Top 10 Festivals in China

Vibrant red decorations and gold details celebrating the Spring Festival in China

1. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

The Spring Festival is the most important, grandest, and longest celebration in the Chinese calendar. Marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year, it is a time for massive family reunions, eating dumplings (Jiaozi), hanging red couplets, setting off fireworks to scare away the legendary beast 'Nian', and gifting red envelopes (Hongbao) filled with lucky money to children.

Vibrant glowing lanterns floating in the night sky during the Lantern Festival

2. Lantern Festival

Falling on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival officially marks the climax and conclusion of the Chinese New Year period. On this magical night, people light and release thousands of colorful lanterns, watch energetic dragon and lion dances, and eat "Yuanxiao" or "Tangyuan"—sweet, filled glutinous rice balls that symbolize family unity.

Beautiful misty green fields representing spring in China

3. Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day)

Observed in early April, the Qingming Festival is dedicated to remembering and honoring ancestors. Families travel to cemetery sites to sweep graves, offer food and tea, and burn joss paper. Alongside solemn respect, it is also a celebration of spring's arrival, where people take nature walks (Taqing) and fly kites to welcome the warm season.

Beautiful traditional boats on a river representing the Dragon Boat races

4. Dragon Boat Festival

Occurring on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, this energetic holiday commemorates the patriotic ancient poet Qu Yuan. The Dragon Boat Festival is famous for fierce dragon boat races held on local rivers, hanging mugwort on doors to ward off pests, and eating "Zongzi"—sticky, sweet or savory rice dumplings wrapped carefully in bamboo leaves.

A glowing full moon in the dark sky reflecting the Mid-Autumn Festival theme

5. Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)

Known as China's version of Thanksgiving, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Families gather to gaze at the moon, light up festive lanterns, and share sweet "Mooncakes" (Yuebing) while retelling the romantic myth of the moon goddess Chang'e.

Beautiful star-filled night sky representing the romantic legend of Qixi

6. Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

Often referred to as the traditional Chinese Valentine's Day, the Qixi Festival is rooted in an ancient romantic legend. It celebrates the annual meeting of Zhinü (the weaver girl, representing the star Vega) and Niulang (the cowherd, representing the star Altair), who are allowed to reunite only once a year on a bridge of magpies across the Milky Way.

Yellow chrysanthemum flowers symbolizing Chongyang Festival traditions

7. Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

Taking place on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the Chongyang Festival is deeply connected to health, longevity, and respect for seniors. Traditional activities include climbing high mountains to ward off bad luck, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and spending meaningful quality time honoring the elderly family members.

Magical illuminated ice and snow sculpture castles at the Harbin winter festival

8. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

As the largest winter event of its kind globally, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival transforms the freezing northern city of Harbin into a glowing wonderland. Running from early January through February, it displays massive, breathtaking ice castles and snow sculptures carved by master artists and illuminated beautifully with colorful neon lights.

Hot traditional dumplings in a bowl representing Winter Solstice food traditions

9. Winter Solstice Festival (Dongzhi)

Celebrating the shortest day and longest night of the year, the Dongzhi Festival is deeply cherished as a time to welcome the return of longer daylight hours and positive energy (Yang). To celebrate, family members gather to pay respects to ancestors and eat warm dumplings in Northern China, or colorful, sweet "Tangyuan" rice balls in Southern China.

Floating candles and lanterns lit in the dark during the Hungry Ghost Festival

10. Hungry Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan)

Celebrated on the 15th night of the 7th lunar month, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist custom. Believing that the gates of the afterlife open to let spirits visit the living world, people burn paper offerings, light incense, and float lotus-shaped water lanterns on rivers to help guide lost souls peacefully back.