Beijing Events and Festivals

(Beijing, China)

Beijing really is a city that never sleeps, and whilst there are always plenty of things to do whatever the time of year, many seasonal festivals provide true monthly highlights and are really not to be missed. Particularly popular are the celebrations during the Chinese New Year, which take place all over China and are especially notable here.

Other events that stand out each year in Beijing include the Lantern Festival in March and the Oingming Festival every April, the latter of which heralds the arrival of spring whilst also being something of a time of remembrance.

The Dragon Boat (Duanwu Jie) celebrations every June are also well worth checking out, with these fun boat races being held at Qinglonghu Park and Xiadu Park, as well as on the Tonghui River and along the shoreline of Yanqi Lake. The largest boats are powered by more than 50 rowers, who follow the rhythm set by a drummer sitting at the front.

National Public Holidays

The People's Republic of China features a total of nine national public holidays each year:

• New Year's Day - January 1st
• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - February
• International Women's Day - March 8th
• International Labour Day - May 1st
• Youth Day - May 4th
• International Children's Day - June 1st
• Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party - July 1st
• Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army (August 1st)
• National Day - October 1st

Beijing Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - many locals in Beijing choose to observe the official start of the western calendar's new year, visiting friends and relatives

February

• Chinese New Year - the date of this festival varies each year according to the Lunar calendar. This is the most important festival in China and lasts for 15 days, with the first seven days being public holidays. Public transport is thrown into chaos around Beijing, as the Chinese make their way home to celebrate with family and friends. Houses are decorated with all things red, parcels containing money are exchanged, houses are spring cleaned and reunion dinners are held

March

• Lantern Festival - this festival marks the end of Chinese New Year and is held in the 15th day of the New Year festivities. At night, children carry lanterns, a symbol of good luck and hope, and parades are often held at various locations around the city

April

• Oingming Festival - held on the 104th day after winter solstice, this festival marks the arrival of spring and is a time to tend to the graves of dead friends and relatives. Tombs are cleared and offerings are made to honour ancestors

May

• Youth Day - May 4th, this day commemorates the May Fourth Movement in 1919, when Beijing students and others rallied against imperialism and the Treaty of Versailles, sparking demonstrations across the country

June

• Dragon Boat Festival - normally held in June, Beijing residents may travel to the coast or inland rivers to watch dragon boat races, held in honour of the famous Chinese poet who drowned, Qu Yuan. Small rice packets, protected by a leaf, are thrown into the water as a symbolic gesture

July

• Maritime Day - July 11th, commemorating Zheng He's first voyage during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). He is said to have headed sea voyages as far as America

August

• Qi Xi Festival - also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, this festival is celebrated in the seventh lunar month. Young girls practice traditional arts on this day and wish for a good husband, while love stories are relayed and offerings are made to the mythical Niulang and Zhinu, characters from the cowherd and weaver girl Chinese love tale
• Ghost Festival - during the seventh lunar months, ghosts are thought to return to the land of the living to visit each other. Ritual offerings are made and paper money is burned to appease the spirits

September

• Moon Festival - also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, this event occurs on the full moon in the eighth lunar month and sees the Chinese giving thanks for the summer harvest. Moon cake is traditionally eaten at this time, while lanterns are sometimes lit and dragon dances performed

October

• Double Ninth Festival - observed on the ninth day of the ninth month, this day is traditionally thought to have too much 'yang' and is therefore potentially dangerous. To protect against danger, the Chinese traditionally climb mountains or hills and drink Chrysanthemum tea, which is believed to have a cleansing quality
• National Day - marking the establishment of the Central People's Government in 1949, National Day is a public holiday, celebrated through government organised events, fireworks and concerts. Tiananmen Square is greatly decorated for the festivities

November

• There are no significant events and festivals in Beijing during the month of November

December

• Winter Solstice Festival - this date is significant, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of increased hours of sunlight. The Solstice is a popular day for family get-togethers, when members eat special glutinous rice balls