China Events
2025 Calendar
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
This annual winter fair is the largest ice and snow festival in the world, featuring a display of intricately carved ice sculptures as well as evening illuminations and a winter wonderland carnival. The event typically starts in early January, although the ice sculptures can be seen as early as December.
Refrain from touching, climbing or damaging the sculptures. Walking between venues and sites is recommended to enhance the experience while minimising environmental impact.
Lunar New Year
(Spring Festival)
Also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is the most important event in the Chinese calendar. Beginning on the first day of the first lunar month, the celebrations last for 15 days and often feature festive meals with family and the exchange of red envelopes for good luck. Popular dishes during this time include fish, dumplings and nian gao, a sweet glutinous rice cake.
This is a busy time for domestic travel in China, as many people return to their hometowns. If you plan to visit during this period, it is best to avoid peak travel times and stay away from overcrowded trains, planes and buses.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the lunar year, which also coincides with the last day of the two-week Lunar New Year celebration. The streets are lit up with colourful lanterns as people bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. Glutinous rice balls known as tangyuan or yuanxiao are a common feature of the festivities.
Embrace cultural learning by participating in activities like calligraphy, paper cutting or making tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings). These experiences will offer a deeper connection with the festival’s rich traditions.
Dragon Boat Festival
Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this annual festival honours the memory of Qu Yuan, a revered poet from 340-278 BC. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival centres around thrilling dragon boat races held across the country. The races are accompanied by traditional drumming and dance performances, and people often enjoy zongzi, a sticky rice cake wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Support local communities by buying zongzi from family-run stalls or markets and remember to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste while enjoying the festivities.
National Day
This week-long celebration commemorates the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949. The event is celebrated throughout the country with fireworks, concerts and other cultural activities.
This is one of the nation’s busiest travel periods and popular tourist attractions will be crowded. It is advisable to plan visits before or after the holiday for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.
Mid-Autumn Festival
(Moon Festival)
Marked by colourful lanterns and delicious treats, this popular festival takes place in the middle of autumn, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. The event has become synonymous with moon cakes, a traditional pastry filled with sweet bean or lotus seed paste. People also enjoy dragon dances and viewing the moon as part of the celebration.
Buy moon cakes from local bakeries instead of commercial chains and choose recyclable packaging over elaborate boxes if possible. You can also support local farmers by trying seasonal produce, such as pomelo, taro, lotus root and fresh fruits.
