Beijing Events

Annual Events

Address: graveyards throughout China Category: Fair / Festival - Cultural Dates: April 4, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

The Festival of Light, known in Chinese as "Qing Ming,' is an annual ceremony in April to honor one's ancestors, generally done by taking the whole family to the graveyard, cleaning the family tombs and placing flowers on them – usually followed by a family picnic at the tomb. (Similar to Latin "Dia de Los Muertos").

Address: Throughout China Category: Fair / Festival - Holiday / Seasonal Dates: May 1, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

China proudly celebrates Workers' Day or Labor Day on May 1. This celebration lasts a full week, and is certainly a sight to be seen! Note that because this is a week-long holiday for most Chinese, travel can be very difficult a few days before and after May 1.

Address: throughout the country Dates: May 4, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Youth Day is the holiday that honors the student who, in 1919, fought against imperialism by holding rallies to protest the Treaty of Versailles. This act prompted many other uprisings throughout the country. The day has been transformed over time into a national celebration of all young people. National Youth Day...

Address: Houhai Lake, Beihai Lake and others Category: Sports Event - Boating Dates: June 21, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Held on the full moon of the fifth lunar month, colorfully decorated traditional boats are raced in honor of Qu Yuan, a poet who drowned himself in the 3rd century BC to protest against imperial corruption. Rice dumpling, a bamboo-wrapped rice dish, is the traditional food served at this festival. In Beijing, races...

Address: throughout the country Dates: July 11, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Maritime Day is a holiday celebrating the voyages of the ancient Chinese explorer Zheng of the Ming Dynasty. He is said to have made many long exploratory journeys, including a possible trip to the Americas. On this day, celebrations are held throughout the country on this day that feature music, food, and...

Address: Tiananmen Square, Beijing Category: Fair / Festival - Cultural Dates: October 1, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

National Day celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Crowds gather in Tiananmen Square all day, waving banners and igniting fireworks. A week-long itinerary of events take place, including concerts, parades and other events.

Address: Parks throughout China Category: Fair / Festival - Holiday / Seasonal Dates: October 3, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Essentially a harvest festival celebrated throughout the country on the full moon of the eighth lunar month, typically in September or October. This is a time for gathering in the park, having barbecues, eating "moon" cakes and gazing at the full moon. Temples open in the evening for offerings.

Address: Throughout China Dates: October 9, 2009 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a popular Chinese tradition where people drink chrysanthemum wine in remembrance of the superstition that this beverage could drive out evil spirits. This festival is also a day of appreciation for the elderly. Throughout the day they are treated like...

Address: throughout the country Category: Fair / Festival - Holiday / Seasonal Dates: February 14, 2010 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Also known as the Spring Festival, this colorful and noisy series of ceremonies and celebrations takes part every year at the end of January or beginning of February. Mainly celebrated at home with family meals, you can also see dragon processions, temple fairs and circuses in public parks and lots of fireworks to...

Address: Throughout China Category: Fair / Festival - Holiday / Seasonal Dates: February 28, 2010 User rating:      (Rate It!)    |    Add to a Suitcase

Homemade lanterns are displayed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, a full moon marking the end of the New Year celebrations, usually in February. It's very photogenic in the evenings with children carrying lanterns through the streets. Musical parades will also add to the atmosphere.