China is among the biggest economies in the world and it boasts a diverse culture. One of the best ways to learn about a country’s culture, history, and folklore. The Chinese festivals are based on the lunar calendar and have been celebrated for centuries. Almost every month there is a celebration going on, and one thing common among all these celebrations is the fact that they are rich in history and tradition and are accompanied by flashy decorations as well as dazzling lights. When in China, be a part of traditional and cultural based festivals. Immerse in the pure joy and bliss of these amazing festivals and make unforgettable memories. Here we have brought some of the most vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year in China that you must take part in!
Chinese New Year Festival
The Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese Festival. It is also called the Spring Festival. It is also celebrated in some other East Asian countries as well. This fantastic festival celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. This time of the year is to pay tribute and honor to ancestors as well. It brings festivity and the bliss of visiting family and friends. The Chinese New Year Festival brings the opportunity to take part in many activities like dragon dances, making dumplings, regional customs, traditions, setting off firecrackers, etc. It lasts for about two weeks sharing the theme of seeing out the old year and welcoming the new year with luck and prosperity.
China’s Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie, is celebrated at the end of the New Year Festival as it is traditionally the last day. This ancient Chinese festival dates back to 2000 years ago. One of the best times to visit China is during this time and you will be mesmerized by the billions of lanterns displayed. Getting lost in the scenic views of giant lanterns and drone displays makes the time festive. It is celebrated in February. If you are in China during this time, roam around the streets to find colorful lanterns with riddles written on them. The most common activities during this festival are eating sweet rice balls called tang yuan, watching dragon and lion dances, and setting off fireworks.
Dongzhi Festival
Dongzhi Festival is one of the most celebrated Chinese festivals. It is celebrated in December every year. Do you know that the philosophy behind this festival is balance and harmony in the cosmos? It is also known as Winter Solstice. Want to be a part of these joyous festivities? It is celebrated to welcome the long and warm days of Spring. The hope of having long daylight hours is the theme behind this festival. People do visit family and friends and enjoy eating together. If you are in China during any of its remarkable festivals, don’t forget to try out Tangyuan.
Qingming Festival
The Tomb Sweeping Festival is celebrated at the beginning of April in China every year. It is more commonly known as the Qingming Festival. This time of the year is to pay honor and tribute to ancestors and to make sure that they are happy in the afterworld. People bring offerings to the temples and pay their respect. The graves are cleaned and food like sweets, buns, and fruits is offered. Moreover, common tradition includes burning particulars like ghost money as the Chinese believe that by burning something, the essence of the burnt item is sent over to the spirit world. This way the deceased ones will use it in the other world.
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival is another mesmerizing festival in China celebrated in the fifth month of the lunar calendar, and around June according to the Western calendar. It is a Chinese belief that dragons are responsible for controlling the rivers and rain. At the time of planting rice, this festival was celebrated so that dragons would bring rain. There are some other folk stories about how this festival started in China. Dragon Boat Festival brings lots of festivity and joy with it. There is a long-standing tradition of dragon boat races. Teams of rowers paddle in unison trying to be the first boat to reach the finish.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Another amazing festival worth attending while being in China is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is also known as the moon festival. The festival is celebrated on the eighth full moon of the year, around mid-August. The Moon festival can be considered the equivalent of Thanksgiving Day. Throughout the country, the streets and homes are adorned with colorful lanterns filled with best wishes. The charm of this festival is further beautified with mysterious stories and legends. The most common celebrations during the Mid-Autumn Festival are bustling markets, lantern carnivals, lion dances, and dragon parades.
