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The top 10+ most distinctive festivals in China
Spring Festival
- When: approximately 15 days, from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to the 7th day of the 1st lunar month
- Where: Nationwide
The Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is considered the most significant holiday of the year in China, similar to Vietnam. It is celebrated annually on the first day of the lunar calendar. If you book a complete tour to China during this time, you are guaranteed to experience the New Year with exciting traditions and customs.
During the 15-day holiday period, the people of China celebrate the New Year through various familiar activities, such as cleaning and decorating their homes, preparing meals, and offering incense to their ancestors.
The lively atmosphere of the Spring Festival in China
Additionally, during this time, it is customary for people in China to exchange gifts to wish each other a prosperous New Year, and to enjoy traditional delicious dishes such as rice cakes, sticky rice cakes, fried spring rolls, and sweet treats.
The Lantern Festival in China - A Traditional Chinese Festival
- When: 15th day of the first lunar month
- Where: Nationwide
Another grand festival celebrated in China at the beginning of the new year is the Lantern Festival, also known as the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival. About two weeks after the Lunar New Year, people begin celebrating this event.
The Lantern Festival is one of the most significant traditional festivals in China
During this Chinese festival, everyone comes together to release lanterns, creating a colorful scene in the night sky on the 15th day of the lunar month. In addition, people gather to enjoy steamed buns and a traditional soup, symbolizing a year of abundance and happiness. Fireworks are also set off to drive away bad luck and welcome a brighter future.
On this day, locals and visitors alike take part in the Lantern Festival in China. People join in releasing colorful lanterns, wishing for good things in the upcoming year.
Releasing lanterns during the Lantern Festival
Tianjin Hot Air Balloon Festival
- When: Throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations
- Where: Public areas and parks in Tianjin city
The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Tianjin is one of the most unique Chinese festivals that travelers should experience during the Lunar New Year. During this time, if you visit Tianjin, you will see numerous large hot air balloons with various unique designs and shapes.
This Chinese festival is not only a time for people to enjoy the festive atmosphere, but it also offers many exciting experiences for visitors from near and far.
Tianjin Hot Air Balloon Festival - A Unique Chinese Festival
Famous Chinese Festival - Dragon Boat Racing
- When: The 5th day of the 5th lunar month, during the Duanwu Festival
- Where: Nationwide
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most significant festivals in China. During this event, people hope for a peaceful life, good fortune, and protection from illness and disasters. Additionally, it serves to honor the poet Qu Yuan, a patriotic hero who drowned himself in the river.
Notably, the festival features intense dragon boat races accompanied by the sound of beating drums echoing across the river. During the Dragon Boat Festival, you can also enjoy Tzung Tzu, a traditional dish made of rice, pork, beans, and eggs wrapped in bamboo leaves.
The Dragon Boat Festival in China
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
- When: 15th day of the 8th lunar month, every year
- Where: Nationwide
One of the biggest Chinese festivals, attracting numerous tourists, is the Mid-Autumn Festival. On the night of the full moon, when the moon is at its brightest and roundest, people gather together to enjoy traditional mooncakes and sip tea.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for people to come together and share moments of joy
Additionally, this is also a time when China offers many activities that visitors can enjoy, such as watching dragon dances in the streets, lighting incense for the Moon Goddess Chang'e, or taking photos with lanterns decorating the streets as the perfect backdrop.
The Hungry Ghost Festival - A Prominent Chinese Celebration
- When: From the full moon day until the end of the 7th lunar month
- Where: Nationwide
Similar to Vietnam, China also observes the Hungry Ghost Festival, a day for remembering and showing gratitude to ancestors, grandparents, and parents. This is a special occasion that is highly significant to Buddhist followers in China. They organize prayer ceremonies for the deceased, continuing day and night. If you are a Buddhist, this is a wonderful time to travel to China and experience these unforgettable traditions.
The Hungry Ghost Festival in China
Impressive Chinese Festival - The Ice and Snow Festival
- When: From late December
- Where: Harbin City
As one of the four largest snow festivals in the world, the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin City offers visitors unforgettable experiences when traveling to China during this time. Here, you can marvel at incredibly unique ice and snow sculptures in temperatures as low as -20°C.
The Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin City
At night, over 100 architectural masterpieces are illuminated with LED lights, creating a magical fairy-tale atmosphere for visitors. In recent years, the Ice and Snow Festival has also added vibrant fireworks displays and musical performances to its celebrations. If you're a fan of snow, don't miss the chance to experience the wonderful winter at the festival in Harbin, China!
The Laba Congee Festival
- When: The 8th day of the 12th lunar month
- Where: Yonghegong Lama Temple, Beijing
This unique festival is a must-see for tourists booking a Beijing tour. On the 8th morning of the 12th lunar month, the lamas of the temple start distributing free Laba porridge to the attendees. Though held for just one day, both locals and visitors gather to line up for a bowl. The local belief is that Laba porridge brings prosperity and wealth for the upcoming year.
Chinese Festival - The Laba Porridge Festival at Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing
The Love Festival
- When: The 15th day of the 3rd lunar month
- Location: Daijiang Town, Guizhou Province, Southwest China.
The next Chinese festival on our list is the Love Festival (Sister's Rice) celebrated by the Miao people in Daijiang Town, China. During the festival, Miao boys and girls engage in various activities to interact, such as dancing, drumming, and the girls being invited to share Sister's Rice.
This festival provides a chance for Miao young men and women to express their feelings and form romantic bonds. It is one of the most unique celebrations that reflects the culture of the local Chinese people.
Miao girls performing dances at the Love Festival
Buddha's Birthday - A renowned Chinese festival
- Occasion: 15th day of the 4th lunar month.
- Location: Nationwide
Buddha's Birthday is one of the traditional festivals in China. It is not only considered a national holiday, but also a time to commemorate three significant events in the life of Buddha:
- Buddha's birth date
- The day Buddha embarked on his spiritual journey.
- The day Buddha attained enlightenment.
Unlike other Chinese festivals, Buddha's Birthday is marked by simplicity and reverence, rather than extravagant celebrations. It is a time when free food is distributed to the poor, and people visit large Buddhist temples to light incense as a sign of respect.
The ritual of bathing the Buddha is one of the most important practices during the Buddha's Birthday festival in China.
Travel tips for attending festivals in China
Participating in Chinese festivals offers numerous experiences and opportunities to explore the rich culture of the world's most populous country. Here are some travel tips to make your experience unforgettable and complete when attending Chinese festivals:
- Book your hotel/tour early: During major festival seasons, China experiences a surge in tourist numbers. Be sure to book your hotel or tour in advance to secure a spot.
- Clothing: Festival venues in China are often quite large, requiring a lot of walking. Opt for comfortable, practical clothing. However, if you're attending a snow festival in Harbin, make sure to dress warmly and bring accessories to protect against the cold.
- Keep your personal belongings safe: With large crowds attending the festivals, it's essential to take extra care of your valuables to avoid theft.
- Travelling with children: If you're traveling with children, be especially vigilant to prevent them from getting lost in the crowds.
- Shopping at festivals: Chinese festivals often feature a wide array of unique cultural products. When shopping, be sure to compare prices to avoid overpaying during peak tourist seasons.
Above are the essential details about the top 10+ Chinese festivals, each showcasing unique cultural elements that attract numerous visitors. We hope this information helps you understand more about the festivals in China and assists you in choosing the best time to visit this densely populated country.
Author: Phuong Thao
Image Source: Internet
