Hangzhou

🎉

Festivals and Celebrations

Sections

1. West Lake International Expo

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: The West Lake International Expo is one of Hangzhou’s most prominent modern festivals, first held in 1929. It was originally designed to showcase the city’s economic and cultural achievements. Today, it combines business, tourism, and cultural activities, making it a major event for both locals and visitors.
  • Event Schedule: Typically held in October and November, lasting for about a month.
  • Locations: Events are spread across Hangzhou, with key venues including West Lake, Xixi Wetland Park, and the Hangzhou International Expo Center.
  • Activities: The expo features trade fairs, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals. Highlights include light shows over West Lake and cultural showcases of Hangzhou’s tea and silk industries.
  • Costs: Many events are free, but some exhibitions or performances may require tickets (ranging from 50–200 RMB depending on the event).
  • Participation Procedures: Check the official website or local tourism offices for schedules and ticketing information. Arrive early for popular events to secure a good spot.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette: Dress modestly and comfortably, especially if attending outdoor events. Be respectful of performers and avoid loud conversations during cultural performances.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Transportation: Use Hangzhou’s efficient metro system or public buses to avoid traffic congestion.
    • Language: Most signage will be in Chinese, but major venues may have English translations. Consider using a translation app.
    • Attire: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you may need to walk between venues.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie)

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October), the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and moon appreciation. Hangzhou’s West Lake is a particularly popular spot for moon-gazing, as its serene beauty is said to enhance the experience.
  • Event Schedule: The festival lasts for one day, but celebrations often extend into the weekend.
  • Locations:
    • West Lake Scenic Area: Moon-gazing and lantern displays.
    • Hefang Street: Traditional food stalls and cultural performances.
    • Lingyin Temple: Special prayers and ceremonies.
  • Activities:
    • Eating mooncakes (a traditional pastry).
    • Lantern displays and dragon dances.
    • Boating on West Lake under the full moon.
  • Costs: Visiting public areas like West Lake is free, but boat rides cost around 50–100 RMB. Mooncakes are widely available for purchase (20–50 RMB per box).
  • Participation Procedures: Simply join the crowds at West Lake or Hefang Street. For boat rides, tickets can be purchased at the docks.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette:
    • Avoid wasting food, as sharing mooncakes is a symbolic gesture of unity.
    • Be mindful of personal space in crowded areas.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Transportation: Public transport is recommended, as roads near West Lake may be closed to cars.
    • Language: Learn basic phrases like “Zhongqiu Jie Kuaile” (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival) to connect with locals.
    • Attire: Bring a light jacket, as evenings can be cool.

3. Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie)

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: Held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June), this festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and is marked by dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
  • Event Schedule: The festival lasts for one day, but races and related activities may occur over the weekend.
  • Locations:
    • Qiantang River: Dragon boat races.
    • Hefang Street: Traditional food and craft stalls.
  • Activities:
    • Watching dragon boat races.
    • Eating zongzi.
    • Making and wearing perfumed sachets to ward off evil spirits.
  • Costs: Watching the races is free. Zongzi costs around 10–20 RMB each.
  • Participation Procedures: Arrive early at the Qiantang River to secure a good viewing spot. Zongzi can be purchased at local markets or food stalls.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette:
    • Cheer respectfully during the races.
    • Avoid littering, as the river is a cherished natural resource.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Transportation: Use public transport to reach the Qiantang River area.
    • Language: Bring a translation app to help with food purchases.
    • Attire: Wear sun protection, as the races are held outdoors.

4. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: The most important festival in China, Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar (usually in January or February). It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating with fireworks and feasts.
  • Event Schedule: Celebrations last for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
  • Locations:
    • Hefang Street: Traditional performances and food stalls.
    • Lingyin Temple: Special prayers and blessings.
    • West Lake: Fireworks displays.
  • Activities:
    • Watching lion and dragon dances.
    • Lighting firecrackers and fireworks.
    • Visiting temples to pray for good fortune.
  • Costs: Public performances are free. Temple entry fees range from 30–50 RMB.
  • Participation Procedures: Join the crowds at public celebrations or visit temples for a more spiritual experience.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette:
    • Wear red clothing for good luck.
    • Avoid giving gifts in sets of four, as the number is associated with death.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Transportation: Book tickets early if traveling during this period, as public transport is extremely busy.
    • Language: Learn basic greetings like “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year).
    • Attire: Dress warmly, as winter in Hangzhou can be chilly.

5. Hangzhou International Tea Culture Festival

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: Hangzhou is the home of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s most famous green teas. This festival celebrates the city’s tea culture and heritage.
  • Event Schedule: Held annually in April, during the tea-picking season.
  • Locations:
    • Meijiawu Tea Village.
    • Longjing Tea Plantation.
    • China National Tea Museum.
  • Activities:
    • Tea-picking experiences.
    • Tea-tasting sessions.
    • Cultural performances and exhibitions on tea history.
  • Costs: Entry to tea villages is free, but tea-picking experiences may cost 50–100 RMB.
  • Participation Procedures: Join organized tours or visit tea villages independently. Tea-tasting sessions can be booked on-site.
  • Local Customs and Etiquette:
    • Hold your teacup with both hands as a sign of respect.
    • Avoid adding sugar or milk to Longjing tea, as it is meant to be enjoyed plain.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus to tea villages, as they are located outside the city center.
    • Language: Guides in tea villages may speak basic English, but a translation app is helpful.
    • Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking in hilly areas.

General Tips for Visitors

  • Transportation: Hangzhou’s metro system, buses, and taxis are reliable. Consider purchasing a Hangzhou Public Transportation Card for convenience.
  • Language: English is not widely spoken, so learning basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app is highly recommended.
  • Attire: Dress according to the season and the nature of the event. Comfortable shoes are essential for outdoor festivals.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of local customs, especially in religious or traditional settings. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior.

By planning ahead and immersing yourself in Hangzhou’s vibrant festivals, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern charm.