Top Traditional Festivals in China

China has many unique traditional festivals that are more than just customs—they are living memories passed down through generations. Whether you’re curious about Chinese culture or planning to experience it yourself, learning about these festivals will help you understand how people in China celebrate life, family, and tradition. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most important festivals and discover the stories and values behind them.

What Are the Festivals in China?

I have compiled a table of the most significant traditional festivals in China. These festivals are not only widely celebrated across China but also observed in countries such as Vietnam, reflecting their shared cultural heritage.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and usually falls between late January and mid-February. The celebrations last for about fifteen days, concluding with the Lantern Festival.

One of the most touching scenes during this period is the massive migration of migrant workers returning home. Train stations, bus terminals, and airports become crowded with people carrying their deep longing for family and hometowns.

Every household engages in thorough cleaning to sweep away bad luck and welcome the new year; red couplets and lanterns are hung to create a festive atmosphere. Families reunite to enjoy traditional foods such as dumplings and rice cakes, while fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits. The festival symbolizes reunion, prosperity, and good wishes for the year ahead.

Beyond mainland China, the Chinese New Year is also widely celebrated in countries with significant Chinese communities, including Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia.

My Thoughts

In 2010, a popular film titled Lost on Journey (人在囧途) vividly portrayed the hardships faced by a man trying to return home for the Chinese New Year. The film humorously depicts the challenges and obstacles one encounters during the journey home for the holiday. The protagonist, an ordinary middle-aged man, embarks on a tumultuous journey to reunite with his family for the New Year.

Throughout the journey, the protagonist faces difficulties such as ticket shortages, traffic congestion, and missed trains. Eventually, he ends up traveling with a stranger. Through their interactions, the film highlights the struggles of millions of migrant workers during the Spring Festival travel rush, reflecting their deep longing for home and their desire for family reunion after working hard in big cities.

Chinese New Year is truly important to the people of China. As the saying goes, “Whether rich or poor, one must go home for the New Year.” No matter where one is, no matter how exhausted, the desire to return home during the Spring Festival becomes a strong emotional pull.

The Struggles and Hopes on the Road Home for Chinese New Year

In recent days, I came across a deeply moving story about a migrant worker from Henan named Xing Wanqiang. His experience made me reflect deeply on my own attitudes and choices in life, especially his words, “When I’m not working at night, I can go without food,” which brought a lump to my throat.

This all took place during his journey home. At a moment when he was almost ready to give up on feeding himself, a kind-hearted bus attendant named Chen Jun appeared in front of him. This selfless stranger not only gave Xing Wanqiang three meals from the canteen but also added five chicken legs. This seemingly small act of kindness, though not a grand gesture, was enough to move Xing Wanqiang to tears. In that moment, he felt a sense of support, knowing he was no longer alone, and he could continue his journey home with a full stomach.

Chinese New Year is not just a holiday, but a symbol of family and togetherness, with returning home representing the emotional homecoming for all.

How Chinese People Celebrate the New Year

The celebration of Chinese New Year begins on New Year’s Eve and lasts for fifteen days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Before the holiday, people engage in thorough cleaning to sweep away bad luck, symbolizing the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new. During this time, it is common to buy new clothes, hang red lanterns, and put up couplets to create a festive atmosphere.

One of the most important traditions on New Year’s Eve is the family reunion dinner. Relatives gather together to enjoy a lavish feast, with dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes commonly found on the table. Each dish carries symbolic meanings of prosperity, unity, and good fortune.

In addition to family gatherings, there are many lively public celebrations during the Spring Festival, including dragon and lion dances, fireworks displays, and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao). These envelopes, typically containing money, symbolize blessings and good wishes for the younger generation.

Lantern Festival (元宵节)

The Lantern Festival, known as 元宵节 in Chinese, marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually falling in February or March. This festival is filled with vibrant traditions, with the most popular customs being lantern displays, eating tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), and solving lantern riddles.

Customs and Celebrations

Lantern Displays
One of the most prominent traditions of the Lantern Festival is the admiration of lanterns. Public parks, streets, and squares are often filled with elaborate lantern displays, featuring a wide variety of shapes and sizes, often decorated with intricate designs and figures.

Eating Tangyuan (Sweet Rice Dumplings)
Tangyuan, small round dumplings made from glutinous rice flour, are the traditional food for this festival. These dumplings, filled with either sweet or savory fillings such as sesame, peanuts, or red bean paste, symbolize unity and family harmony.

Solving Lantern Riddles
In some regions, there is a popular custom of solving lantern riddles during the Lantern Festival. Riddles are written on paper strips and attached to lanterns, and participants try to solve them, adding an element of fun and interaction to the festivities.

Dragon and Lion Dances
In certain cities, especially in the southern regions of China, there are dragon and lion dances during the Lantern Festival. These vibrant performances, often accompanied by firecrackers and music, add to the lively atmosphere of the holiday.

Cultural Significance of the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is not just a major traditional festival in China, but it also marks the culmination of the Chinese New Year celebrations and symbolizes the hope for family reunions and the peaceful, prosperous year ahead. The festival’s theme is centered around “unity” and “harmony,” underscoring the importance of family togetherness.

This festival also integrates elements of ancient Chinese customs, temple fairs, and folk art, reflecting people’s wishes for happiness, safety, and wealth in the coming year.

Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that takes place on April 4th or 5th each year, depending on the lunar calendar. This important festival serves as a time for Chinese people to honor their ancestors, reflect on their lives, and pay respects by visiting their graves. It is a day filled with customs and rituals that focus on remembrance, reverence, and renewal.

Customs and Traditions

Tomb Sweeping
The most significant custom of Qingming is tomb sweeping. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, remove weeds, and offer sacrifices such as food, tea, and incense. This act is meant to honor the deceased and show respect for their contributions to the family and society.

Offerings and Rituals
During the festival, it is common for families to burn paper money or “joss paper” as offerings for the deceased. This is believed to provide the spirits with money and goods in the afterlife. People also present food offerings to their ancestors, symbolizing familial care and respect.

Outdoor Activities and Spring Outing (踏青)
Qingming is also a time for people to enjoy the outdoors. It marks the beginning of spring, and many families take the opportunity to go for walks in nature, often referred to as “treading on the green” (踏青). This custom is meant to enjoy the fresh air, appreciate the natural world, and celebrate life.

Flying Kites
Flying kites is another popular activity during Qingming. Some people attach small bells or paper notes to the kites, which are thought to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. The act of flying kites also symbolizes the release of sorrows and the hope for a bright future.

Cultural Significance

Qingming Festival is not just a time for honoring ancestors but also for people to reconnect with nature and reflect on life. The festival emphasizes the importance of family ties and maintaining a connection with one’s roots. It also signifies the rebirth of the natural world, as the time of year aligns with the vibrant colors of spring.

For many, Qingming is a solemn yet uplifting time to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the future. The festival underscores the Chinese values of filial piety, respect for ancestors, and living in harmony with nature.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Jie, is a vibrant celebration that holds profound cultural and historical significance in Chinese society. Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it honors the legacy of the ancient poet and statesman Qu Yuan. His dedication to his country and his tragic death by drowning led to the tradition of holding dragon boat races and throwing rice dumplings (zongzi) into rivers, symbolizing the effort to protect his body from fish and other creatures.

The festival also symbolizes the fight against evil spirits and disease, with customs such as hanging medicinal herbs on doors and wearing colorful silk pouches for protection. This reflects the deep belief in the power of ritual and tradition to ensure health and safety.

Beyond its historical roots, the Dragon Boat Festival brings families together, as they gather to enjoy zongzi and participate in lively dragon boat races. It’s a time for reflecting on loyalty, bravery, and the strength of community bonds. This celebration fosters a connection to Chinese heritage, encourages the remembrance of historical figures, and strengthens the ties that unite families and communities.

For many, the Dragon Boat Festival is a time of both reflection and celebration, reminding individuals to cherish their heritage, honor their ancestors, and embrace the enduring power of cultural traditions.

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most cherished traditional celebrations in Chinese culture. Observed on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it coincides with the full harvest moon and symbolizes reunion, harmony, and gratitude. Families gather under the bright moon to share mooncakes, admire lanterns, and express their hopes for happiness and prosperity.

Rooted in centuries of folklore, including the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, the festival blends myth with the rhythms of agricultural life. The round shape of mooncakes and the full moon both represent completeness and the longing for loved ones who are far away.

For many, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to pause and reflect on family bonds and the cycles of nature. It is an occasion that underscores the importance of togetherness, the beauty of tradition, and the enduring human wish to feel connected across distances and generations.

Qixi Festival

The Qixi Festival, often called Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a romantic celebration that has been cherished for centuries. It falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month and is inspired by the enduring legend of the cowherd Niulang and the weaver girl Zhinü, whose love was forbidden by the heavens. According to the story, they are allowed to meet only once a year on a bridge formed by magpies across the Milky Way.

Beyond its poignant folklore, Qixi symbolizes devotion, longing, and the hope that love can overcome all obstacles. Traditionally, young women would demonstrate their skills in weaving and embroidery as a way to honor Zhinü, who was renowned for her craftsmanship. In modern times, the festival has evolved into a day for couples to express affection, exchange gifts, and celebrate their relationships.

For many, the Qixi Festival is both nostalgic and inspiring. It underscores the timeless value placed on loyalty and emotional connection while inviting people to reflect on the power of love and the beauty of shared dreams.

Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is an important traditional occasion dedicated to respect for elders and the appreciation of nature. Celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the festival is rooted in ancient beliefs that the number nine is associated with yang energy and that the double yang (double nine) makes the day especially auspicious.

Traditionally, people would climb mountains, drink chrysanthemum wine, and eat double-ninth cakes to dispel misfortune and promote health. These customs reflect the desire to ward off illness and to strengthen the spirit by connecting with the natural world. Over time, Chongyang has also become a day to honor and care for the elderly, highlighting values of filial piety and gratitude.

For many, the Double Ninth Festival is a time to reflect on the passage of life and the importance of cherishing family bonds. It encourages people to show appreciation for the wisdom of older generations and to cultivate resilience and well-being through tradition and togetherness.

National Day

National Day is one of the most significant public holidays in China, celebrated annually on October 1st to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The holiday marks a moment of national pride and collective memory, reminding people of the country’s journey through hardship and transformation toward unity and development.

During the week-long celebration, known as the “Golden Week,” cities across China are adorned with red flags and festive decorations. Grand ceremonies, fireworks displays, and cultural performances are held to honor the country’s achievements and to inspire a sense of patriotism. Families often take this time to travel, reunite, and enjoy leisure activities, making it one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.

For many, National Day is more than a commemoration of historical events—it is an occasion to reflect on shared identity, celebrate progress, and look with hope toward the future. The holiday underscores the importance of unity, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of the Chinese people.

Labor Day

Labor Day, known in China as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated on May 1st each year. It is a public holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers across all sectors of society. Rooted in the international labor movement, the holiday reflects the value placed on hard work, solidarity, and the pursuit of social progress.

In China, Labor Day has grown into a time when people pause from their daily routines to rest, travel, and spend time with family. Many cities host ceremonies, cultural events, and performances that recognize the efforts of working people and highlight the importance of dignity in labor. The holiday also serves as an opportunity to promote respect for workers’ rights and to encourage a culture that values perseverance and dedication.

For many, Labor Day is a moment to reflect on personal achievements and the collective progress of society. It underscores the vital role of every individual’s contributions and celebrates the shared aspiration for a better, more equitable future.

Laba Festival

The Laba Festival is a traditional celebration observed on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, marking the arrival of the coldest part of winter and the approach of the Lunar New Year. Originally rooted in ancient sacrificial rites to honor ancestors and deities, the festival gradually became associated with gratitude for the harvest and prayers for good fortune in the coming year.

One of the most distinctive customs of Laba is eating Laba porridge, a nourishing dish made with a variety of grains, beans, dried fruits, and nuts. The porridge symbolizes abundance, health, and harmony, and it is shared among family members and offered to neighbors and the needy as an expression of kindness and community spirit.

For many, the Laba Festival is a time to reflect on the values of thankfulness, charity, and togetherness. It underscores the importance of remembering one’s roots, honoring tradition, and embracing the warmth of human connection even in the depths of winter.

Some of My Thoughts

China has a rich tapestry of traditional festivals, and it is not necessary for all foreign friends to be familiar with every one of them. Among these numerous celebrations, the Spring Festival and Qingming Festival stand out as the most representative. The Spring Festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a vital occasion for family reunions and bidding farewell to the past. Qingming, on the other hand, carries profound significance as a time to honor ancestors and reflect on the cycle of life.

Beyond these two, China also celebrates a variety of other traditional festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Double Ninth Festival, each imbued with unique cultural meanings and deep emotional resonance. Even without knowing every festival in detail, understanding a few key ones can offer meaningful insight into how Chinese culture cherishes family, nature, and history.