China's Major Traditional Festivals at a Glance

China's traditional festivals follow the lunar calendar and solar terms, each with its own food and customs — the best window into the culture.

Spring Festival (lunar Jan 1): the biggest holiday of the year — family reunion dinner, couplets on doors, red envelopes (yāsuìqián), fireworks; it runs 15 days to the Lantern Festival.

Lantern Festival (Jan 15): tangyuan (sweet rice balls), lantern displays and riddles.

Dragon Boat Festival (May 5): honoring the poet Qu Yuan — dragon boat races, zongzi (rice dumplings) and mugwort at the door.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Aug 15): mooncakes under the full moon, symbolizing reunion. Gifting mooncakes beforehand is an important social ritual.

Others: Qingming (tomb-sweeping and spring outings), Qixi (Chinese Valentine's Day) and Double Ninth (climbing heights for elders). If your visit coincides with a festival, try its traditional food.