Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival

This year, Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October 6, 2025. People gather together to celebrate this special day. So what is the Mid-Autumn Festival all about and what is its significance in Chinese culture and history? All the information can be found in the book Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival which Eugenia Chu and I co-wrote together.

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival by Eugenia Chu & Y.Y. Chan; Illustrated by Elisa Hsu Chen

Since tomorrow is the big day, I thought I’d share a quick post that sums up what it’s all about. If you already have a copy of the book, you can get a refresher and refer to the pages specified in each section for more information. If you don’t have a copy of our book yet, here’s a link to grab it: https://mybook.to/CMAF  (It’s available in e-Book, paperback, or hardcover formats.)

If you are located in Hong Kong or Guangzhou, scroll down to the bottom of the post to check out some cool places to visit!

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, second only to Chinese New Year. It is a time for us to slow down, look up at the bright full moon, and share a moment of togetherness. People celebrate by gathering with family, enjoying mooncakes, and appreciating the beauty of the harvest season under the glowing night sky. This centuries-old tradition reminds us that no matter how far apart we are, the same moon connects us all.

Across China and other parts of Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival carries deep meaning. It honors the harvest, the moon’s fullness, and family unity. From lighting colorful lanterns to sharing stories of Chang’e, the moon goddess, the festival blends ancient customs with modern celebrations.

History and Folklore

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhōngqiū jié (中秋节) dates back over 3,000 years and traditionally falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar when the moon is believed to be at its fullest. This is usually in September or early October on our calendar, known as the Gregorian calendar.

There are various myths and legends surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the most well-known is the story of Houyi and Chang’e. In ancient times, it was believed that ten suns circled Earth and all ten suns suddenly appeared together, setting Earth on fire. Houyi, a brave archer was tasked to save the Earth by shooting down nine of them. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality by the Jade Emperor. His wife, Chang’e drank the elixir to prevent Houyi’s apprentice from stealing it. Soon after, she flew to the moon and became the Moon Goddess. The moon was especially bright that night. Houyi was heartbroken when he found out what had happened to her, so he placed offerings of her favorite foods under the full moon. This act became a tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival, as families gather to admire the moon and honor Chang’e.

Another beloved story tells of the Jade Rabbit, a symbol of kindness and sacrifice. The image of the rabbit is often seen in lanterns and mooncake designs.

(To learn more about the history and origin of the festival, including the Tale of the Jade Rabbit, refer to pages 2 to 7 of our book, Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival.)

Symbolism of the Full Moon

The full moon represents completeness and reunion. Its round shape symbolizes unity, harmony, and the hope that families will stay together even when separated by distance. During the festival, we look up at the bright moon and think of loved ones far away. This shared act links people across generations and places. Families exchange mooncakes, whose round shape mirrors the moon.

Importance of the Lunar Calendar

The Mid-Autumn Festival follows the Chinese lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun. The festival always falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon appears brightest and fullest. Ancient farmers relied on the lunar calendar to plan harvests and rituals. The full moon marked a moment to give thanks for abundance and to share blessings.

Family Reunion Dinner

Family reunion, or tuányuán (团圆), is at the heart of the festival. People come together for a special dinner that symbolizes harmony and gratitude, and even travel long distances just to share this meal with their families. Typical dishes include mooncakes, crab, roast pork, whole chicken, duck, lotus roots, pear, taro, and round fruits. Each dish represents blessings for the year ahead and reflects family unity and good fortune. The reunion meal is as important as Thanksgiving dinner is in the West.

(To learn more about the special meanings behind each dish and mooncake varieties, refer to pages 10 to 12 of Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival.)

How to Celebrate

Admiring the Moon

Moon gazing connects both tradition and emotion. The moon is said to be the brightest and roundest of the year, symbolizing unity and completeness. People often gather outdoors to enjoy the view. While admiring the moon, stories, legends, and mooncakes are shared.

Eating Mooncakes

The tradition of eating mooncakes, or yuèbĭng (月饼) began during the Yuan Dynasty, used to pass around messages to rebel against the Mongols at the time. Nowadays, families and friends usually share a mooncake on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Their round shape represents reunion and completeness.

Popular fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean, and mixed nuts. Some versions contain salted egg yolks, which symbolize the bright moon. (See page 12 for a full list of varieties, and pages 20 to 23 for some mooncake recipes.)

Lanterns and Lantern Riddles

Lanterns add color and joy to the night. These bright displays symbolize hope and good fortune. Children enjoy making their own colorful lanterns in different shapes and parade them around the neighborhood.

People also enjoy writing and guessing lantern riddles, called dēng mí (灯谜). This tradition is over 1,500 years old. It is still popular today as it is a great way to exercise your brain and bond with family and friends.

(See pages  24 to 29 for instructions to make your own lanterns and writing lantern riddles.)

Places to Visit

If you’re not sure what to do or haven’t made any plans yet, here’s a festive guide to the best places to visit in Hong Kong and Guangzhou for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025! Whether you're chasing lanterns, mooncakes, or cultural performances, these spots promise a magical and memorable celebration.

In Hong Kong

1. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Dates: October 5–7, 2025

Location: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay

Highlights: A 67-meter incense-laced dragon paraded by 300 performers. A Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage spectacle.

2. Victoria Park Lantern Carnival

Dates: September 30 – October 7, 2025

Location: Victoria Park Soccer Pitch, Causeway Bay

Highlights: Dazzling lantern displays themed around Chinese traditions and the 2025 National Games.

3. Lee Tung Avenue – Moon Fest Lumiere

Dates: October 1–26, 2025

Location: Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai

Highlights: Over 800 lanterns including goldfish-shaped designs lighting up a tree-lined walkway.

4. Outdoor Movie Night at apm Mall

Date: October 6, 2025

Location: apm L2 Trendy Garden, Kwun Tong

Highlights: Movie under the moonlight, glowing rabbit installations, balloon art, and pet photo zones.

5. Tai O Night Lantern Cruise

Dates: October 4–7, 2025

Location: Tai O Heritage Hotel

Highlights: Traditional boat rides with AR storytelling through the fishing village.

6. Kai Tak Sports Park – Moon Rabbit Dream

Dates: Until October 13, 2025

Highlights: A glowing 5-meter rabbit installation and bubble light party with live music

In Guangzhou

1. Guangzhou Cultural Park Lantern Show

Dates: October 1–8, 2025

Location: Guangzhou Cultural Park, Liwan District

Highlights: 27 lantern sets, 2,000 ambient lights, National Games mascot, daily cultural performances including lantern riddles, singing, dancing, and storytelling.

2. Lingnan Impression Garden Folk Fair & Night Shows

Folk Fair Dates: October 4–6, 2025

Night Shows: October 1–8, 2025

Location: Lingnan Impression Garden, Panyu District

Highlights: Lion dances, Yingge parades, fire dragon dances, molten iron fireworks, and traditional handicraft workshops.

3. Pearl River Night Cruise

Dates: Available throughout the festival week

Location: Pearl River boarding points, including Tianzi Wharf

Highlights: Moon-viewing cruise with tea and mooncakes, scenic views of Guangzhou’s skyline.

4. Chimelong Paradise Circus Show

Dates: October 1–7, 2025

Location: Chimelong International Circus, Chimelong Resort, Panyu District

Highlights: Over 300 performers, acrobatics, and magical stage effects.

5. White Swan Hotel’s Linjiang Tiantai Moon Viewing

Date: October 6, 2025 (Mid-Autumn Festival night)

Location: White Swan Hotel, Shamian Island

Highlights: Traditional Chinese music performances with moon-viewing over the Pearl River.

6. Yuntai Garden Moon Gazing

Date: October 6, 2025

Location: Yuntai Garden, Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area

Highlights: Scenic moon-gazing spot surrounded by lush gardens and floral displays.

If you prefer to have a quiet celebration at home with the family instead, you can download some fun Word Puzzles here to do with the kids. And for some engaging discussions, check out the Discussion Guide!

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 中秋节快乐!