Festivals & Celebrations

In China, the western or Gregorian calendar is followed for all practical purposes, but it is the lunar calendar that governs the cultural, festive, religious and spiritual life. Most of the major celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year, Moon Cake Festival and Dumpling Festival, have evolved over thousands of years and are important annual events everywhere.

Although many festivals are celebrated throughout the country, there are some major regional differences in how they are marked. These lie in the preparation of food as offerings and for family meals, with each regional variation reflecting indigenous ingredients and local customs. There are also different, smaller festivals tied to local history and traditions.