Being one of the largest economies and a culturally diverse nation, China commemorates numerous traditional and culture-based festivals that are sheer delight to be a part of. While these festivities hold immense significance in Chinese culture, the majority of the Chinese festivals in 2022 adhere to the lunar calendar and are undeniably fascinating. Whether it is the ancient Chinese traditional festivals steeped in history or the modern festivals that have gained immense popularity, these Chinese festivals have been celebrated for centuries.
11 Most Significant Chinese Festivals
To gain a deeper understanding of these Chinese festivals in 2022, take a look at this compilation of Chinese Festivals before embarking on your vacation. Simply scroll down!
- Dongzhi Festival: 21st December 2022
- Chinese New Year Festival: 1st February 2022
- Yuan Xiao Festival: 15th February 2022
- Qingming Festival: 5th April 2022
- Labor Day: 1st May 2022
- Duanwu Festival: 3rd June 2022
- Qixi Festival: 4th August 2022
- Hungry Ghost Festival: 12th August 2022
- Mid-Autumn Festival: 10th – 12th September 2022
- The National Day Of China: 1st October 2022
- Chongyang Festival: 4th October 2022
1. Dongzhi Festival
Image Source
Being one of the most renowned Chinese festivals in 2022, the Dongzhi Festival takes place annually in the month of December. This festival holds immense popularity in China and is also known as the Winter Solstice. If you are curious about the philosophy behind this festival, you will be pleased to know that it is based on the concept of balance and harmony in the universe. Following the grand celebrations, the days become longer with increased daylight hours. Nowadays, people in China celebrate this festival by exchanging visits and preparing delectable dishes such as Tangyuan, a colorful delicacy made from rice flour. When you are on vacation, do not miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of Tangyuan!
Date: 21st December 2022
Must Read: 10 Tourist Places To Visit In China For An Epic Oriental Adventure
2. Chinese New Year Festival
Source of Image Also referred to as the Chinese Spring Festival, this is undoubtedly one of the most significant Chinese celebrations with a history of over 4000 years, and you will discover Chinese customs for the new year on this occasion. Many people revel in this festival for a period of 7 days, and the festivities continue for a span of 2 weeks, commencing from the eve of the festival. The Chinese New Year festival takes place in accordance with the lunar calendar, i.e., on the first day of the first lunar month.
Date: 1st February 2022
3. Yuan Xiao Festival
Also referred to as the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival in China, Yuan Xiao Festival takes place on the 15th day following the Spring Festival. It signifies the continuation and conclusion of the New Year celebration. Among all the celebrations in China, this festival involves the appreciation of splendid lanterns of diverse forms and sizes during the evening. The lantern displays attract visitors from around the globe to witness the marvelous designs and vibrant hues. On this day, a traditional Chinese dish called Tangyuan is also savored.
Date: 15th February 2022
Recommended Reading: China Honeymoon Guide: Experience Nature’s Various Shades in the Most Romantic Manner!
4. Qingming Festival
Also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, Qingming Festival is among the most important Chinese celebrations as individuals prepare to offer sacrifices on this day. Both the Han ethnic group and minority ethnic groups present sacrifices to honor their ancestors and clean the graves of departed loved ones. It bears resemblance to the All Souls’ Day observed by Christians in India on November 2nd every year.
Date: 5th April 2022
5. Labor Day
Source of Image
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, is a global holiday celebrated in over 80 countries worldwide. It was officially designated by the Central People’s Government Council as Chinese Labor Day on May 1st, 1949. People celebrate this day by enjoying various forms of entertainment held in theaters, public squares, or parks. In the evening, Government agencies at all levels organize parties and invite exemplary laborers to partake in the programs.
Conducted On: 1st May 2022
Recommended Read: Discover How You Can Earn a Chance to Stay at the Great Wall Of China
6. Duanwu Festival
Image Source
This is another one of the age-old Chinese festivities that draws in millions of individuals. Also identified as the Dragon Boat celebration of China, people commemorate by congregating to partake in or observe the dragon boat competitions, specifically in the southern regions of China. Another significant aspect of the Duanwu festival is consuming Zong Zi, which is the sticky rice enclosed in reed leaves and it is a must experience.
Conducted On: 3rd June 2022
7. Qixi Festival
Image Source
This is a festival where girls present their artistry, crafts, and wish for an excellent spouse while the boys, conversely, convey flowers to girls. Young couples frequently embark on a shopping spree to commemorate this day as Qixi Festival is an established holiday that was recently designated as “China’s Valentine’s Day.” It is an enjoyable day for young individuals to revel in themselves and have an incredible time with their peers.
Conducted On: 4th August 2022
Recommended Read: Shopping In China: 10 Finest Places To Purchase Classic Keepsakes And Latest Products In 2022
8. Hungry Ghost Festival
Image SourceThis is one of the most prominent festivities in the Chinese festival calendar. The Chinese people have distinctive traditions for the deceased and their spirits, particularly those that are thousands of years old. It is a component of a renowned folk religion in China referred to as Daoism where the locals trust that unique precautions and ceremonies are necessary for the ancestors in the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the Hungry Ghost Festival of China is merely one of the numerous traditional festivals that are observed here to pay homage to ancestors.
Date: 12th August 2022
9. Festival of the Middle of Autumn
Source of Image This is one of the 3 most significant Chinese celebrations. The Festival of the Middle of Autumn is a traditional holiday originating from the adoration of the moon and it represents harvest and family gathering. Traditionally, this festival is observed with family, similar to the Day of Thanksgiving. As with the Spring Festival, relatives gather on this day and enjoy the view of the full moon, which is an auspicious symbol of fortune and accord, and indulge in delectable mooncakes.
Date: 10th – 12th September 2022
Recommended Reading: China’s Highest Glass Skywalk Is Elevated In China And We Can’t Wait To Stroll Down
10. The National Day Of China
The National Day commemorates the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and without a doubt, it is one of the most significant celebrations in China. It is celebrated across mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong with various activities, such as concerts and fireworks organized by the Government.
Date: 1st October 2022
Planning your holiday but unsure about where to go? These travel tales help you discover your ultimate journey!
