During winter, China is illuminated by the fiery celebrations of Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, while regional festivals burst with vibrant local customs. From the rhythmic dances in Guizhou’s villages to the dazzling lantern displays at Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden, winter festivals in China turn the coldest months into a season of warmth, connection, and shared traditions.
Panwang Festival
When: Typically held in late November or early December
The Panwang Festival, celebrated by the Yao ethnic group, honors the ancestral figure Panwang and marks the end of the harvest season. This lively event brings the community together through games, matchmaking, and song, to bless the harvest and future family unions. From the colorful attire to the ceremonial dances led by elders, this celebration offers a vivid glimpse into the traditions and artistry of the Yao culture.
Where to experience it: Panwang Festival is celebrated across Guangxi, a province in southern China bordering Vietnam and renowned for its stunning karst landscapes. We recommend experiencing the festival in the picturesque region of Hezhou, located within Guangxi, where our local guides can introduce travelers to members of the Yao community for an intimate immersion in the celebrations.
Miao New Year
When: Typically celebrated post-harvest in November and December
Miao New Year is the most significant festival for the Miao people. The festivities center around family reunions, festive feasts, grand parades, and traditional dances, accompanied by flutes and drums. A highlight of the celebration is the elegant “butterfly dance,” performed by silver-adorned women to symbolize luck and fertility.
Where to experience it: We recommend experiencing Miao New Year in Leishan County, Guizhou, a region renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant Miao culture. Our local guides can take you to mountain villages to savor local delicacies like sour fish, millet wine, and other traditional dishes, while witnessing the warmth and hospitality of the Miao people. Guests can also delve into the intricate artistry of Miao silverwork and traditional crafts through meaningful interactions with local artisans.
Hong Kong WinterFest
When: November to January
In Hong Kong, where Eastern traditions meet Western influences, international holiday celebrations are embraced during WinterFest. The city’s festive spirit shines through with twinkling lights at the enchanting Christmas Town at West Kowloon, where a towering Christmas tree sparkles against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour. The Winter Harborfront Pyrotechnics, followed by the city’s iconic New Year Countdown and a mesmerizing fireworks display, mark the upcoming new year in spectacular fashion.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
When: January to February
Each January, Harbin becomes a hub for winter celebration and a stunning showcase of winter artistry. Located in the northeast of China, Harbin’s long, snowy winters provide the perfect backdrop for the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. It towering, illuminated sculptures—some reaching over 20 feet—depict everything from mythical creatures to grand castles. Our local guide will reveal the artistry behind these frozen masterpieces, as well as Harbin’s Russian architectural influences. Guests can tuck into seasonal delicacies, including local sausages and warm winter dishes, for a satisfying taste of the local culture to accompany the festival experience.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
When: January or February (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)
The Spring Festival is China’s most significant and widely celebrated holiday. Welcoming the start of the lunar calendar, it is a time for family gatherings, festive banquets, and age-old traditions such as dragon and lion dances. Streets and homes are adorned with red lanterns symbolizing luck, and in rural villages, the sound of firecrackers fills the air, driving away bad spirits and inviting a prosperous new year.
Where to experience it: Major cities like Beijing host lively temple fairs and cultural performances, while rural regions like Yunnan offer more intimate local traditions. WildChina can arrange visits to rural villages to participate in customs such as making dumplings, writing Spring Festival couplets, and sharing family feasts.
Lantern Festival
When: 15th day of the first lunar month (February)
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations and is a time for family get-togethers and colorful festivities. Lantern displays illuminate streets and parks, often accompanied by riddle-solving games and dragon dances. Sweet glutinous rice balls, called tangyuan, are enjoyed, symbolizing unity and happiness.
Where to experience it: The Lantern Festival is celebrated across China, but one of the most striking displays takes place in Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden. Intricate lantern installations are beautifully set against the stunning backdrop of Yuyuan’s Ming Dynasty architecture. Our local guide will weave through the garden’s passageways, guiding you through the enchanting lantern displays while offering captivating insights into the designs and the stories they tell.
Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Losar, the Tibetan lunar new year, is the most important winter celebration in Tibet. Rooted in spiritual practice, the festival begins with prayer ceremonies and offerings to deities. Homes and monasteries are adorned with colorful prayer flags and murals, while families come together to share festive meals featuring yak meat, barley sweets, and butter tea. The celebration is also marked by traditional Cham dances, where performers don vibrant costumes and masks to invoke blessings for the new year.
Where to experience it: The most enriching place to experience Losar is in Lhasa, the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet, known for its ancient monasteries. We can arrange private blessings for travelers, offering an in-depth experience of Losar rituals and Tibetan traditions.
These winter festivals don’t just mark the calendar in China—they shape how winter is experienced, forming connections that linger long after the season fades. Connect with our travel designers to uncover the traditions that make this season truly unforgettable, and dive into our guide on where to travel in China in winter for more inspiration.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
