中国的重要节日 - What are the Major Chinese Holidays?

China is a country rich in festivals. Throughout the year, there are many celebrations, some rooted in ancient traditions, others emerging in modern times. Let's explore the vibrant world of Chinese festivals and the culture behind them.

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Chūnjié (春节): The Grandest Traditional Festival

The Spring Festival, or Chūnjié (春节), is the most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the start of the Lunar New Year. In the days leading up to it, families clean their homes, hang red lanterns, and paste spring couplets 春联 (chūnlián) on their doors to welcome good luck.

On New Year's Eve, families gather for a big reunion dinner, featuring dishes like fish (symbolizing abundance), dumplings, and sticky rice cake 年糕 (niángāo). At night, fireworks and firecrackers fill the sky. Children especially love this holiday because they receive red envelopes 红包 (hóngbāo) filled with money, a symbol of blessings and luck.

Yuánxiāo Jié (元宵节): Lanterns and Togetherness

The first major festival after Spring Festival is the Lantern Festival, or Yuánxiāo Jié (元宵节), held on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. People eat tāngyuán (汤圆), sweet glutinous rice balls symbolizing unity. At night, they carry lanterns and enjoy spectacular lantern displays. There's also the fun tradition of solving riddles written on the lanterns — guess correctly and you might win a prize!

Qīngmíng Jié (清明节): Honoring the Ancestors

In April, the Qīngmíng Jié (清明节), or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time to honor deceased ancestors. Families visit graves to clean them, offer flowers, and burn paper money as a sign of respect. It’s also a season of spring outings, blending remembrance with renewal.

Duānwǔ Jié (端午节): Dragon Boats and Sticky Rice

The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duānwǔ Jié (端午节), falls in May. People eat zòngzi (粽子), pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Fillings vary — southerners tend to prefer savory, while northerners go for sweet.

Another highlight is the dragon boat races. These long boats are adorned with dragon heads and rowed in unison. Many cities host exciting races that draw large crowds and create a festive atmosphere.

Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节): The Festival of Reunion

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节), is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It’s a time to admire the full moon and enjoy family gatherings. People eat yuèbǐng (月饼) — mooncakes — and drink tea while appreciating the beauty of the moon, which symbolizes longing and reunion. Gift-giving is also common, often in the form of fancy mooncake boxes.

Qīxī Jié (七夕节): Chinese Valentine’s Day

Qīxī Jié (七夕节), also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It is inspired by the romantic legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Today, many couples celebrate by giving flowers and gifts to express love.

Double 11 (双十一): From Singles' Day to Shopping Spree

Among modern holidays, Double 11 (November 11th), or Guānggùn Jié (光棍节), stands out. Originally a day for single people (since "11.11" resembles four bare sticks), it has now become the biggest shopping day in China — like Black Friday in the West. E-commerce platforms offer massive discounts and people go on shopping sprees.

Traditional festivals help Chinese people stay connected to their culture and family values, while modern holidays bring excitement and variety to daily life.