Festivals in Beijing

Chinese New Year – China’s Most Important Traditional Holiday

Chunjie, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year. It usually falls in January or February of the calendar year. It is a time for family reunions, reflection and welcoming the year ahead.
During the festival, houses are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away ill-fortune and welcome good luck, while red Spring Festival couplets are displayed on doors. On Chinese New Year's Eve, families gather for a grand reunion dinner, make dumplings, and watch the Spring Festival Gala. Elders also give red envelopes (hongbao) to the younger family members as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Celebrations in Beijing: The Spring Festival in Beijing is renowned for its vibrant cultural atmosphere. Traditional Temple Fairs are held in major parks such as Ditan Park and Longtan Park, where visitors can enjoy dragon and lion dances, acrobatics performances, and traditional opera. The festivities are complemented by an array of authentic Beijing snacks and local handicrafts. 
To maximize the festive experience, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center surrounds guests with a beautifully curated holiday ambiance. Alongside its specially crafted CNY themed dinner buffets and festive themed rooms, the hotel offers authentic cultural activities including Chinese calligraphy and window paper-cutting, offering guests a deeply immersive journey into the heart of traditional New Year customs.

 

Mid-Autumn Festival - A Celebration of Reunion and the Full Moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October). It is the second most important traditional festival in China after the Chinese New Year. The full moon on this day symbolises completeness, harmony and family reunion.
Admiring the full moon and eating mooncakes are at the heart of the celebration. Mooncakes are round pastries filled with various sweet or savory ingredients (such as mixed nuts, lotus seed paste with egg yolk, or red bean paste), signifying family togetherness and harmony.

Moon-Gazing in Beijing: In Beijing, popular spots for moon-gazing include Lugou Bridge to experience its historic poetic scenery, or Jingshan Park to look down at the bright moon over the Forbidden City. For a more contemporary and romantic experience, the night cruise along the Liangma River has become a premier choice in recent years, offering a perfect setting to admire the brilliant moon drifting above the shimmering waters.

 

National Day - A Nationwide Celebration and Golden Week

1 October marks China's National Day, commemorating the founding of the People's Republic of China. The holiday usually extends for a 7-day period, known as the "Golden Week." As the capital, Beijing serves as the focal point for National Day celebrations. Tiananmen Square is the center celebrations. In the early hours of 1 October, tens of thousands of visitors gather to witness the flag-raising ceremony.

Autumn in Beijing: The National Day holiday perfectly coincides with the golden month of October, the most beautiful and comfortable season to visit Beijing, featuring crisp, pleasant weather. During this time, the majestic Great Wall winds through hills of fiery red leaves, while ancient sites like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are framed by golden ginkgo leaves under a blue sky. This seamless blend of autumn splendor and rich history of the city offers Golden Week travelers a visual feast.