China’s traditional festivals are tied to the phases of the moon according to the Chinese lunar calendar. As such, many of the dates are fluid and fluctuate within a certain range from year to year. On the other hand, many of the newer political holidays are pinned to specific dates according to the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Day: while China doesn’t fully embrace 1 January as New Year’s Day, the occasion is at least marked as a public holiday and locals have the day off. In recent years, the holiday has garnered a little extra attention as China continues to take a greater interest in international affairs and western culture.
Longchi Snow and Ice Festival: located 40 miles outside of Chengdu, Longchi National Forest Park hosts an annual ice and snow festival that stretches from January to March. The event bolsters tourism during the winter months and the ice carvings, snowball fights and downhill skiing that occur at this time are a major draw card for locals accustomed to the balmy winter weather in Chengdu city proper.
Chun Jie: China celebrates the New Year according to the lunar calendar, and this day usually falls in February (sometimes in March) and is progressively celebrated over the course of 15 days. Also referred to as the Spring Festival, this traditional observance is marked by fireworks displays, family gatherings, housecleaning and debt settling. Chinese purchase new clothing and shoes, and children receive red envelopes stuffed with a bit of cash.International Literary Festival: sponsored by Chengdu Bookwork, this literary festival features more than two weeks (late-February to mid-March) of workshops, book signings, literary forums, film screenings and panel discussions. Website: http://www.chengdubookworm.com/Festival.htm
Lantern Festival: the last day of the New Year’s festival coincides with the full moon. In the evening, locals set out decorated lanterns auspiciously marked with special animal symbols and Chinese characters. The best local fair is held at Qingyang Palace.
Qing Ming Festival: an important day for family traditions, the Qing Ming festival is reserved to pay tribute to deceased family members and important ancestors. Families gather for one day at local cemeteries where they clean family plots, sweep headstones and leave a bit of food at these grave sites.
Dragon Boat Racing: these traditional races were once held here in Chengdu until the build-up of silt on the Jingjing River made this impossible. Today’s dragon boat races are held nearby in Xinjin on the Nanhe River.
Founding of China’s Communist Party: 1st July marks the official day that the People’s Republic of China celebrates the founding of the Communist Party. Parades and processionals are typically held.
Zhong Qiu: the Harvest Festival (or Moon Festival) falls under the 8th lunar month (usually September). Family reunions are popular at this time, and local Chinese traditionally eat festive moon cakes.National Day: founded on 1st October, the People’s Republic of China celebrates its nationhood with a week of sightseeing and leisure. Families across the country set out to visit popular destinations across China (increasingly so as the middle class strengthens). Sichuan Province’s primary tourist attractions can become quite congested during this first week in October.
Christmas Day: until recently, Christmas Day passed largely unnoticed in China. However, a growing interest in international affairs has prompted a commercialisation of December 25 to the extent that some locals set up Christmas trees in their houses. You also may catch a glimpse of Shengdan Laoren, a Chinese take on Santa Claus.
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