Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival 2017

The time-honored Mid-autumn festival boasts a history of thousands of years. It was first celebrated to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. The root of it was in the tradition of moon worship in the Shang Dynasty. It is one of the three major annual festivals in China – the others are Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festival.

• Zhou Dynasty (1066 B.C. - 221 B.C.): A ceremony to greet winter and sacrifice to the moon goddess
• Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 A.D.): An increasingly prevailing festival
• Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 A.D.): An established festival
• Ming (1368 - 1644 A.D.) and Qing Dynasties (1644 – 1911 A.D.): One of the major festivals in China

See more about Mid-Autumn Festival history

The 5,000 years of history of this exotic land, China, contains secrets and mysteries of ages past. Mid-autumn festival is just one of the epitomes; the amazing culture is waiting for you to be unveiled. Learn more about China, enter 【Essence of China Tour】

 

Three Mid-autumn Festival Legends

• Love Story between Chang’E and Hou Yi – Tragic but Romantic
• The Jade Rabbit Mashing Herbs on the Moon
• An Immortality-Obsessed Man Cutting a Tree on the Moon

How to Enjoy Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival traditions focus on the theme of thanksgiving and reunion. The full moon symbolizes unity, which resonates strongly in today’s fast-paced world. The most common traditions for this festival are eating moon cakes and gazing at the moon. Besides, ethnic minorities across China have their own unique customs. 
Here is how you can slow down to enjoy the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival during your tour in China. Do what Chinese people do to explore the broad and profound culture of China!

• Appreciate the Bright Full Moon
• Reunite with Your Family
• Eat Moon Cakes
• Light and Display Chinese Mid-Autumn Lanterns
• Enjoy Fiery Dragon Dances
• Watch the Tidal Bore in Qiantang

Do you want to participate in these festival activities? We can help you create a trip.

Eight Facts You Didn’t Know about Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

No. 1: The festival has only one name? No!

No. 2: Amazing Role of Moon Cakes: Secret Weapons

No. 3: Romantic Festival - the Second Chinese Valentine’s Day

No. 4: Full Moon - Does Not Definitely Occur on Mid-Autumn Festival

No. 5: Moon cakes- Luxury-Priced Delicacies

No. 6: China - NOT the Only Country to Celebrate

No. 7: A  three-day Public Holiday During the Festival

No. 8: New Trend: Celebrate Virtually, by Sending Digital Red Envelopes

There must be more hidden facts about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, just contact our travel advisers to start your discovery trip in China!