🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 6 (from laksa039)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa006.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html","crawl_time":1775379870,"first_indexed_time":1737959057,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,chinaxiantour!www,\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html s443","src_root_hash":"16936778620084178806","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"China Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 - All Things to Know","meta_descriptions":["The Chinese Mid-autumn Festival is also called Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. Learn how to celebrate it, who celebrates it, origin, stories, greetings..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Written by Catherine |\nUpdated November 28,2025\nThe Mid-autumn Festival, aka Moon Festival, is one of the four major traditional festivals in China, alongside the\nSpring Festival\n,\nQingming Festival\n, and Dragon Boat Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of\nthe best times to visit China\nto experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it.\nOver the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage.\nWhat is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this\ntraditional Chinese festival\n.\nContent Preview\nWhat is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?\nOther Names of the Mid-autumn Festival\nWhen is the Mid-autumn Festival in China?\nIs Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?\nMid-autumn Festival Origin & Development\nMid-autumn Festival Stories\nHow Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities\nSpecial Activities in Different Regions\nMid-autumn Festival Food\nMoon Festival Greetings & Wishes\nHow Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?\nTips for Travelers\nPlan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour\nMid autumn Festival  Family reunion\nWhat is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”.\nThis day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends.\nNot only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live.\nOther Names of the Mid-autumn Festival\nMid-autumn Festival in Chinese is\nZhongqiu Jie (\n中秋节\n)\n. Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called\nMoon Festival\n. And since the tradition of\neating mooncakes\non this day, many people also call it\nMooncake Festival\n. It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as:\nHarvest Moon Festival\nReunion Festival\nAutumn Festival\nMoon-viewing Festival\nWhen is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China?\nThe\ndate of the Mid-Autumn Festival\nfalls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The  Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required.\nYear\nDate\nHoliday\n2025\nOctober 6\nOctober 6\n2026\nSeptember 25\nSeptember 25 – 27\n2027\nSeptember 15\nSeptember 15\nIs Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?\nYes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a\npublic holiday in China’s mainland\n. You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday.\nTypically,\nif the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday\n, with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days.\nWhat unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have?\nIn Hong Kong and Macau\n, a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16\nth\n day of the 8\nth\n lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given.\nIn Taiwan\n, the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend.\nRead More\n:\n9 Days Private Taiwan Tour\nIn Singapore and Malaysia\n, the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet.\nMid-autumn Festival Origin & Development\nThere is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China.\nAs early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies.\nDuring the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn.\nThe Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one.\nIn the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period.\nIn the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China.\nMid-autumn Festival Stories\nAs a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones:\nChang’e Flying to the Moon\nThis is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e.\nOn a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival.\nChange Flying to the Moon  Mid autumn Festival story\nThe Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine\nThe Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life.\nWu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree\nAccording to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it.  Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace.\nBecause of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival.\nRelated reading\n:\nStories about the Spring Festival\nHow Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities\nFamily Reunion\nThe Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones.\nMoon Festival  Family reunion\nMoon Gazing\nThe full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members.\nEating Mooncakes\nAs the most iconic\nMid-autumn Festival food\n, mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc.\nMoon Worship\nIn ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon.\nMid autumn Festival traditions\nLantern Lighting\nOn the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees.\nTea Drinking\nWhen\nChinese tea culture\n intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes.\nTea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival\nSpecial Activities in Different Regions\nIn different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and\nQing Dynasties\n.\nIn coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness.\nRegion\nSpecial Activities\nBeijing\nThe moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”.\nShanghai\/Jiangnan\nDuring the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat.\nNortheast China\nAdmiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day.\nFujian\nMooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity.\nChaozhou, Guangdong\nOn Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory.\nYunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups)\nYi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon.\nSouthern Jiangxi\nEating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune.\nHong Kong\/Guangzhou\nChildren erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight.\nHangzhou\nPeople often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides.\nRelated reading\n:\nTraditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival\nMooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival\nMooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones.\nNowadays, there are\nmooncakes\nof different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose.\nMooncakes\nOther Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods\nCiba (Glutinous Rice Cake)\n: In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival.\nHairy Crab\n: The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table.\nTaro\n: August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect.\nGlutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root\n: By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients.\nRelated Reading:\n \nChinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food\nMoon Festival Greetings & Wishes\nBesides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and\ngreetings for the Mid-autumn Festival\n:\n中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival\n满月 mǎnyuè full moon\n月饼 yuèbing mooncake\n中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!\n祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival\n阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness\n祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything.\n但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon.\nHow Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore.\nMid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong\nIn addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones.\nMid-Autumn Festival in Macau\nVisitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles.\nMoon Festival in Taiwan\nIn Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places.\nMid-Autumn Festival in Japan\nIn Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling.\nMooncake Festival in\nSingapore\nWith Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances.\nTips for Travelers\nBest Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival\nTo experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists.\nHong Kong:\nThe traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14\nth\n – 16\nth\n. And it is free to watch.\nHangzhou:\nThe Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides.\nBeijing and Shanghai:\nIn these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant.\nPractical Travel Tips\nSince Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance.\nSimple etiquette tips\nSending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes.\nPlan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour\nThe Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact\nChina Xian Tour\n.\nMore Chinese Culture-related Articles\nChinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know\nTaoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang\nGuizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China\nIf you’re planning a\nChina tour\n during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing\nautumn destinations in China\n.\nFor Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the\nDragon Boat Festival\n. We’re here to create your personal China culture tour with authentic Chinese festival experiences.","attrs_markdown":"[![China Xan Tour](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20768%20171'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![China Xan Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2025\/02\/cropped-china-xian-tour-logo-1117-w.webp)](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/contact-us)\n\nEmail: [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#98ebfdeaeef1fbfdd8fbf0f1f6f9e0f1f9f6ecf7edeab6fbf7f5) Tel\/Whatsapp\/WeChat: [86-15129005119](tel:008615129005119)\n\n[![China Xan Tour](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201117%20249'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![China Xan Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2025\/02\/cropped-china-xian-tour-logo-1117-w.webp)](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/)\n- [China Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours)\n  - 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[China Xian Tour Team](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/team)\n  - [Real China Life Experience](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/real-china-life-experience)\n  - [Reviews](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-reviews)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival head](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201920%20540'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival head](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mid-autumn-Festival-head.webp)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/ \"Home\") › [China Travel Guide](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide \"China Travel Guide\")\n\n# Chinese Mid-autumn Festival 2026- How to Celebrate, Origin, Story, Greetings\nWritten by Catherine \\| Updated November 28,2025\n\nThe Mid-autumn Festival, aka Moon Festival, is one of the four major traditional festivals in China, alongside the [Spring Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-new-year-traditions.html), [Qingming Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-travel-blog\/tomb-sweeping-day.html), and Dragon Boat Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of [the best times to visit China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/best-time-to-visit-china.html) to experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it.\n\nOver the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage.\n\nWhat is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this [traditional Chinese festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/top-traditional-chinese-festivals.html).\n\n## Content Preview\n- [What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#what)\n- [Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#names)\n- [When is the Mid-autumn Festival in China?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#guide)\n- [Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#origin)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#development)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Stories](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#stories)\n- [How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#how)\n- [Special Activities in Different Regions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#activities)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#food)\n- [Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#greetings)\n- [How Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#celebrate)\n- [Tips for Travelers](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#tips)\n- [Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#tour)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mid-autumn-Festival-Family-reunion.webp)\n\nMid autumn Festival Family reunion\n## What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”.\n\nThis day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends.\n\nNot only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live.\n\n## Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival\nMid-autumn Festival in Chinese is ****Zhongqiu Jie (********中秋节********)****. Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called ****Moon Festival****. And since the tradition of [eating mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/how-to-eat-mooncakes) on this day, many people also call it ****Mooncake Festival****. It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as:\n\n- Harvest Moon Festival\n- Reunion Festival\n- Autumn Festival\n- Moon-viewing Festival\n## When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China?\nThe [date of the Mid-Autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-date) falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required.\n\n|   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Year** | **Date** | **Holiday** |\n| 2025 | October 6 | October 6 |\n| 2026 | September 25 | September 25 – 27 |\n| 2027 | September 15 | September 15 |\n## Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?\nYes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a [public holiday in China’s mainland](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/china-public-holidays.html). You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday.\n\nTypically, ****if the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday****, with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days.\n\nWhat unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have?\n\n****In Hong Kong and Macau****, a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16th day of the 8th lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given.\n\n****In Taiwan****, the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend.\n\n*Read More*: [9 Days Private Taiwan Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/9-days-taiwan-tour)\n\n****In Singapore and Malaysia****, the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet.\n\n## Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development\nThere is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China.\n\nAs early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies.\n\nDuring the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn.\n\nThe Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one.\n\nIn the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period.\n\nIn the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China.\n\n## Mid-autumn Festival Stories\nAs a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones:\n\n### ****Chang’e Flying to the Moon****\nThis is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e.\n\nOn a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival.\n\n![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Change-Flying-to-the-Moon-Mid-autumn-Festival-story.webp)\n\nChange Flying to the Moon Mid autumn Festival story\n### ****The Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine****\nThe Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life.\n\n### ****Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree****\nAccording to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it. Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace.\n\nBecause of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival.\n\n****Related reading****: [Stories about the Spring Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-travel-blog\/stories-about-the-spring-festival.html)\n\n## How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities\n### ****Family Reunion****\nThe Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones.\n\n![Moon Festival - Family reunion](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Moon Festival - Family reunion](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Moon-Festival-Family-reunion.webp)\n\nMoon Festival Family reunion\n### ****Moon Gazing****\nThe full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members.\n\n### ****Eating Mooncakes****\nAs the most iconic [Mid-autumn Festival food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-food.html), mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc.\n\n### ****Moon Worship****\nIn ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon.\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mid-autumn-Festival-traditions.webp)\n\nMid autumn Festival traditions\n### ****Lantern Lighting****\nOn the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees.\n\n### ****Tea Drinking****\nWhen [Chinese tea culture](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-tea-culture.html) intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes.\n\n![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Tea-drinking-during-the-Mid-autumn-Festival.webp)\n\nTea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival\n## Special Activities in Different Regions\nIn different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and [Qing Dynasties](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/qing-dynasty).\n\nIn coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness.\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| ****Region**** | ****Special Activities**** |\n| Beijing | The moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”. |\n| Shanghai\/Jiangnan | During the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat. |\n| Northeast China | Admiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day. |\n| Fujian | Mooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity. |\n| Chaozhou, Guangdong | On Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory. |\n| Yunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups) | Yi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon. |\n| Southern Jiangxi | Eating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune. |\n| Hong Kong\/Guangzhou | Children erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight. |\n| Hangzhou | People often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides. |\n\n****Related reading****: [Traditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-new-year-traditions.html)\n\n## Mid-autumn Festival Food\n### ****Mooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival****\nMooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones.\n\nNowadays, there are [mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/moon-cake.html) of different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose.\n\n![Mooncakes](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mooncakes.webp)\n\nMooncakes\n### ****Other Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods****\n- ****Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake)****: In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival.\n- ****Hairy Crab****: The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table.\n- ****Taro****: August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect.\n- ****Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root****: By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients.\n\n****Related Reading:**** [Chinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/lantern-festival.html)\n\n## Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes\nBesides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and [greetings for the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-greetings):\n\n- 中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival\n- 满月 mǎnyuè full moon\n- 月饼 yuèbing mooncake\n- 中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival\\!\n- 祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival\n- 阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness\n- 祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything.\n- 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon.\n## How Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong****\nIn addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau****\nVisitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles.\n\n### ****Moon Festival in Taiwan****\nIn Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan****\nIn Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling.\n\n### ****Mooncake Festival in**** ****Singapore****\nWith Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances.\n\n## Tips for Travelers\n### **Best Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival**\nTo experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists.\n\n****Hong Kong:**** The traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14th – 16th. And it is free to watch.\n\n****Hangzhou:**** The Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides.\n\n****Beijing and Shanghai:**** In these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant.\n\n### **Practical Travel Tips**\nSince Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance.\n\n**Simple etiquette tips**\n\nSending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes.\n\n## Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour\nThe Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact [China Xian Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/).\n\n**More Chinese Culture-related Articles**\n\n- [Chinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-zodiac.html)\n- Taoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang\n- [Guizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/guizhou-travel-guide\/festivals.html)\n\nIf you’re planning a [China tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours) during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing [autumn destinations in China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/places-to-visit-in-autumn.html).\n\nFor Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/dragon-boat-festival). We’re here to create your personal China culture tour with authentic Chinese festival experiences.\n\nWhy China Xian Tour\n\n**Award-winning Service:**\n\n- We measure success by your satisfaction: 1000+ Excellent reviews from TripAdvisor\n\n**Flexible Change Policy:**\n\n- Flexible policy for tour change or cancellation.\n\n**24\/7 Customer Support:**\n\n- 24\/7 support from a real person. Assistance throughout your trip.\n\nPopular China Tours\n\n- [15 Days China Tour with Ethnic Culture: Guilin, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/15-days-china-ethnic-tour-guilin-guizhou-yunnan-tibet)\n- [9 Days China Cultural Tour of Beijing-Datong-Pingyao-Xi’an](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/9-days-china-cultural-tour-of-beijing-datong-pingyao-xian.html)\n- [13 Days Classic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/13-days-china-tour-with-yangtze-river-cruise)\n- [11 Days China Winter Tour of Beijing, Xian, Harbin, Shanghai](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/11-days-best-china-winter-tour-of-beijing-xian-harbin-shanghai.html)\n- [4 Days Inner Mongolia Naadam Festival & Hulunbuir Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/inner-mongolia-tours\/4-days-naadam-festival-hulunbuir-tour)\n\nExplore Chinese Festival Guides\n\n- [Top 8 Traditional Chinese Festivals to Unveil Authentic Chinese Culture](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/top-traditional-chinese-festivals.html)\n- [Chinese New Year 2026: The Most Important Traditional Festival in China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-new-year.html)\n- [China Public Holidays 2026 (with Useful Traveling Tips)](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/china-public-holidays.html)\n- [Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/lantern-festival.html)\n- [Chinese Mid-autumn Festival 2026- How to Celebrate, Origin, Story, Greetings](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html)\n- [China National Day 2026: Things to Know about Traveling During the Golden Week Holiday](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/china-national-day)\n- [Dragon Boat Festival 2026: History, Traditions & Celebration Guide](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/dragon-boat-festival)\n\n### Recommended Cultura Tours You May Like\n[![9 Days Guangzhou, Guilin & Guizhou Nature and Culture Tour](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![9 Days Guangzhou, Guilin & Guizhou Nature and Culture Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2023\/06\/Chen-Clan-Ancestral-Hall.webp)](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/9-days-guangzhou-guilin-guizhou-tour \"9 Days Guangzhou, Guilin & Guizhou Nature and Culture Tour\")\n\n[9 Days Guangzhou, Guilin & Guizhou Nature and Culture Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/9-days-guangzhou-guilin-guizhou-tour)\n\nWelcome to the 9 day China tour of Guangzhou, Guilin, and Guizhou, where you can experience the natural scenery and cultural customs of southern China. 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Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-train-tours)\n- [China Panda Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-panda-tours)\n- [China Family Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-family-tours)\n- [China Muslim Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-muslim-tours)\n- [China Silk Road Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-silk-road-tour)\n- [China Education Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-education-tours)\n- [China Tours for Expats](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-for-expats)\n- [China Visa-free Tours Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-visa-free-tours)\n- [Great Wall Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/great-wall-of-china-tours)\n- [Terracotta Warriors Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/terracotta-warriors-tour)\n- [Natural Adventure Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-natural-adventure-tours)\n\nAbout China Xian Tour\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us)\n- [Meet the Team](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/team)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/contact-us)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-reviews)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/privacy-security)\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/cancellation-policy)\n- [Travel Blog](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-travel-blog)\n- [Real China Experiences](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/real-china-life-experience)\n\n#### China Tours\n- [Top 10 China Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/top-10-china-tours)\n- [China Group Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-group-tours)\n- [China Tours 2026](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours)\n- [China Private Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-private-tours)\n- [Beijing Xian Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/beijing-xian-tour)\n- [Shanghai Xian Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/shanghai-xian-tour)\n- [Beijing Xian Shanghai Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/beijing-xian-shanghai-tours)\n- [Chengdu Xian Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chengdu-xian-tour)\n- [Yangtze River Cruise](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours\/yangtze-river-cruise)\n- [China Tours from Beijing](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-beijing)\n- [China Tours from Shanghai](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-shanghai)\n- [China Tours from Hong Kong](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-hong-kong)\n- [China Tours from Chengdu](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-chengdu)\n- [China Tours from Xian](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-xian)\n- [China Tours from Guangzhou](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-from-guangzhou)\n\n#### Destinations\n- [Beijing Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/beijing-tours)\n- [Xian Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-tours)\n- [Yunnan Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/yunnan-tours)\n- [Chengdu\/Sichuan Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chengdu-tours)\n- [Tibet\/Lhasa Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/tibet-tours)\n- [Hangzhou Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/hangzhou-tours)\n- [Harbin Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/harbin-tours)\n- [Luoyang Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/luoyang-tours)\n- [Guizhou Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/guizhou-tours)\n- [Chongqing Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chongqing-tours)\n- [Xinjiang Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xinjiang-tours)\n- [ShanghaiTours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/shanghai-tours)\n- [Guilin\/Yangshuo Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/guilin-tours)\n- [Zhangiiajie Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/zhangjiajie-tours)\n- [SuzhouTours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/suzhou-tours)\n\n- [Sanya Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/sanya-tours)\n- [Pingyao Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/pingyao-tours)\n- [Huangshan Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/huangshan-tours)\n- [Hong Kong Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/hong-kong-tours)\n- [Dunhuang Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/dunhuang-tours)\n- [Xiamen Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xiamen-tours)\n- [Inner Mongolia Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/inner-mongolia-tours)\n\n#### Themes\n- [China Food Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-food-tours)\n- [China Train Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-train-tours)\n- [China Panda Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-panda-tours)\n- [China Family Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-family-tours)\n- [China Muslim Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-muslim-tours)\n- [China Silk Road Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-silk-road-tour)\n- [China Education Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-education-tours)\n- [China Tours for Expats](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-for-expats)\n- [China Visa-free Tours Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-visa-free-tours)\n- [Great Wall Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/great-wall-of-china-tours)\n- [Terracotta Warriors Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/terracotta-warriors-tour)\n- [Natural Adventure Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-natural-adventure-tours)\n\n#### About China Xian Tour\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us)\n- [Meet the Team](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/team)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/contact-us)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours-reviews)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/privacy-security)\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/cancellation-policy)\n- [Travel Blog](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-travel-blog)\n- [Real China Experiences](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/about-us\/real-china-life-experience)\n\n## We are member of\n![tmc2024-memberpng](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![tmc2024-memberpng](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/elementor\/thumbs\/tmc2024-member-r7fhkixqqx0buuk1j64annpaqyajomjvnkim955x4w.png)\n\n## We accept\n![tmc2024-acceptpng](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![tmc2024-acceptpng](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/elementor\/thumbs\/tmc2024-accept-r7fhjxbgdq6qftfg1ervkb5p3393rl61wlig7s1z40.png)\n\n## Destinations\n[![Instagram channel](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2064%2064'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![Instagram channel](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2022\/11\/Instagram_icon_64px.png)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chinaxiantour\/)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2064%2064'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2022\/11\/facebook_icon_64px.png)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/xianholidaystravelagency\/)\n\n[![youtube channel](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2064%2064'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![youtube channel](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2022\/11\/youtube_icon_64px-1.png)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC9NJ6AKQKLRXKvxAGMMrEBw)\n\n[![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2064%2064'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2022\/11\/wechat_icon_64px.png)](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmNoaW5heGlhbnRvdXIuY29tXC9tZWRpYVwvMjAyMlwvMTFcL3dlaUNoYXQuanBnIiwidHlwZSI6ImltYWdlIiwidGl0bGUiOiJTY2FuIE1lIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiJXZUNoYXQgUVIgQ29kZSJ9)\n\n![tripadvisor-white](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2090%2090'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![tripadvisor-white](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/07\/tmc2024-tripadvisor-white.webp)\n\n“China Xian Tour put together 9 days Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin and Xian Tour bespoke to us. Our travel consultant Kelly was fast and informative. We looked around and settled in China Xian Tour due to their incredible efficiency. They give us the best experience for the best price!!”\n\n**Based on 1000+ Reviews**  ★★★★★\n\nEmail: [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection) WeChat\/Whatsapp: 008618792910029 Call: (+86)18792910029 (08:00-21:00 Beijing Time)  \n2002-2026 © All Rights Reserved.\n\n### Accept & Continue\nWe use cookies to improve user experience, enable social media functions, analyze data, and fulfill other marketing purposes as described in our cookie policy.\n\n×\n## Send us a quick inquiry\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/)\n- [China Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours)\n  - [Top 10 China Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/top-10-china-tours)\n  - [China Private Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-private-tours)\n  - [China Family Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-family-tours)\n  - [China Group Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-group-tours)\n  - [China City Tours](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-city-tours)\n  - 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It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of [the best times to visit China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/best-time-to-visit-china.html) to experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it.\n\nOver the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage.\n\nWhat is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this [traditional Chinese festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/top-traditional-chinese-festivals.html).\n\n## Content Preview\n- [What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#what)\n- [Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#names)\n- [When is the Mid-autumn Festival in China?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#guide)\n- [Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#origin)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#development)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Stories](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#stories)\n- [How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#how)\n- [Special Activities in Different Regions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#activities)\n- [Mid-autumn Festival Food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#food)\n- [Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#greetings)\n- [How Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#celebrate)\n- [Tips for Travelers](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#tips)\n- [Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival.html#tour)\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mid-autumn-Festival-Family-reunion.webp)\n\nMid autumn Festival Family reunion\n## What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”.\n\nThis day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends.\n\nNot only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live.\n\n## Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival\nMid-autumn Festival in Chinese is ****Zhongqiu Jie (********中秋节********)****. Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called ****Moon Festival****. And since the tradition of [eating mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/how-to-eat-mooncakes) on this day, many people also call it ****Mooncake Festival****. It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as:\n\n- Harvest Moon Festival\n- Reunion Festival\n- Autumn Festival\n- Moon-viewing Festival\n## When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China?\nThe [date of the Mid-Autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-date) falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required.\n\n|   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Year** | **Date** | **Holiday** |\n| 2025 | October 6 | October 6 |\n| 2026 | September 25 | September 25 – 27 |\n| 2027 | September 15 | September 15 |\n## Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?\nYes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a [public holiday in China’s mainland](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/china-public-holidays.html). You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday.\n\nTypically, ****if the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday****, with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days.\n\nWhat unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have?\n\n****In Hong Kong and Macau****, a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16th day of the 8th lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given.\n\n****In Taiwan****, the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend.\n\n*Read More*: [9 Days Private Taiwan Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/9-days-taiwan-tour)\n\n****In Singapore and Malaysia****, the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet.\n\n## Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development\nThere is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China.\n\nAs early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies.\n\nDuring the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn.\n\nThe Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one.\n\nIn the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period.\n\nIn the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China.\n\n## Mid-autumn Festival Stories\nAs a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones:\n\n### ****Chang’e Flying to the Moon****\nThis is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e.\n\nOn a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival.\n\n![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Change-Flying-to-the-Moon-Mid-autumn-Festival-story.webp)\n\nChange Flying to the Moon Mid autumn Festival story\n### ****The Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine****\nThe Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life.\n\n### ****Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree****\nAccording to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it. Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace.\n\nBecause of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival.\n\n****Related reading****: [Stories about the Spring Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/xian-travel-blog\/stories-about-the-spring-festival.html)\n\n## How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities\n### ****Family Reunion****\nThe Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones.\n\n![Moon Festival - Family reunion](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Moon-Festival-Family-reunion.webp)\n\nMoon Festival Family reunion\n### ****Moon Gazing****\nThe full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members.\n\n### ****Eating Mooncakes****\nAs the most iconic [Mid-autumn Festival food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-food.html), mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc.\n\n### ****Moon Worship****\nIn ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon.\n\n![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mid-autumn-Festival-traditions.webp)\n\nMid autumn Festival traditions\n### ****Lantern Lighting****\nOn the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees.\n\n### ****Tea Drinking****\nWhen [Chinese tea culture](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-tea-culture.html) intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes.\n\n![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Tea-drinking-during-the-Mid-autumn-Festival.webp)\n\nTea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival\n## Special Activities in Different Regions\nIn different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and [Qing Dynasties](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/qing-dynasty).\n\nIn coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness.\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| ****Region**** | ****Special Activities**** |\n| Beijing | The moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”. |\n| Shanghai\/Jiangnan | During the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat. |\n| Northeast China | Admiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day. |\n| Fujian | Mooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity. |\n| Chaozhou, Guangdong | On Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory. |\n| Yunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups) | Yi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon. |\n| Southern Jiangxi | Eating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune. |\n| Hong Kong\/Guangzhou | Children erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight. |\n| Hangzhou | People often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides. |\n\n****Related reading****: [Traditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/chinese-new-year-traditions.html)\n\n### ****Mooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival****\nMooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones.\n\nNowadays, there are [mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/moon-cake.html) of different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose.\n\n![Mooncakes](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/media\/2024\/09\/Mooncakes.webp)\n\nMooncakes\n### ****Other Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods****\n- ****Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake)****: In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival.\n- ****Hairy Crab****: The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table.\n- ****Taro****: August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect.\n- ****Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root****: By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients.\n\n****Related Reading:**** [Chinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-culture\/lantern-festival.html)\n\n## Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes\nBesides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and [greetings for the Mid-autumn Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/mid-autumn-festival-greetings):\n\n- 中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival\n- 满月 mǎnyuè full moon\n- 月饼 yuèbing mooncake\n- 中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival\\!\n- 祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival\n- 阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness\n- 祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything.\n- 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon.\n## How Do Countries\/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?\nThe Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong****\nIn addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau****\nVisitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles.\n\n### ****Moon Festival in Taiwan****\nIn Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places.\n\n### ****Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan****\nIn Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling.\n\n### ****Mooncake Festival in**** ****Singapore****\nWith Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances.\n\n## Tips for Travelers\n### **Best Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival**\nTo experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists.\n\n****Hong Kong:**** The traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14th – 16th. And it is free to watch.\n\n****Hangzhou:**** The Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides.\n\n****Beijing and Shanghai:**** In these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant.\n\n### **Practical Travel Tips**\nSince Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance.\n\n**Simple etiquette tips**\n\nSending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes.\n\n## Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour\nThe Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact [China Xian Tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/).\n\n**More Chinese Culture-related Articles**\n\n- [Chinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/chinese-zodiac.html)\n- Taoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang\n- [Guizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/guizhou-travel-guide\/festivals.html)\n\nIf you’re planning a [China tour](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/china-tours) during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing [autumn destinations in China](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/places-to-visit-in-autumn.html).\n\nFor Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the [Dragon Boat Festival](https:\/\/www.chinaxiantour.com\/travel-guide\/dragon-boat-festival). We’re here to create your personal China culture tour with authentic Chinese festival experiences.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Written by Catherine \| Updated November 28,2025 The Mid-autumn Festival, aka Moon Festival, is one of the four major traditional festivals in China, alongside the Spring Festival , Qingming Festival , and Dragon Boat Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of the best times to visit China to experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it. Over the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage. What is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this traditional Chinese festival . Content Preview What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival? Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival When is the Mid-autumn Festival in China? Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday? Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development Mid-autumn Festival Stories How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities Special Activities in Different Regions Mid-autumn Festival Food Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival? Tips for Travelers Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour Mid autumn Festival Family reunion What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”. This day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends. Not only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live. Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival Mid-autumn Festival in Chinese is Zhongqiu Jie ( 中秋节 ) . Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called Moon Festival . And since the tradition of eating mooncakes on this day, many people also call it Mooncake Festival . It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as: Harvest Moon Festival Reunion Festival Autumn Festival Moon-viewing Festival When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China? The date of the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required. Year Date Holiday 2025 October 6 October 6 2026 September 25 September 25 – 27 2027 September 15 September 15 Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday? Yes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a public holiday in China’s mainland . You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday. Typically, if the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday , with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days. What unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have? In Hong Kong and Macau , a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16 th day of the 8 th lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given. In Taiwan , the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend. Read More : 9 Days Private Taiwan Tour In Singapore and Malaysia , the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet. Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development There is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China. As early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies. During the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn. The Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period. In the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China. Mid-autumn Festival Stories As a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones: Chang’e Flying to the Moon This is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e. On a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival. Change Flying to the Moon Mid autumn Festival story The Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine The Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life. Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree According to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it. Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace. Because of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival. Related reading : Stories about the Spring Festival How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities Family Reunion The Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones. Moon Festival Family reunion Moon Gazing The full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members. Eating Mooncakes As the most iconic Mid-autumn Festival food , mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc. Moon Worship In ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon. Mid autumn Festival traditions Lantern Lighting On the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees. Tea Drinking When Chinese tea culture intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes. Tea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival Special Activities in Different Regions In different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and Qing Dynasties . In coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness. Region Special Activities Beijing The moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”. Shanghai/Jiangnan During the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat. Northeast China Admiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day. Fujian Mooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity. Chaozhou, Guangdong On Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory. Yunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups) Yi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon. Southern Jiangxi Eating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune. Hong Kong/Guangzhou Children erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight. Hangzhou People often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides. Related reading : Traditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival Mooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones. Nowadays, there are mooncakes of different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose. Mooncakes Other Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake) : In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival. Hairy Crab : The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table. Taro : August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect. Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root : By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients. Related Reading: Chinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes Besides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and greetings for the Mid-autumn Festival : 中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival 满月 mǎnyuè full moon 月饼 yuèbing mooncake 中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival 阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness 祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything. 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon. How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore. Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong In addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones. Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau Visitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles. Moon Festival in Taiwan In Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places. Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan In Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling. Mooncake Festival in Singapore With Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances. Tips for Travelers Best Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival To experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists. Hong Kong: The traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14 th – 16 th . And it is free to watch. Hangzhou: The Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides. Beijing and Shanghai: In these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant. Practical Travel Tips Since Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance. Simple etiquette tips Sending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes. Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact China Xian Tour . More Chinese Culture-related Articles Chinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know Taoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang Guizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China If you’re planning a China tour during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing autumn destinations in China . For Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival . We’re here to create your personal China culture tour with authentic Chinese festival experiences.
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[About Us](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/about-us) - [China Xian Tour Team](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/about-us/team) - [Real China Life Experience](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/about-us/real-china-life-experience) - [Reviews](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/china-tours-reviews) ![Mid-autumn Festival head](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201920%20540'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Mid-autumn Festival head](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mid-autumn-Festival-head.webp) [Home](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/ "Home") › [China Travel Guide](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide "China Travel Guide") # Chinese Mid-autumn Festival 2026- How to Celebrate, Origin, Story, Greetings Written by Catherine \\| Updated November 28,2025 The Mid-autumn Festival, aka Moon Festival, is one of the four major traditional festivals in China, alongside the [Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-new-year-traditions.html), [Qingming Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/xian-travel-blog/tomb-sweeping-day.html), and Dragon Boat Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of [the best times to visit China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/best-time-to-visit-china.html) to experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it. Over the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage. What is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this [traditional Chinese festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-culture/top-traditional-chinese-festivals.html). ## Content Preview - [What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#what) - [Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#names) - [When is the Mid-autumn Festival in China?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#guide) - [Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#origin) - [Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#development) - [Mid-autumn Festival Stories](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#stories) - [How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#how) - [Special Activities in Different Regions](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#activities) - [Mid-autumn Festival Food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#food) - [Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#greetings) - [How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#celebrate) - [Tips for Travelers](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#tips) - [Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#tour) ![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mid-autumn-Festival-Family-reunion.webp) Mid autumn Festival Family reunion ## What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”. This day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends. Not only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live. ## Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival Mid-autumn Festival in Chinese is **Zhongqiu Jie (****中秋节****). Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called Moon Festival. And since the tradition of [eating mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/how-to-eat-mooncakes) on this day, many people also call it Mooncake Festival. It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as: - Harvest Moon Festival - Reunion Festival - Autumn Festival - Moon-viewing Festival ## When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China? The [date of the Mid-Autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-date) falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required. \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Year \| Date \| Holiday \| \| 2025 \| October 6 \| October 6 \| \| 2026 \| September 25 \| September 25 – 27 \| \| 2027 \| September 15 \| September 15 \| ## Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday? Yes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a [public holiday in China’s mainland](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/china-public-holidays.html). You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday. Typically, if the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday, with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days. What unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have? In Hong Kong and Macau, a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16th day of the 8th lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given. In Taiwan*, the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend. Read More: [9 Days Private Taiwan Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/9-days-taiwan-tour) *In Singapore and Malaysia, the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet. ## Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development There is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China. As early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies. During the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn. The Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period. In the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China. ## Mid-autumn Festival Stories As a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones: ### Chang’e Flying to the Moon This is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e. On a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival. ![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Change-Flying-to-the-Moon-Mid-autumn-Festival-story.webp) Change Flying to the Moon Mid autumn Festival story ### The Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine The Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life. ### Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree According to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it. Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace. Because of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival. Related reading: [Stories about the Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/xian-travel-blog/stories-about-the-spring-festival.html) ## How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities ### Family Reunion The Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones. ![Moon Festival - Family reunion](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Moon Festival - Family reunion](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Moon-Festival-Family-reunion.webp) Moon Festival Family reunion ### Moon Gazing The full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members. ### Eating Mooncakes As the most iconic [Mid-autumn Festival food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-food.html), mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc. ### Moon Worship In ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon. ![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mid-autumn-Festival-traditions.webp) Mid autumn Festival traditions ### Lantern Lighting On the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees. ### Tea Drinking When [Chinese tea culture](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-tea-culture.html) intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes. ![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Tea-drinking-during-the-Mid-autumn-Festival.webp) Tea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival ## Special Activities in Different Regions In different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and [Qing Dynasties](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/qing-dynasty). In coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness. \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Region \| Special Activities \| \| Beijing \| The moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”. \| \| Shanghai/Jiangnan \| During the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat. \| \| Northeast China \| Admiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day. \| \| Fujian \| Mooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity. \| \| Chaozhou, Guangdong \| On Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory. \| \| Yunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups) \| Yi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon. \| \| Southern Jiangxi \| Eating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune. \| \| Hong Kong/Guangzhou \| Children erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight. \| \| Hangzhou \| People often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides. \| Related reading: [Traditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-new-year-traditions.html) ## Mid-autumn Festival Food ### Mooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones. Nowadays, there are [mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/moon-cake.html) of different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose. ![Mooncakes](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20650%20418'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mooncakes.webp) Mooncakes ### Other Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods - Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake): In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival. - Hairy Crab: The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table. - Taro: August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect. - Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root: By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients. Related Reading: [Chinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-culture/lantern-festival.html) ## Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes Besides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and [greetings for the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-greetings): - 中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival - 满月 mǎnyuè full moon - 月饼 yuèbing mooncake - 中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival\! - 祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival - 阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness - 祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything. - 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon. ## How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong In addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau Visitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles. ### Moon Festival in Taiwan In Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan In Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling. ### Mooncake Festival in Singapore With Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances. ## Tips for Travelers ### Best Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival To experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists. Hong Kong: The traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14th – 16th. And it is free to watch. Hangzhou: The Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides. Beijing and Shanghai: In these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant. ### Practical Travel Tips Since Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance. Simple etiquette tips Sending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes. ## Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact [China Xian Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/). More Chinese Culture-related Articles - [Chinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-zodiac.html) - Taoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang - [Guizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/guizhou-travel-guide/festivals.html) If you’re planning a [China tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/china-tours) during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing [autumn destinations in China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-autumn.html). For Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the [Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/dragon-boat-festival). 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Readable Markdown	Written by Catherine \\| Updated November 28,2025 The Mid-autumn Festival, aka Moon Festival, is one of the four major traditional festivals in China, alongside the [Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-new-year-traditions.html), [Qingming Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/xian-travel-blog/tomb-sweeping-day.html), and Dragon Boat Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically in September or early October. During the festival, a mix of traditions and activities are often organized, making it one of [the best times to visit China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/best-time-to-visit-china.html) to experience colorful celebrations. In 2026, the festival will happen on September 25. Typically, there will be a one-day public holiday to celebrate it. Over the thousands of years of development and evolution, many elements of traditional Chinese culture have been intertwined with the Mid-autumn Festival. In 2006, the State Council listed it as a national intangible cultural heritage. What is the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival? Who celebrates the festival, how do people celebrate it, and what’s the story about it… This article will guide you through this [traditional Chinese festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-culture/top-traditional-chinese-festivals.html). ## Content Preview - [What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#what) - [Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#names) - [When is the Mid-autumn Festival in China?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#guide) - [Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#origin) - [Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#development) - [Mid-autumn Festival Stories](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#stories) - [How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#how) - [Special Activities in Different Regions](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#activities) - [Mid-autumn Festival Food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#food) - [Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#greetings) - [How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival?](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#celebrate) - [Tips for Travelers](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#tips) - [Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival.html#tour) ![Mid-autumn Festival - Family reunion](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mid-autumn-Festival-Family-reunion.webp) Mid autumn Festival Family reunion ## What is China’s Mid-autumn Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is an important time for family reunions, being celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months are the three autumn months, and the 15th day of the eighth month marks the midpoint of the autumn, and also the harvest time in the middle of autumn, hence the name “Mid-autumn”. This day happens to be the day when the moon is at its fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Thus arose the tradition for families and friends to gather together, enjoying meals and sharing mooncakes. In different areas, various customs and activities are also organized, such as admiring and worshipping the moon, praying for good fortune, carrying lanterns, honoring ancestors, and expressing longing for distant relatives and friends. Not only in the mainland of China, the Mid-autumn Festival is also widely celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries and regions, and places all over the world where ethnic Chinese people live. ## Other Names of the Mid-autumn Festival Mid-autumn Festival in Chinese is **Zhongqiu Jie (****中秋节****). Since lies on the full moon day, it is also called Moon Festival. And since the tradition of [eating mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/how-to-eat-mooncakes) on this day, many people also call it Mooncake Festival. It also has several other alternative names, most of which are related to the moon, its traditions and stories, such as: - Harvest Moon Festival - Reunion Festival - Autumn Festival - Moon-viewing Festival ## When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in China? The [date of the Mid-Autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-date) falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, from mid-September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival date on 2026 will be September 25. As it is on Friday, it automatically creates a three-day break with the following Saturday and Sunday. No compensatory make-up work day will be required. \| \| \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Year \| Date \| Holiday \| \| 2025 \| October 6 \| October 6 \| \| 2026 \| September 25 \| September 25 – 27 \| \| 2027 \| September 15 \| September 15 \| ## Is Mid-autumn Festival a Public Holiday? Yes, but until 2008, the Mid-autumn Festival was designated as a [public holiday in China’s mainland](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/china-public-holidays.html). You may be wondering how has the Mid-Autumn Festival been formally recognized by the Chinese government.There are two important events. The first one is that in May 20, 2006, it was listed in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The second one is that since January 1, 2008, it has been listed as a national public holiday. Typically, if the festival coincides with a weekend, people can enjoy a three-day holiday, with the following Monday being given as a compensatory day off. If the festival falls on a Wednesday, people can enjoy a one-day holiday on that day only, with no adjustment for the weekend days. However, if the festival falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, a three-day holiday will be created by adjusting the previous or following weekend days. What unique public holiday arrangement does Hong Kong have for the Moon Festival? How many days off can people in Taiwan, Macau, and the Chinese-speaking countries and regions have? In Hong Kong and Macau, a one-day public holiday is given on the day after the Mid-autumn Festival (the 16th day of the 8th lunar month). If it falls on a Saturday, no additional day off will be given. In Taiwan*, the festival is a one-day public holiday. No additional day off will be compensated if it coincides with a weekend. Read More: [9 Days Private Taiwan Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/9-days-taiwan-tour) *In Singapore and Malaysia, the Moon Festival is still not a public holiday yet. ## Mid-autumn Festival Origin & Development There is no specific time or event for the origin of the Mid-autumn Festival. Actually, according to historical records, the festival gradually evolved through traditions, cultural development, and societal changes in various periods and dynasties in ancient China. As early as the Zhou Dynasty, emperors had the tradition to practice moon worship and rituals during the autumn season to express their thanks to the moon for the harvest. Gradually, common people also adopted these ceremonies. During the Han Dynasty, besides moon worship and rituals, it is popular among the common people to honor and care for the elderly and give “Xiongcu Cake” in the Mid-autumn or the beginning of autumn. There are also records of the practice of moon gazing in the Jin Dynasty in the Mid-autumn. The Tang Dynasty is an important period for the integration and formalization of traditional festival customs. In its capital Chang’an, moon gazing during the Moon Festival is especially popular. The moon appeared in many famous poems and verses at this time. The festival was linked to many romantic moon-related legends, and Chang’e flying to the moon is the best-known one. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the government officially designated the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the Mid-autumn Festival. The festival became a grand celebration around the country and was highlighted by many activities. Family reunions overall became a significant aspect of the festival celebration during this period. In the following Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a greater emphasis on the significance of the Moon Goddess and bountiful harvest, with various seasonal fruits being offered during moon worship. The Moon Festival eventually became one of the four major traditional festivals in China. ## Mid-autumn Festival Stories As a traditional Chinese festival, the Mooncake Festival also carries rich mythology and legends. Below are some of the most classic ones: ### Chang’e Flying to the Moon This is the most famous legend associated with the Mid-autumn Festival. It is said that in ancient times, there were ten suns scorching the earth. To save the people from drought, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine suns. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality. Since didn’t want to gain immortality without his wife, Hou Yi entrusted the elixir to his wife, Chang’e. On a Mid-autumn Day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, Hou Yi’s apprentice tried to force Chang’e to hand over the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed the elixir and floated up to the Moon Palace. Heartbroken by her departure, Hou Yi would offer her favorite food every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This practice was gradually followed by common people, forming the moon worship custom during the Moon Festival. ![Change Flying to the Moon - Mid-autumn Festival story](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Change-Flying-to-the-Moon-Mid-autumn-Festival-story.webp) Change Flying to the Moon Mid autumn Festival story ### The Jade Rabbit Grinding Medicine The Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion in the Moon Palace. It is as white as jade and helps Chang’e to grind medicine and make elixirs of immortality. In Chinese culture, the Jade Rabbit is closely associated with the moon, representing people’s longing for immortality and a better life. ### Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree According to the legend, Wu Gang made a mistake and was banished to the Moon Palace. The Heavenly Emperor published him to chop down the giant laurel tree in the Moon Palace. Magically, the tree can heal itself immediately after Wu Gang struck it. Year after year, Wu Gang continued chopping the tree and became an eternal figure in the Moon Palace. Because of this legend, the moon is also referred to as the Laurel Moon. In some regions, people have the custom of admiring laurel flowers during the Mid-autumn Festival. Related reading: [Stories about the Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/xian-travel-blog/stories-about-the-spring-festival.html) ## How Do People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: Traditions & Activities ### Family Reunion The Mooncake Festival is a great time for family reunions. The public holiday allows people to take a break from work and return home to spend the festival and enjoy a reunion dinner with their families and loved ones. ![Moon Festival - Family reunion](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Moon-Festival-Family-reunion.webp) Moon Festival Family reunion ### Moon Gazing The full moon on the Moon Festival night is particularly round and bright, attracting people to admire its beauty. For the Chinese, the moon symbolizes reunion and completeness. While gazing at the moon, people express their longing and blessings for their family members. ### Eating Mooncakes As the most iconic [Mid-autumn Festival food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-food.html), mooncakes symbolize reunion and happiness. Eating mooncakes or sharing mooncakes with families is a can’t-miss activity while celebrating the festival. Different regions have different ways of flavoring mooncakes, and they thus come in various flavors and fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, etc. ### Moon Worship In ancient times, people usually pray to the Moon Goddess for blessings, good harvest, and health on the festival night. This ancient custom has been maintained to this day. In Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and many other regions, people still set up offering tables and preparing food and seasonal fruits and nuts to worship the moon. ![Mid-autumn Festival traditions](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mid-autumn-Festival-traditions.webp) Mid autumn Festival traditions ### Lantern Lighting On the night of the festival, people tie the lanterns to bamboo poles and hang them from eaves or balconies. This activity is called “Shu Zhongqiu”. In the Jiangnan regions, people also make lantern boats and watch the boats float away in the water. They believe the lanterns will carry their best wishes to distant places. In some regions, people often decorate lantern crafts with various characters and shapes and hang them under trees. ### Tea Drinking When [Chinese tea culture](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-tea-culture.html) intersects with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival experience is further enhanced. The custom of drinking tea during the Moon Festival can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. On the night of the festival, people would brew and drink “tuancha”, which is in a full moon shape, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Today, people still preserve this tradition while admiring the moon. The fragrance of tea pairs well with the sweetness of mooncakes. ![Tea drinking during the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Tea-drinking-during-the-Mid-autumn-Festival.webp) Tea drinking during the Mid autumn Festival ## Special Activities in Different Regions In different regions, various other Mid-autumn activities and traditions are still preserved to enhance the festive atmosphere. For those in know, they are cusious about which specific region in China has the custom of making and playing with “rabbit figurines” during the festival? In Beijing, people have the custom of playing with the craft of “rabbit figurines” since Ming and [Qing Dynasties](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/qing-dynasty). In coastal areas, like Hangzhou, people often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides during the festival. In Taiwan and some ethnic areas of Hunan, unmarried women would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness. \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Region \| Special Activities \| \| Beijing \| The moon worship ceremony is usually presided over by female. And in offerings, the fruit can only be in round shape. Besides, children always play with the craft of “rabbit figurines”. \| \| Shanghai/Jiangnan \| During the festival, the osmanthus are in full bloom in Shanghai and south China, so plenty of Osmanthus-flavored treats are made, such as osmanthus cake. And the mooncake is also special. The filling is fresh meat. \| \| Northeast China \| Admiring the moon and going to a temple fair are the common activities in the region. Since it is in harvest season during the festival, so the family dinner is usually extremely fancy on the day. \| \| Fujian \| Mooncake gambling is a dice game where players win mooncakes; Shao Ta Zi involves children building towers with tiles and burning them, symbolizing prosperity. \| \| Chaozhou, Guangdong \| On Mid-Autumn night, women and children set up incense altars in the courtyard, offering sacrifices to the moon, praying for peace, good studies, or good marriages. Chaoshan Mooncakes is also unique, which tastes flaky and savory. \| \| Yunnan (Yi and Dai ethnic groups) \| Yi people of all ages sing and dance in open areas of the mountain villages and they would steal vegetables on the festival night since it symbolizes good fortune and happiness; the Dai people perform a solemn moon worship ceremony, paying respects to the hero Yanjian, who is seen as the embodiment of the moon. \| \| Southern Jiangxi \| Eating Pomelo is a unique custom there, because “pomelo” sounds like “having children” or “blessing children” in the local dialect, symbolizing good fortune. \| \| Hong Kong/Guangzhou \| Children erect various paper lanterns made from bamboo and paper, which shine with colorful light, competing with the bright moonlight. \| \| Hangzhou \| People often gather by the sea to watch the spectacular tides. \| Related reading: [Traditional Chinese Customs to Celebrate Spring Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/chinese-new-year-traditions.html) ### Mooncakes – The Quintessential Food of the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncakes are also known as “reunion cakes”, serving as a symbolic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since it is recognized as a symbol of good fortune and reunion, people like to send mooncakes to their relatives and friends during the festival and strengthen the bond with their loved ones. Nowadays, there are [mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/moon-cake.html) of different regional styles for people to choose. Each style features unique fillings, shapes, and preparation methods. For example, Beijing-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crusts, Cantonese-style mooncakes have both sweet and savory fillings, and the fillings of Suzhou-style mooncakes often include walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, osmanthus, and rose. ![Mooncakes](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/media/2024/09/Mooncakes.webp) Mooncakes ### Other Typical Mid-autumn Festival Foods - Ciba (Glutinous Rice Cake): In Sichuan and Chongqing regions, people would pound the glutinous rice with wooden sticks to make ciba for the festival. - Hairy Crab: The Mooncake Festival coincides with the season for fat crabs, making the flavorful hairy crabs a popular dish on the reunion dinner table. - Taro: August is the harvest season for taro, and its pronunciation is similar to “luck comes” in the local dialect. - Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root: By filling the lotus root with glutinous rice and drizzling it with osmanthus syrup, the dish features a harmonious blend of fragrances and sweetness from different ingredients. Related Reading: [Chinese Lantern Festival – How to Celebrate, Origins, Food](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-culture/lantern-festival.html) ## Moon Festival Greetings & Wishes Besides traditional celebrations and activities, many Chinese people now enjoy sending WeChat blessing messages and cards to friends and families during the Mid-autumn Festival to express good wishes. Below are some commonly used expressions, sayings and [greetings for the Mid-autumn Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/mid-autumn-festival-greetings): - 中秋节 Zhōngqiūjié Mid-Autumn Festival - 满月 mǎnyuè full moon - 月饼 yuèbing mooncake - 中秋快乐！ Zhōngqiū kuàilè! Happy Mid-Autumn Festival\! - 祝您和您的家人中秋快乐 Zhù nín hé nín de jiārén Zhōngqiū kuàilè Wish you and your family a happy Mid-Autumn Festival - 阖家团圆 héjiā tuányuán Family reunion and happiness - 祝您中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 Zhùnín Zhōngqiū jiājié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shì shì yuánmǎn Wishing you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, may the full moon and family reunion bring you happiness and fulfillment in everything. - 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān May we all live long; even though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon. ## How Do Countries/Regions Aside from the Mainland of China Celebrate Moon Festival? The Mid-autumn Festival is also celebrated in many countries and regions around the world. This includes Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and neighboring countries deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, like Japan, and Singapore. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong In addition to traditional activities like eating mooncakes, admiring the moon, and family reunions, Hong Kong people also held many unique celebrations during the festival. Fire Dragon Dance, lantern exhibition, playing with lanterns, eating pomelos, and making pomelo lanterns are some of the most popular ones. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau Visitors can expect a rich blend of traditional and modern activities in Macau during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Some popular traditional celebrations include lantern exhibitions, lion dance performances, moon gazing. While the unique modern celebrations are mid-autumn concerts, food exhibitions, light parties, and fairs offering traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern riddles. ### Moon Festival in Taiwan In Taiwan, besides traditional customs like moon gazing, eating mooncakes, and enjoying pomelos, people also celebrate the festival with barbecuing. This unique ritual sets the Taiwanese celebration apart from other places. ### Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan In Japan, it is called “Tsukimi” (月見), meaning “moon viewing festival”. Traditional activities during the festival include holding banquets while gazing at the moon, and enjoying “Kangetsusai”. Instead of mooncakes, the iconic Mooncake Festival food in Japan is “Tsukimi Dango”, a kind of glutinous rice dumpling. ### Mooncake Festival in Singapore With Chinese occupying about 75% of its population, Singapore also celebrates the Mid-autumn Festival. The Singaporeans celebrate the festival by eating mooncakes, carrying lanterns, moon gazing, and various festive activities, such as boating riding on the river, and lion dance performances. ## Tips for Travelers ### Best Cities to Visit to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival To experience the unique festival atmosphere, the following cities are recommended for foreign tourists. Hong Kong: The traditional Fire Dragon Dance is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 67-meter-long fire dragon travels through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay in the evening from August 14th – 16th. And it is free to watch. Hangzhou: The Qiantang River Tide is a world-famous natural wonder in Hangzhou. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tide is the most powerful, so watching the tide has been a unique custom. In different spots, you can see various forms of tides. Beijing and Shanghai: In these two cities, there is usually a large-scale lantern show or light show in some parks or gardens, which is usually combined with intangible cultural heritage exhibition, delicious food and performances. Your travel experience will be more abundant. ### Practical Travel Tips Since Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, many people will go home or enjoy a travel during the three days. So it may be impossible to avoid crowds in hot scenic spots and tourist cities. Besides, the tickets for scenic spots, trains and flights will be more difficult to book. And the hotels are also in a short supply. So it is quite necessary to book all the above in advance. Simple etiquette tips Sending the mooncake as a gift to friends is a very common and friendly behavior in China. A detail you should notice is that no matter you send or accept the mooncake, use both hands to show respect. And when sending the mooncake, you can say blessings such as “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”. If you accept the gift, express gratitude. And it is usually not advised to open immediately. When talking with others, you can talk about your impression and feeling about the festival and do not making negative comparisons about the flavors of mooncakes. ## Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important part of Chinese culture. Besides, the traditional architecture, clothing and foods also display the various Chinese culture from different aspects. We know that you also want to visit the famous scenic spots, our travel consultant can customize such an itinerary for you. Also, we can adjust the trip based on your needs. So do not hesitate to contact [China Xian Tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/). More Chinese Culture-related Articles** - [Chinese Zodiac: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/chinese-zodiac.html) - Taoism, Tai chi and Yin-yang - [Guizhou Ethnic Festivals: the Best Minority Culture Experiences in China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/guizhou-travel-guide/festivals.html) If you’re planning a [China tour](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/china-tours) during the Mid-autumn Festival, don’t miss the amazing [autumn destinations in China](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-autumn.html). For Chinese culture lovers, you probably also want to dive into some other traditional Chinese festivals. Then you will be wondering, besides the Mid-Autumn Festival, what are the other three major traditional festivals in China? The other three traditional festivals are the Spring Festival, the Qingming Festival, and the [Dragon Boat Festival](https://www.chinaxiantour.com/travel-guide/dragon-boat-festival). We’re here to create your personal China culture tour with authentic Chinese festival experiences.
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