in 2025.
If you're not specifically seeking to experience the vibrant Chinese New Year atmosphere, it’s better to avoid these dates.
Labor Day (May 1-5)
Labor Day is another peak travel period, as millions hit the road to enjoy a long weekend. Expect crowded tourist sites, with about 295 million people traveling during the 2024 holiday.
Explore Traditional Chinese Festivals and Celebrations with Asia Odyssey Travel
Want to immerse yourself in the traditional celebrations in China? With Asia Odyssey Travel, you can experience the best of Chinese festivals and traditions.
From the dazzling lights of the Lantern Festival to the heart-pounding action of Dragon Boat races, we offer guided tours that bring you up close to the celebrations.
Join us to explore these extraordinary festivals and get a true taste of China celebrations and traditions—your adventure awaits!
Data in submission...
