Festivals
China
China is a country rich in history and culture, and its festivals are a vivid reflection of its diverse traditions, beliefs, and customs.
As the most important festival in China, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated across the entire country. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings. The festival usually falls between late January and February, and the celebrations last for about 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Festivities include elaborate fireworks displays, dragon and lion dances, traditional music performances, and vibrant parades. Red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money are given to children and younger relatives as symbols of good luck. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an host large-scale public celebrations, but visiting smaller towns offers a chance to experience more intimate and traditional festivities. Chinese New Year is a time of joy, prosperity, and cultural pride, making it a truly unforgettable event.
Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October), the Mid-Autumn Festival is another major traditional holiday in China, and it celebrates family, harvests, and the beauty of the full moon. The festival has a deep connection to Chinese folklore, with one of the most popular stories involving the moon goddess, Chang'e.
The highlight of this festival is the sharing of mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, and salted egg yolks. Families gather to enjoy a meal together, admire the moon, and share stories. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai light up with lantern displays, and traditional performances, including folk music and dance, are common. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of unity, making it a great cultural experience for travelers looking to connect with Chinese traditions.
Held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June), the Dragon Boat Festival is an exciting celebration filled with thrilling boat races, delicious food, and rich folklore. The festival honors the memory of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman from ancient China who is said to have drowned in the Miluo River as an act of patriotism. To honor him, people traditionally row dragon boats and throw rice dumplings (zongzi) into the river to prevent fish from eating his body.
Dragon boat races are the most exhilarating part of the festival, with teams paddling in colorful dragon-shaped boats while cheering crowds watch from the shores. The sight of dragon boats speeding through the water is exhilarating and can be seen in cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, where local competitions take place. Zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, are eaten throughout the festival, making it a must-try treat for visitors. The Dragon Boat Festival is a perfect opportunity to witness a blend of athleticism, culture, and history.
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, taking place on the 15th day of the lunar new year, typically in February or March. This colorful and enchanting festival is filled with vibrant lantern displays, traditional performances, and symbolic foods. The festival has ancient origins, and it celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year.
In cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, streets and parks are illuminated by large, intricately designed lanterns, many of which are shaped like animals, flowers, or mythical creatures. People carry smaller lanterns, often in the shape of animals or characters from folklore. Traditional lion dances and folk music performances add to the festive atmosphere. A signature treat of the Lantern Festival is tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls filled with fillings like sesame paste or red bean paste. The Lantern Festival is an ideal time to experience China's rich artistic traditions in a setting of breathtaking beauty.
For something completely different, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, held annually from January to February, is one of the most incredible winter festivals in the world. Located in northeastern China, Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland, with massive ice and snow sculptures that are both awe-inspiring and visually stunning. The festival draws artists and tourists from around the globe, with sculptures that range from intricate buildings and landscapes to fantastical creatures and mythical figures.
The event takes place in several areas, including the Harbin Ice and Snow World and Sun Island Park, where you can explore dazzling ice castles and walk through tunnels made entirely of ice. The sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. The festival also includes ice swimming, ice sailing, and even winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. If you visit China during winter, the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is an unforgettable way to experience both the beauty of Chinese artistry and the country's stunning winter landscape.
