Double Ninth Festival
Also called: Chongyang Festival, Chung Yeung Festival, Seniors' Day
What is Double Ninth Festival?
On the Double Ninth Festival people climb hills, enjoy chrysanthemums and honour older people. In mainland China it is also Seniors' Day (老年节, often called 老人节).
Double Ninth Festival dates 2026–2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 |
Where it comes from
Nine was seen as the strongest yang number, so the "double nine" was believed to need protection. People climbed high ground and drank chrysanthemum wine to keep misfortune away — a custom recorded more than 1,500 years ago.
How people celebrate
- Climb a hill or mountain (登高)
- Admire chrysanthemums (赏菊)
- Visit and care for older relatives
- Eat Chongyang cake (重阳糕)
Words and greetings
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 重阳节快乐 | PinyinChóngyángjié kuàilè | EnglishHappy Double Ninth Festival |
| 登高 | Pinyindēnggāo | Englishto climb to a high place |
| 菊花 | Pinyinjúhuā | Englishchrysanthemum |
| 敬老 | Pinyinjìnglǎo | Englishto respect the elderly |
| 重阳糕 | Pinyinchóngyánggāo | EnglishChongyang cake |
重阳节快乐 is fine; for older relatives people add 身体健康 (good health).
Is it a public holiday?
A public holiday in Hong Kong and Macau (Chung Yeung Festival). In mainland China it is Seniors' Day (老年节) but not a day off.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Double Ninth Festival in 2027?
Friday 8 October 2027, the 9th day of the 9th lunar month.
Why is it called Double Ninth?
It falls on the 9th day of the 9th month. 重 means "double" and 阳 is "yang": nine was the great yang number, so the day is the "double yang".
Why do people climb mountains on Double Ninth?
By tradition, climbing to a high place kept misfortune away; today it is a healthy autumn outing.