Being one of the biggest economies and a culturally diverse country, China celebrates a lot of traditional, and culture-based festivals that are nothing but pure joy to be a part of. While the festivals play an integral role in Chinese culture, most of the Chinese festivals 2025 are based on the lunar calendar, and are fascinating indeed. Be it the Chinese traditional festivals that have a deep-rooted history or the modern festivals that have shot to fame with fame, most of these Chinese festivals have been celebrated for centuries.
11 Most Important Chinese Festivals
To know more about these Chinese festivals in 2025, check out this list before you leave for your vacation. Keep scrolling down!
- Dongzhi Festival: 21st December 2025
- Chinese New Year Festival: 29th January 2025
- Yuan Xiao Festival: 12th February 2025
- Qingming Festival: 4th April 2025
- Labor Day: 1st September 2025
- Duanwu Festival: 31st May 2025
- Qixi Festival: 29th August 2025
- Hungry Ghost Festival: 6th September 2025
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 6th October 2025
- The National Day Of China: 1st October 2025
- Chongyang Festival: 29th October 2025
1. Dongzhi Festival
Being one of the most celebrated Chinese festivals 2025, the Dongzhi Festival is held in December every year. This is the most famous festival in China called Winter Solstice. If you are wondering what the philosophy behind this festival is, you will be glad to know it is based on balance and harmony in the cosmos. After the grand celebration of this festival, days will be filled with longer daylight hours. Today, people in China celebrate this festival by visiting each other and making delicious dishes like Tangyuan, made from rice flour. Tangyuan is a delicious multicoloured dish you must try while on vacation!
Held On: 21st December 2025
Must Read: 10 Tourist Places To Visit In China For An Epic Oriental Adventure
2. Chinese New Year Festival
Image Source
Also known as the Chinese Spring Festival, this is undoubtedly one of the most important Chinese festivals with a history of more than 4000 years and you will get to know about Chinese new year traditions on this day. Most people enjoy this festival for 7 days, and the celebration lasts for over 2 weeks, beginning from the eve of the festival. The Chinese New Year festival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, i.e., on the first day of the first lunar month.
Held On: 29th January 2025
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
3. Yuan Xiao Festival
Also called the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival in China, Yuan Xiao Festival is held on the 15th day after the Spring Festival. It marks the continuation and end of the New Year celebration. Among all the festivals in China, this festival involves enjoying the sight of beautiful lanterns of different shapes and sizes at night. The lantern shows bring people from all over the world to witness the amazing designs and colors. A traditional Chinese dish called Tangyuan is also eaten on this day.
Held On: 12th February 2025
Suggested Read: China Honeymoon Guide: Witness All The Shades Of Nature At Once In The Most Romantic Way!
4. Qingming Festival
Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, the Qingming Festival is one of the most important Chinese festivals as people gear up to offer sacrifices on this day. The Han, as well as the minority ethnic groups, bring sacrifices to provide their ancestors and sweep the tombs of loved ones who have departed from this world. It is pretty much similar to All Souls’ Day, which is celebrated by Christians in India every year.
Held On: 4th April 2025
5. Labor Day
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, is an international holiday celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide. In December 1949, the Central People’s Government Council formally designated the 1st of May as Chinese Labor Day. People celebrate this day by enjoying different entertainment forms in theatres, public squares, or parks. In the evening, Government agencies at all levels organize parties and invite model labourers to enjoy programs.
Held On: 1st September 2025
Suggested Read: Now You Can Win A Stay At The Great Wall Of China. Find Out How
6. Duanwu Festival
This is yet another one of the ancient Chinese festivals that attracts millions of people. Also known as the Dragon Boat Festival of China, people celebrate by gathering together to take part in or watch the dragon boat races, especially in the southern areas of China. Another important part of the Duanwu festival is eating Zong Zi, which is the glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves, and a must-try.
Held On: 31st May 2025
7. Qixi Festival
This is a festival where girls show their artwork, handicrafts, and wish for a good husband while the boys, on the other hand, send flowers to girls. Young couples often go out shopping to celebrate this day as the Qixi Festival is a traditional holiday that was named “China’s Valentine’s Day” recently. It is a fun day for young people to enjoy themselves and have a great time with their peers.
Held On: 29th August 2025
Suggested Read: Shopping In China: 10 Best Places For Buying Classic Souvenirs And Latest Products In 2025
8. Hungry Ghost Festival
Image Source
This is one of the most prominent festivals in the Chinese festival calendar. The Chinese people have unique customs for the dead and their ghosts, especially those that are thousands of years old. It’s part of a famous folk religion in China called Daoism,. The locals believe that special precautions and ceremonies for the deceased ancestors are required in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Hungry Ghost Festival of China is just one of the many traditional festivals celebrated here to worship ancestors.
Held On: 6th September 2025
9. Mid-Autumn Festival
Image Source
This is one of the three most important Chinese festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional holiday originating from the worship of the moon, and it symbolizes harvest and family reunion. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated with family, similar to Thanksgiving Day. As with the Spring Festival, family members get together on this day and enjoy the sight of the full moon, which is an auspicious symbol of luck and harmony, and feast on delicious mooncakes.
Held On: 6th October 2025
Suggested Read: World’s Largest Glass Skywalk Is High Up In China And We Can’t Wait To Walk Down
10. The National Day Of China
The National Day celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important festivals in China. It is celebrated throughout mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong with some different activities, such as concerts and fireworks organized by the Government.
Held On: 1st October 2025
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
11. Chongyang Festival
This festival is also known as the Double Ninth Festival. During the Chongyang festival, people celebrate by drinking Chrysanthemum wine and eating Chongyang cake. In some parts of the country, people go mountain climbing or travel to areas where they can admire chrysanthemums, and it is indeed a significant festival celebrated with a lot of pomp.
Held On: 29th October 2025
Further Read: The World’s Biggest Airport Will Open In China By 2019 & Its Classic Design Will Blow Your Mind
While there are many festivals that the Chinese celebrate, this list of Chinese festivals enlists some of the most important ones. And no matter which one you celebrate, your experience will surely be full of colours, fun, and sheer bliss on your next trip to China.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Festivals
What are the main celebrations in China?
The Chinese New Year festival, Chinese lantern festival and Yuan Xiao festival are the main celebrations in China.
Which is the most famous festival in China?
The most famous festival in China is Chinese New Year. It is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, music, dance, fireworks, and local food. All the streets, markets, buildings, and restaurants in China are decked up with decorations on this day.
What are the major traditional Chinese holidays?
The major traditional holidays in China are observed on festivals like the Mid-Autumn festival, The Chinese New Year, Duanwu Festival, etc.
Are Chinese New Year and Spring Festival the same thing?
Yes, Chinese New Year and Spring Festival the same thing.
Do Chinese people celebrate Christmas?
Christmas isn’t celebrated in a grand manner but Christian minorities do celebrate it.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
People Also Read:
Festivals In Europe Festivals In Cambodia Festivals In United Arab Emirates
An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)
