Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
Also called: Moon Festival, Mooncake Festival
What is Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a family reunion under what is traditionally called the brightest full moon of the year. People give and eat mooncakes, carry lanterns and sit outside to admire the moon.
Mid-Autumn Festival dates 2026–2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 |
Where it comes from
Moon festivals go back to ancient harvest rites. Its best-known legend is Chang'e (嫦娥), who drank an elixir of immortality and floated up to live on the moon with a jade rabbit.
How people celebrate
- Eat and give mooncakes (月饼)
- Admire the moon (赏月) with family
- Carry lanterns, especially children
- Eat pomelo and other autumn fruit
Words and greetings
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 中秋节快乐 | PinyinZhōngqiūjié kuàilè | EnglishHappy Mid-Autumn Festival |
| 月饼 | Pinyinyuèbǐng | Englishmooncake |
| 赏月 | Pinyinshǎng yuè | Englishto admire the moon |
| 嫦娥 | PinyinCháng'é | EnglishChang'e, the moon goddess |
| 团圆 | Pinyintuányuán | Englishfamily reunion |
| 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 | PinyinDànyuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān | English"May we live long and share the moon though a thousand miles apart" (Su Shi) |
中秋节快乐 is the standard greeting; families also say 团团圆圆 (all together).
Is it a public holiday?
A public holiday in mainland China and Taiwan; in Hong Kong and Macau the day after is the holiday. In Singapore and Malaysia it is widely celebrated but not a public holiday.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2027?
Wednesday 15 September 2027, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
Why do people eat mooncakes?
Mooncakes are round like the full moon, a symbol of a family being together. Giving boxes of mooncakes to family, friends and clients is a big custom.
Is it the same as the Moon Festival?
Yes. Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Festival and Mooncake Festival are all names for 中秋节.