Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
The biggest family holiday, usually late January/February. Cities empty out as people return home; some restaurants/shops close, while temples, lantern fairs and parades are lively. Transport is extremely busy; book trains/flights months ahead.
Mid-Autumn and National Day
Mid-Autumn (September/October) is a harvest/moon festival with mooncakes and family gatherings. National Day Golden Week (October 1–7) is the busiest travel period; expect crowds and higher prices. Lantern festivals and dragon boat races are local highlights.
How to experience them
Join public events rather than intruding on private family rituals. Try festival foods, visit temples/fairs, and respect local customs. If you want quiet travel, avoid the peak weeks; if you want atmosphere, book early and stay central.
Reality check
Festivals are wonderful and logistically terrible: book transport before you book the hotel.
Local tip: Check the lunar date and the official holiday calendar.
Step by step
- Check the lunar calendar dates.
- Book transport/hotels early.
- Choose a city with public events.
- Learn a few festival greetings.
- Expect closures/changes.
- Respect local customs.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Peak transport | 20–50% higher |
| Hotels | Can double |
| Festival food/gifts | US$10–50 |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Bookings
- Translation app
- Cash/payment app
Common mistakes
- Travelling during Golden Week without bookings
- Assuming everything is open during Spring Festival
- Intruding on private family events
- Missing the lunar date
If things go wrong
- If trains are sold out, try flights or shift the city order.
- If a venue is closed, use the day for a neighbourhood walk.
FAQ
Is Spring Festival a good time to visit?
For atmosphere, yes; for sightseeing efficiency, no. Many businesses close and transport is packed.
Do I need to give red envelopes?
Only to children/younger relatives in a family context; not to strangers or service staff.
Eating well: the field guide
Chinese food is regional, seasonal and often shared. The best strategy is to order a few dishes for the table, ask about spice and allergies, and eat where locals are eating.
Order for the table
In a group, order one dish per person plus rice or noodles, and share. In a solo trip, choose set meals, noodle shops or food courts. Menus with photos are your friend; camera translation handles the rest. Ask “Is this spicy?” before ordering a dish covered in chillies.
Dietary needs
“Vegetable” does not mean vegetarian: meat stock, lard and oyster sauce are common. Carry a Chinese card explaining your diet. For halal, look for 清真 signs and Muslim restaurants. For gluten-free, rice-based dishes are safer, but soy sauce and cross-contact remain risks.
Hygiene and water
Busy restaurants with high turnover are usually a good sign. Drink bottled or boiled water if you have a sensitive stomach; ice is common in cities but can be tap-water ice in smaller places. Street food is part of the experience; choose stalls with queues and freshly cooked food.
Quick checks
- Dietary/allergy card in Chinese
- Spice level confirmed
- Bottled/boiled water for sensitive stomachs
- Busy, high-turnover restaurant
- Payment method ready before ordering
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Bookings
- Translation app
- Cash/payment app
- Check the lunar calendar dates.
- Book transport/hotels early.
- Choose a city with public events.
- Learn a few festival greetings.
- Expect closures/changes.
- Respect local customs.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.