Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 in Shanghai

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, comes from the Zhou Dynasty (1046 - 256 BC). Every year, on the 15th day of the 8th month, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, families gather to offer sacrifices to the moon. According to the old belief, the movement of the moon has a close relationship with changes in the seasons, agricultural production, peace, and family reunions. On the festival night, the moon is supposed to be the fullest and the brightest.

Traditional Celebrations

Traditionally, on a festive night, people set tables in the open air, eat mooncakes and fruit, and drink reunion wine. During the festival, lanterns of various sizes and shapes are carried and displayed, symbolizing beacons that light the path to prosperity and good fortune. Mooncakes, rich pastries typically filled with sweet bean, egg yolk, meat, or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally enjoyed during this celebration. The Mid-Autumn moon has long been a favored time for celebrating marriages. During this festival, girls would pray to the Moon deity Chang'e, seeking her blessing to fulfill their romantic wishes.

Locations

In Shanghai, there are several prominent spots to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Sheshan, and Zhujiajiao Old Town are renowned for their festive activities. The Bund is particularly popular, offering a serene atmosphere along with numerous restaurants and tea houses. Additionally, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, Jin Mao Tower, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town are excellent places to join in the celebrations.

History of Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, which began over 2,000 years ago as a post-harvest celebration, evolved from moon worship during the Song dynasty. The 15th day of the eighth month was established as Mid-Autumn Day under Emperor Tai. Popular legends include the story of Chang-E, the Moon Lady, who ascended to the moon after drinking an elixir of life, and the tale of Hou Yi, her husband, who had saved the earth by shooting down nine suns. This mythology, dating back to the Tang dynasty and earlier, is central to the festival's celebrations.