| Chinese like to travel in and around Chinese national holidays, of which there are four. Keep in mind that during these periods prices of accommodation and transportation can be 30 to 50% higher than normal. Be aware that in by tourist favourite places, including restaurants and bars, higher prices might be calculated. | ||||||||||
Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival
Chinese Lunar New Year takes place between late January and late February, depending on the moon calendar. It's the most important traditional festival in China, and comparable to Christmas in the West. Chinese have seven days of for this event. During the Spring Festival, firecrackers are set off by children, families get reunited, many delicious food are served, and people buy new clothes.
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National DayThe National Holiday, a period of 10 days in which approximately the whole country comes to a stand still, is a period in which all Chinese travel. It is all about the National Day on October 1st. Holidays are taken from 28th of September will around the 15th of October. |
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Labour Day
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Almost impossible to mention them all, but we give it a try.... herewith quite a lot of traditional festivals. |
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Qingming FestivalThe Qingming Festival is held in early spring. It has been one of the most important festivals in China for thousands of years. On this occasion people burn incense and offer sacrifices at the graves of their ancestors. Chinese also mourn the dead.
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Dragon Boat FestivalThe Dragon Boat Festival is already being held for centuries throughout China. It is celebrated on the 5th of the fifth lunar month. This day is in memory of the patriotic poet Quyuan, who lived during the Period of War States. That is about 2300 years ago. Especially on this day, the herbs calamus and felon are hung on the doors to protect the house from devils. Everywhere Dragon Boat races will be organized and zhongzi - glutinous rice wrapped in red leaves - is being served. |
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March Street 

July FairJuly Fair is an important festival and carnival to the Naxi people. Livestock, horses, cattle, bulls, mules, donkeys, is being exchanged or bought and sold. Naxi sing and dance right from the heart and by doing so express a lot of happiness. The fair lasts one to two weeks. |
Yangmatu Festival
Around the time of China's Spring Festival, the Hani people celebrate the Yangmatu Festival in honour of their heroes. Besides, the Hani pray for their union and for a fruitful harvests. Sacrificial ceremonies are organised in the centre of the village and a grand banquet in the street - also called Changlong, meaning Long Dragon - is part of the festivity. The villagers are more than happy to welcome visitors. The festival usually lasts three days.
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Eye-brain FestivalThis is a traditional festival of the Jingpo people. On this occasion thousand of Jingpo people take part in various activities. They sing and dance merrily with gongs and drums while praying to God for blessings and a rich harvest. It's held in the middle of March according to Local God FestivalsMost of the Bai people are Buddhist, but also have local Gods. Every village has several temples, dedicated to one of their local Gods such as 'money god', 'medicine god', 'mercy god', 'fishermen god', etc. Even more interesting, every god has its own birthday that is celebrated with a major festival on which people dance, sing and bring offers. |
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Lantern Festival
the lunar calendar.
Mid-Autumn FestivalEvery year on the 15th of the eight lunar month the Mid-Autumn Festival keeps China busy. During that particular night, it is said that the moon is brighter and fuller than in any other night. People get together in their courtyards, on river banks or in parks to offer feasts to the moon, eat 'moon cakes' and many different kind of fruits. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion for families to get together.
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Water Sprinkle - Splashing - Festival
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Torch Festival
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