Major Chinese Festivals
Chinese festivals are a wonderful way to experience the culture. Most follow the lunar calendar, so dates change each year.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
The most important festival, usually in late January or February. 7-day national holiday. Families reunite, eat dumplings, give red envelopes (hongbao), and set off fireworks. Universities often organize celebrations for international students who stay on campus.
Mid-Autumn Festival
In September or October. Families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes. A beautiful, romantic festival — try the many mooncake varieties!
Dragon Boat Festival
Usually in June. Commemorates the poet Qu Yuan. People eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and watch dragon boat races.
Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day)
April. Families visit ancestors' graves and enjoy spring outings.
Other Festivals
Lantern Festival (end of Spring Festival), Qixi (Chinese Valentine's Day), National Day (October 1), and Labor Day (May 1) are also important holidays.
Tips for Students
Book travel early during holidays (especially Spring Festival) as trains and flights sell out fast. Universities may organize special festival activities for international students.