Chinese Festivals: Timeless Traditions & Modern Magic

From thunderous fireworks battles to silent moonlit rituals, China’s festivals weave ancient wisdom into today’s celebrations. Here’s your ultimate guide to six iconic events, with cultural insights no guidebook will tell you. 1. Spring Festival (春节 Chūn Jié / Chinese New Year)​​ ​When: Lunar calendar Jan 1–15 (Jan 22–Feb 5 in 2023)​Core Elements: ​Red Everywhere: Door couplets, lanterns, envelopes—red wards off the monster Nian (年兽). ​Food Code: Fish = “surplus” (鱼 yú); Glutinous rice cakes = “rising fortune” (年糕 nián gāo).​Experience It: ​Beijing: Smash a “fortune bowl” at Ditan Temple Fair—ceramic碎片 (suì)…