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famous Festivals Of China

Last Updated At: 28-May-2024

10 Famous Festivals Of China You Must Experience In 2024

Festivals hold a special place in the heart of Chinese culture, serving as vibrant reflections of the country's rich heritage, traditions, and diverse regional customs. From the iconic Chinese New Year festivals to the enchanting Lantern Festival, the festivals of China are a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours, and celebrations.

Ranging from dragon boat festival to mid-autumn festival celebrations, each carries its unique significance, be it honouring ancestors, welcoming the change of seasons, expressing love and romance, or simply rejoicing in the blessings of life. With ancient rituals, captivating performances, tantalising cuisine, and an atmosphere filled with warmth and excitement, the festivals of China provide an immersive cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake in them.

List Of 10 Chinese Famous Festivals

China boasts a rich tapestry of vibrant festivals, blending ancient traditions with modern celebrations. From the colourful Lantern Festival to the exhilarating Dragon Boat Festival, these cultural spectacles captivate with stunning displays, delectable cuisine, and age-old rituals, embodying China's diverse heritage.

  • Chinese New Year | Ringing in the Lunar New Year with Joy and Tradition
  • Lantern Festival | A Mesmerizing Celebration of Lights and Wishes
  • Dragon Boat Festival | Paddling to the Beat of Ancient Legends
  • Mid-Autumn Festival | Moonlit Reunions and Delicious Mooncakes
  • Ghost Festival | Honouring Ancestors and Connecting with the Spirit World
  • Chongyang Festival | Ascending to New Heights on Double Ninth Day
  • Laba Festival | Nourishing the Body and Soul with Festive Feasts
  • Spring Lantern Festival | Embracing Spring's Arrival with Radiant Lanterns
  • Water Splashing Festival | Playful Delights in a Joyful Water Carnival
  • International Snow and Ice Festival | A Winter Wonderland of Spectacular Ice Sculptures

1. Chinese New Year | Ringing in the Lunar New Year with Joy and Tradition

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It marks the beginning of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, feasts, and various cultural activities.

  • Date: Usually falls between January 21 and February 20. (As per Gregorian calendar)
  • Major Attractions: Reunion Dinner, Red Packets, Fireworks and Firecrackers, Lion and Dragon Dances.
  • Famous Places for Celebration: Beijing.

2. Lantern Festival | A Mesmerizing Celebration of Lights and Wishes

The Lantern Festival, or Yuanxiao Festival, is a captivating and joyous event celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar, marking the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. It is a time when people come together to admire colourful lanterns, solve riddles, and enjoy various cultural activities.

  • Date: 15th day of the first lunar month. (Usually between late January and early March)
  • Major Attractions: Lantern Displays, Lantern Riddles, Lion and Dragon Dances, Tangyuan.
  • Famous Places for Celebration: Zigong.

3. Dragon Boat Festival | Paddling to the Beat of Ancient Legends

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that commemorates the life and death of the famous poet and statesman Qu Yuan. It is celebrated enthusiastically and is characterised by dragon boat races, delicious sticky rice dumplings, and various customs and traditions.

  • Date: 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. (Usually in late May or early June)
  • Major Attractions: Dragon Boat Races, Zongzi, Hanging Medicinal Herbs and Wearing Colourful Threads.
  • Famous Places for Celebration: Zigui County, Yueyang, Guilin and Jiujiang.

Read More : Culture Of China

4. Mid-Autumn Festival | Moonlit Reunions and Delicious Mooncakes

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that celebrates the harvest and the reunion of family and friends. Various customs and activities mark the festival, including the admiration of the moon, lantern displays, mooncakes, and family gatherings.

  • Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (Usually falls in September or October).
  • Major Attractions: Lantern Displays, Mooncakes, Dragon and Lion Dances.
  • Famous Places for Celebration: Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Guangzhou.

5. Ghost Festival | Honouring Ancestors and Connecting with the Spirit World

The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival observed to honour and pay respects to deceased ancestors and wandering spirits. It is a time when people perform rituals and offer food and other offerings to appease and comfort these restless spirits.

  • Date: 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. (Usually falls in August or September).
  • Major Attractions: Traditional Performances, Ghost Lanterns, Offering Rituals, and Floating Water Lanterns.
  • Famous Places for Celebration: Quanzhou and Hong Kong.

6. Chongyang Festival | Ascending to New Heights on Double Ninth Day