Top Events and Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss in China

China, with its grand historical legacy and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year. These events are not just a display of tradition and culture, but also an opportunity for visitors to participate in the true spirit of China. Let us take you on a journey to some of the most magical and mesmerizing festivals and events in China.

1. Chinese New Year - Spring Festival

Undoubtedly the biggest and the most celebrated event in, the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is an event not to be missed. Homes are decorated with red lanterns, delicious cuisines like dumplings are prepared, and families gather to welcome the New Year with joy and festivities. Firework shows and dragon dance parades form the highlight of the celebration. The festival usually falls in late January or early February.

2. Lantern Festival

Marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The spectacle of thousands of colorful lanterns floating in the sky is breathtaking, while traditional performances like the dragon dance, lion dance, and stilt walking add more charm to the event.

3. Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, known as ‘Duanwu Jie’ in Chinese, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, usually in June. The main attraction is the dragon boat races where the teams paddle in brightly painted boats shaped like dragons. The festival also involves eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and wearing silk pouches to ward off evil spirits.

4. Mid-Autumn Festival

Occurring in mid-September or early October, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to admire the full moon and enjoy mooncakes with family and friends. The festival holds profound cultural significance as it symbolizes unity and harmony.

5. Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

Paying tribute to winter, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in January is one of the world's largest ice festivals. The festival is famous for its impressive ice sculptures, illuminated ice buildings, and ice lanterns. Ice skating and winter swimming are among the other activities visitors can participate in.

6. Qingming Festival - Tomb Sweeping Day

Stemming from age-old traditions, the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a time when Chinese people honor their ancestors. Held in early April, the festival involves visiting ancestral graves, offering food, tea, and other tributes, and cleaning the gravesite.

7. Double Seventh Festival

Often referred to as the Chinese Valentine's Day, the Double Seventh Festival falls on the seventh day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar. The festival is based on a romantic legend about a weaver girl and a cowherd, and their once-a-year meeting. The day is popularly observed among young people who express love and admiration for each other.

To conclude, each festival and event in China is a remarkable experience of its own, showcasing China’s rich cultural heritages, traditions, and the warm spirit of its people. So, if you are planning a trip to China, try to incorporate some of these fascinating events into your travel itinerary. You will surely come back with wonderful memories and beautiful stories to tell.