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 2024 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 2024, check out this list of Chinese Festivals before you leave for your vacation. Keep scrolling down!
- Dongzhi Festival: 21st December 2024
- Chinese New Year Festival: 1st February 2024
- Yuan Xiao Festival: 15th February 2024
- Qingming Festival: 5th April 2024
- Labor Day: 1st May 2024
- Duanwu Festival: 3rd June 2024
- Qixi Festival: 4th August 2024
- Hungry Ghost Festival: 12th August 2024
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 10th – 12th September 2024
- The National Day Of China: 1st October 2024
- Chongyang Festival: 4th October 2024
1. Dongzhi Festival
Being one of the most celebrated Chinese festivals 2024, Dongzhi Festival is held in the month of December every year. This is the most famous festivals in china and is also called Winter Solstice. If you are wondering what is the philosophy behind this festival, then 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, which is made from rice flour. Tangyuan is a delicious multicoloured dish and you must try it while you are on your vacation!
Held On: 21st December 2024
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2. Chinese New Year Festival
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Also known as the Chinese Spring Festival, this is without a doubt 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 of the 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: 1st February 2024
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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: 15th February 2024
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4. Qingming Festival
Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, 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 offer their ancestors and sweep the tombs of loved ones who have departed from this world. It is pretty much similar to the All Souls’ Day that is celebrated by Christians in India on 2nd of November every year.
Held On: 5th April 2024
5. Labor Day
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, is an international holiday that is celebrated in more than 80 countries across the world. 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 forms of entertainment that are held in theaters, public squares, or parks. In the evening, Government agencies at all levels organize parties and inviting model laborers to enjoy programs.
Held On: 1st May 2024
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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 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 it is a must try.
Held On: 3rd June 2024
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 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: 4th August 2024
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8. Hungry Ghost Festival
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This is one of the most prominent festivals in the Chinese festival calendar. The Chinese people have special 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 where 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 that are celebrated here to worship ancestors.
Held On: 12th August 2024
9. Mid-Autumn Festival
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This is one of the 3 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 the 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: 10th – 12th September 2024
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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 a number of different activities, such as concerts and fireworks organized by the Government.
Held On: 1st October 2024
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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 major festival that is celebrated with a lot of pomp.
Held On: 4th October 2024
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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 is sure to be full of colors, fun, and sheer bliss on your next trip to China.
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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.
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An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)
