Mid-Autumn Festival
A traditional festival for moon gazing, mooncakes, and family reunion
๐ History & Origins
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Festival, August Festival, Moon-Chasing Festival, Moon-Gazing Festival, Moon-Worshipping Festival, Daughters' Day, or Reunion Festival, falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival originated in remote antiquity, became widespread during the Han Dynasty, took its definitive form in the early Tang Dynasty, and flourished from the Song Dynasty onward. It is a synthesis of autumn seasonal customs, and most of its constituent traditions have ancient origins. The roundness of the moon symbolizes human reunion, and the festival has become a vessel for longing for one's homeland and loved ones, as well as for prayers for a bountiful harvest and happiness โ a rich and precious cultural heritage. The original "Moon Worship Festival" was observed on the day of the Autumn Equinox in the solar-term calendar, and it was only later shifted to the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. Along with the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is recognized as one of the four great traditional Chinese festivals. In 2006, the Mid-Autumn Festival was inscribed on the first list of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since 2008, it has been a statutory public holiday.
๐ Traditional Customs
What to do
- โฆMoon gazing
- โฆEating mooncakes
- โฆDrinking osmanthus wine
- โฆCarrying lanterns
- โฆSolving lantern riddles
- โฆWatching the tidal bore
- โฆLighting lanterns
- โฆWorshipping the moon
What to eat
โ ๏ธ Things to note
- !Avoid getting a haircut (sounds like 'cutting thoughts' of loved ones)
- !Avoid sharing a pear (sounds like 'parting')
- !Do not give mooncakes in odd numbers
โ๏ธ Travel Impact
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a 3-day mini-break during crisp autumn weather โ an ideal travel season. Because the festival emphasizes family reunion, many people return home or take short family trips, making transport fairly busy though not as hectic as National Day. Scenic spots for moon gazing, ancient towns, and seaside areas are particularly popular. Hotels and transport should be booked in advance.
๐ก Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Book transport and accommodation 1โ2 weeks in advance
Choose renowned moon-gazing spots such as West Lake or Erhai Lake
Sample regional mooncake specialties
Pack a jacket โ temperatures vary between day and night
Some scenic spots host special Mid-Autumn-themed events
๐ Recommended Experiences
West Lake, Hangzhou
Moon gazing at Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
Suzhou
Mid-Autumn moon-viewing party in a classical garden
Guilin
Moonlit cruise on the Li River
Dali
Moon gazing and tea by Erhai Lake