Chinese Festivals 2025: Dates, Traditions & Travel Tips

China is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and one of the most exciting ways to experience the country’s traditions is through its festivals. From the grand celebrations of the Chinese New Year to the Lantern Festival, Chinese festivals offer a deep dive into the country’s history, customs, and vibrant cultural expressions. Here’s everything you need to know about the major Chinese festivals in 2025, including key dates, traditional customs, and tips for making the most of your travel experience.

2025 Chinese Public Holidays Calendar (English Version)

Other Traditional Festivals (Non-Public Holidays)

1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – January 25, 2025

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important and widely celebrated festival in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, and in 2025, it falls on January 25th.

Traditions:

• Family Reunions: The holiday is centered around family gatherings. Many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones.
• Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Giving red envelopes filled with money is a significant tradition, symbolizing good luck and fortune for the coming year.
• Fireworks and Lion Dances: Cities and towns across China are adorned with vibrant decorations, and traditional lion dances and fireworks are common during the celebrations.
• Food: Special foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are enjoyed during this time, each symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and longevity.

Travel Tips:

• Book Early: Chinese New Year is one of the busiest travel periods in China. Plan and book your accommodations and transportation well in advance to avoid the crowds.
• Expect Crowds: Major tourist attractions and cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an can be very crowded during the Spring Festival. Consider visiting less-touristy destinations for a more relaxed experience.
• Pack Warm Clothing: January is winter in China, so be prepared for cold weather, especially in northern regions.

2. Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) – April 4, 2025

Qingming Festival is a time to honor ancestors and loved ones by cleaning their graves and making offerings. It’s a public holiday in China and falls on April 4th in 2025.

Traditions:

• Grave Sweeping: Families visit ancestral graves, clean the tombstones, and offer food, tea, and incense to show respect for their ancestors.
• Flying Kites: In some regions, people fly kites to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
• Tomb Offerings: Popular offerings include tea, food, and paper items (such as paper money) to ensure the spirits are well-provided for in the afterlife.

Travel Tips:

• Visit Historical Sites: While Qingming is primarily a solemn holiday, it is a good time to visit historical sites that are often quieter than usual. Popular spots like the ancient city of Luoyang are ideal for this period.
• Be Mindful of Quietness: If you plan to visit cemeteries or memorials, be respectful of the solemnity of the day.

3. Dragon Boat Festival – June 18, 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, takes place on June 18th in 2025. It commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan and is celebrated with dragon boat races, family gatherings, and the eating of traditional rice dumplings.

Traditions:

• Dragon Boat Races: These colorful and competitive boat races are a highlight of the festival, held on rivers and lakes across China.
• Zongzi: People eat zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with meats, beans, or nuts.
• Wearing Medicinal Herbs: Some wear pouches filled with herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and illness.

Travel Tips:

• Attend a Dragon Boat Race: If you’re in a city near a river or lake, try to catch one of the many dragon boat races held during the festival. Cities like Hangzhou and Suzhou are known for their stunning dragon boat events.
• Sample Zongzi: Don’t miss the opportunity to try zongzi, the festival’s signature dish. You can find them in street markets and local restaurants.
• Crowds: Popular festival locations can get crowded, so plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

4. Mid-Autumn Festival – September 8, 2025

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most beloved holidays, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. In 2025, it falls on September 8th.

Traditions:

• Mooncakes: A signature food of the festival, mooncakes are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings, symbolizing family unity and completeness.
• Admiring the Full Moon: Families gather to appreciate the beauty of the full moon, which symbolizes harmony and family reunion.
• Lanterns: Lantern displays and lantern processions are common, especially in parks and public spaces.

Travel Tips:

• Visit Parks for Moon Gazing: Many parks and open spaces host moon-gazing events where you can join locals in celebrating the festival.
• Sample Traditional Foods: Try mooncakes from different regions, as flavors can vary widely, from sweet lotus seed paste to savory salted egg yolk varieties.
• Avoid Tourist Crowds: While the festival is widely celebrated, it’s a great time to visit smaller towns or rural areas, where you can experience the festival in a more intimate, traditional setting.

5. National Day – October 1-7, 2025

National Day is a week-long celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The holiday officially starts on October 1st and lasts until October 7th, with festivities peaking on the first day.

Traditions:

• Military Parade: A grand military parade is held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to celebrate the country’s strength and achievements.
• Public Celebrations: Fireworks, concerts, and cultural performances are common throughout the country.
• Family Gatherings: Much like Chinese New Year, National Day is a time for families to come together.

Travel Tips:

• Be Prepared for Crowds: National Day is one of China’s busiest travel periods, so make sure to book your accommodations and transportation early.
• Visit Smaller Towns: While major cities like Beijing and Shanghai will be busy, smaller cities and rural areas may offer a quieter, more authentic experience during this time.

Conclusion: Celebrating Chinese Festivals in 2025

Chinese festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions. Whether you’re planning to witness the grandeur of Chinese New Year, the excitement of the Dragon Boat Festival, or the peaceful beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival, there is something special about each celebration. Understanding the dates, customs, and travel tips for 2025 can help you plan an unforgettable trip to China during these vibrant holiday seasons.