A Guide to Major Festivals in China 2025
As expatriates and their families settle into life in China, it's essential to familiarize themselves with the country's major festivals. These celebrations offer a unique glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions. In this blog post, we will explore six significant festivals in China and provide insights into their customs and significance. Additionally, we will touch upon the country's adjusted working days.
1. Spring Festival (春节) - Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is China's most important traditional holiday. It follows the lunar calendar and falls on different western dates each year (January 28- February 4 in 2025). During this time, a long public holiday of at least seven days is observed, leading to a massive migration of workers returning home to reunite with their families. Train stations and airports become bustling hubs as people travel across the country. There will be an annual spring gala broadcast nationwide and the local exchange red packets (hongbao 红包）to celebrate and send wishes to friends and families.
2. Qingming Festival (清明节) aka Tomb Sweeping Festival:
Qingming Festival, occurring in April 4-6, 2025 (dates vary each year), is a time for Chinese people to honour their ancestors. Families visit the gravesites of their loved ones, clean the tombstones, and make offerings. It is also expected to fly kites during this festival, symbolizing the release of bad luck and the arrival of spring.
3. Labor Day (劳动节):
Labor Day, celebrated from May 1-5, is a national holiday in China. It commemorates the contributions of workers to society. Many people take this opportunity to relax, travel, or spend time with family and friends. It is a time to appreciate individuals' hard work and achievements nationwide.
4. Dragon Boat Festival (端午节):
The Dragon Boat Festival, which will take place from May 31-June 2, 2025 (dates vary each year), is an exciting and vibrant celebration. It commemorates the life and death of the famous poet Qu Yuan. Dragon boat races are held across the country, with teams paddling vigorously to the beat of drums. The traditional delicacy enjoyed during this festival is Zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. People also hang up pouches of herbs to ward off evil spirits.
5. Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节): aka Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, occurring on October 6 (dates vary each year), which overlaps with the National day holiday in 2025, is a time for family reunions and moon appreciation. People gather to admire the full moon, eat mooncakes, and share stories. Mooncakes, filled with various sweet or savoury fillings, are a popular gift during this festival. Lanterns are also lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
6. National Day (国庆节):
National Day, celebrated from October 1-8 (1 extra day in 2025), is a significant holiday in China, also known as the Golden Week. It marks the founding of the People's Republic of China. Many people take vacations and explore different parts of the country during this time. It is a peak season for tourism, and various cultural events and celebrations occur nationwide.
Adjusted Working Days in China:
In China, the government implements a system of adjusted working days to accommodate the long holidays associated with festivals like Spring Festival and National Day. Additional working days are added before or after the holidays to compensate for the extended breaks. This system balances leisure time and productivity, allowing people to enjoy festivities while maintaining work efficiency.
Understanding the major festivals in China is crucial for expatriates and their families. These celebrations provide a window into Chinese culture, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the country's rich traditions. By participating in these festivals and embracing local customs, expatriates can forge deeper connections with the Chinese community and create lasting memories.
