National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival

Note : Holiday from 1st-8th October

The Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day form a unique cultural tapestry, blending ancient traditions with modern patriotism. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (October 6th in 2025), this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the National Day Golden Week, creating an extended eight-day holiday from October 1st to 8th. As one of China’s most significant traditional festivals, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates family reunions and harvest, while National Day commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The convergence of these two occasions offers a rare opportunity to experience both lunar calendar customs and national celebrations within a single festive period. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, is celebrated with customs that reflect both cultural heritage and familial bonds. Central to the festivities are mooncakes—round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, symbolizing reunion and completeness. Families gather to share these delicacies while admiring the full moon, which represents harmony and prosperity.

Another cherished tradition is the lighting of lanterns, transforming streets into glowing spectacles where children carry colorful lanterns in parades. In some regions, dragon dances and folk performances add to the vibrant atmosphere.

National Day celebrations take on a grander scale, with the entire nation honoring China’s history and achievements. Cities are adorned with red flags and festive decorations, while public events like fireworks displays, military parades, and cultural exhibitions showcase national pride. The combination of these two celebrations creates a unique blend of intimate family traditions and collective patriotic expression, making the holiday period a time for both reflection and jubilation.