Mid-Autumn Festival

When: Celebrated in September - October on the full moon (the 15th day of the eighth lunar month), with exact dates movable each year.

Where: Across China (nationwide), with big gatherings in parks, temple grounds, riverfronts and city squares.

Cost: Most public events are free; expect to pay for mooncakes, lantern-making workshops and special meals or cruises.

Don’t miss: Sampling regional mooncake varieties, joining lantern displays and the communal moon-gazing on the festival evening.

In China the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) grew from ancient moon worship and harvest rites and is tied to myths such as Chang’e and Hou Yi. Over centuries it became a family reunion holiday focused on the full moon as a symbol of unity and abundance.

Across cities and towns people celebrate with mooncakes, lanterns, temple fairs, folk performances and street markets. Evenings are relaxed and lantern-lit: families meet in homes or public spaces while communities stage lantern displays, cultural shows and markets near parks and rivers.

China marks the festival on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, so it falls in September or October depending on the lunar calendar. The festival night - the full moon evening - is the peak; many families plan reunions and moon-gazing for that night.

The festival date moves each year with the lunar cycle; local events can begin days before the full moon with lantern festivals and markets and sometimes continue into the weekend after the main night.

For international travellers, common entry points are Beijing (Capital or Daxing), Shanghai (Pudong) or Guangzhou (Baiyun), after which China’s high-speed trains and domestic flights connect to regional cities. Once in a city, use metro or taxis to reach parks, temple grounds and riverfront event sites. Book flights, high-speed train seats and hotels well in advance - domestic travel spikes around the festival.

• In China, expect crowded trains and public spaces; book travel and accommodation as early as possible and arrive at least a day before the festival night.
• Respect family and temple practices: ask permission before photographing private gatherings or religious ceremonies.
• Mooncakes are rich and often contain salted egg yolk - buy from reputable shops and share small portions if sampling many varieties.
• Be cautious with lanterns and open flames; follow local rules about sky lantern releases and fireworks to avoid fines or hazards.
• Pack comfortable shoes for evening strolls, a small torch or phone battery for lighting, and a light jacket - September evenings can be cool or humid depending on region.
• Have a payment method that works in China; mobile payments are widespread in cities, but carry some cash for rural markets and small vendors.