Tipped to be one of Beijing’s most spectacular local events the Mid Autumn Festival or Zhongqiu Jie is a highlight cultural festival with a centuries old legacy. Commemorated on the fifteenth day of the eight moon the festival popularly known as the Moon Festival finds its origins in a harvest festival of yore where the abundance of the harvest is celebrated alongside the harmony symbolized by the full moon.
In ancient times a platform to worship the moon was visible in every household where fruits and the festival’s signature sweetmeat moon cakes were laid out in a predetermined manner based on the family’s wishes for the coming season. Placing chestnuts next to persimmons for example was believed to denote prosperity while the scattering of longans symbolized the unity and harmony among family members. Moon gazing is another popular activity during the festival and a custom that dates back centuries. Beijing residents would stare at the full moon with the naked eye or observe the moon’s reflection on the surface of a water source.
The preparation of moon cakes and the ready availability of the delicacy during the festival period is another highlight for visitors as sampling these delicious snacks with fillings made of sesame seeds, Chinese dates, walnuts, jujubes and melons is a true Mid-Autumn tradition.
Venues across Beijing that are renowned as Mid-Autumn festivity hotspots include The Summer Palace where most residents visit to witness the flowering of osmanthus trees. Boat rides around the lake is another activity that is increasingly popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival while the annual temple fair on Lugou Bridge complete with dragon dances, folk art and cultural showcases is also held to commemorate the moon festival. Other locations to mark the auspicious lunar event include the Beihai Park, Dajoue Temple and Shichahai.
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