Chinese Festivals
China celebrates many colourful traditional festivals throughout the year, each with unique food, customs and cultural experiences for travellers
1.Spring Festival 春节（Lunar Jan 1, Jan‑Feb）
The most important traditional Chinese holiday, also known as Chinese New Year.
Customs
• Family reunion dinners
• Red envelopes (hongbao) with lucky money
• Red paper couplets on doors
• Fireworks
Travel tip: Most local shops and small businesses close for family reunions during this period. Travelling to China at this time is generally not recommended.
2.Lantern Festival 元宵节（Lunar Jan 15, Feb‑Mar）
Marks the end of Spring Festival celebrations.
Customs
• Sweet rice dumplings (tangyuan汤圆)
• Colourful lantern shows
• Guessing lantern riddles
3.Qingming Festival 清明节（4th‑6th April）
A day for remembering ancestors.
Customs
• Tomb‑sweeping to honour family members
• Spring outings / hiking in nature
• Eating cold food called qingtuan (green rice cakes青团)
Travel tip: Great for countryside and spring scenery trips.
4.Dragon Boat Festival 端午节（Lunar May 5, May‑June）
Customs
• Exciting dragon boat races on rivers
• Eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi粽子)
5.Mid‑Autumn Festival 中秋节（Lunar Aug 15, Sep‑Oct）
The festival for family reunion under the full moon.
Customs
• Eating mooncakes
• Moon‑viewing with family
• Lantern activities in many cities
