The Mid-Autumn Festival, Sept. 15–17, is one of China’s most important events. The great weather combined with the festivities means it’s a perfect time to visit.
Some say the festival originates from ancient pagan beliefs associated with the lunar calendar and the changing of seasons. Communities would make sacrifices to the moon during the fall months to thank her for the harvest as early as 1046 B.C. The practice eventually morphed into a festival, which took on more of its current feel about 1,000 years ago.
Today, the moon still plays a big role in the celebrations, as many take place outdoors after nightfall, with participants carrying bright lanterns or releasing floating lanterns. The customary food associated with the festival is the moon cake, a round pastry filled with red bean or lotus seed paste. The cakes are often given as gifts. Beside the lunar calendar, other festival themes include family, thanksgiving and togetherness, with most households sharing a family meal, much like the American Thanksgiving holiday.
If you happen to visit Hong Kong during the Mid-Autumn Festival, be sure to check out the city’s own holiday tradition — the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. A 220-foot dragon made from metal, straw, paper and hemp, covered in more than 70,000 incense sticks and controlled by nearly 300 performers, winds its way through the back streets of Tai Hang on each of the three festival days.
Wuyuan is similarly known for its dragon-shaped lanterns, made of straw and incense.
In Hunan, it’s customary for young men and women to steal fruits and vegetables growing in friends’ yards, and many interpret the picking of someone else’s plants during the festival as a sign of affection.
West Lake in Hangzhou is one of the most popular spots for moon viewing during the festival, and is a setting revered for its beauty during the fall. In fact, an image of the moon and the reflection of candles on the lake’s water during the Mid-Autumn Festival appears on the one yuan bank note.
Read This Next
Playing with Molten Iron
Trends / Unique Itineraries & Tours
Mar 23, 2016#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 29, 2026What to Know About New Vacation Rental Platform Avari
Avari is one of the latest vacation rental platforms to launch, coming onto the scene with homes available to rent in two dozen markets. The brand hopes to use its leadership’s industry expertise to create more personalized, thoughtful and hospitable vacation rental stays, as well as a better experience for the actual homeowners.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Hotel
Oct 29, 2026Hotel Nightcaps Are Having a Moment: Where to Find One in Seattle
Who doesn’t love a good nightcap? As travelers begin to prioritize ending the night with a cocktail, the traditional “one last drink” is evolving into a more intentional part of the night.
Hotel
Oct 28, 2026Book a Stay at Sofitel New York for NYC’s Festive Season
New York City is the place to be during the holiday season. From festive Christmas markets to ice skating through Central Park, the city comes alive and embraces its Manhattan magic.
Sponsored Content
A New Rhythm of Work in Seoul
SEOUL REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF WORKATION by seamlessly integrating business, leisure and culture across the city. From the established MICE hub of Magok to the creative energy and scenic lifestyle along the Han River, it offers a dynamic ecosystem where productivity and relaxation naturally coexist — positioning Seoul as a global destination for a new way of working and living.
Surveys
Oct 28, 2026Study Finds Younger Travelers Skeptical of AI Travel Planning
A new study from Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace, finds younger travelers are skeptical of using AI for travel planning. However, AI usage for travel planning is increasing overall.
ShareThis