China Mid Autumn Festival 2025

When is it Celebrated?

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on October 6.

Mid Autumn Festival Historical Data (2023 - 2027)

Know about the Complete List of Public Holidays in China this year including National and Regional holidays.

Purpose

The festival is centered on three main themes:

• Family Reunion – The full moon symbolizes completeness and togetherness.
• Gratitude and Harvest – Traditionally, the festival marked the end of the autumn harvest.
• Wishing for Good Fortune – Many believe the moon brings luck, romance and prosperity.

How Is It Celebrated?

1. Eating Mooncakes (月饼)

   Mooncakes are rich, dense pastries filled with lotus seed paste, red bean, nuts or salted egg yolk. In modern times, creative flavors like matcha, durian and chocolate lava have gained popularity. Families gift and share mooncakes as a token of love.

2. Moon Gazing & Lantern Displays

   People gather outdoors to admire the luminous full moon, believed to be at its brightest and most beautiful on this night. In cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, grand lantern displays illuminate parks and riversides, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

3. Dragon & Lion Dances

   Traditional dragon and lion dances are performed in public squares, adding a touch of grandeur and festivity to the night. In some regions, people light sky lanterns and release them into the night sky, carrying their wishes and dreams to the heavens.

4. Making & Playing with Lanterns

   Children love making colorful paper lanterns in shapes of rabbits, dragons or even cartoon characters. In cities like Hong Kong, giant lantern carnivals feature intricate glowing installations.

History

The Mid-Autumn Festival dates back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty, when emperors worshiped the moon for bountiful harvests. The most famous legend linked to the festival is the story of Chang'e (嫦娥), the Moon Goddess.

The Legend of Chang'e & Hou Yi

According to folklore, Hou Yi, a legendary archer, saved the earth by shooting down nine scorching suns, leaving only one. As a reward, he received the elixir of immortality. His wife, Chang'e, drank it and floated to the moon, where she resides forever. On Mid-Autumn night, people admire the moon, believing they can see Chang'e and her jade rabbit companion.

Focus & Activities

• Honoring the moon – A symbol of unity, love and renewal.
• Strengthening family bonds – The festival is an occasion for gathering and storytelling.
• Cultural appreciation – Poetry, music and dance play a key role in celebrations.

Facts

• Mooncakes were once used to hide secret messages during revolts against the Mongol rulers.
• Some provinces hold "Moon-Worshipping Ceremonies," where offerings of fruit and incense are made to the moon.
• The full moon on this night is believed to bring romance—many couples confess their love or get engaged.

Modern-Day Celebrations

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival blends tradition with modern festivities:

• Major cities host light shows, drone performances and extravagant mooncake festivals.
• High-end bakeries create luxurious mooncakes with gold leaf and exotic flavors.
• Families connect through video calls to celebrate together, even when apart.

What Do People Do?

People feast on mooncakes, watch lantern parades, admire the moon and share heartfelt wishes with loved ones. The night is filled with warmth, nostalgia and joy, making it one of China's most enchanting festivals.