Events in Kunming

Chinese New Year (late January early February)

This is an extremely important festival in traditional Chinese culture where families gather to celebrate. The festival lasts for around a month and include several days of public holiday. The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the new lunar cycle and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Lantern Festival (15 days after Chinese New Year, February or March)

The Lantern Festival, or also known as the Shang Yuan Festival, takes place on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. It officially marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. On the night of the festival decorative lanterns depicting traditional stories and themes are carried by children through the streets.

Mid-Autumn Festival (around late September or early October)

Commonly known as the Moon Festival, This takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a celebration for when the moon is its biggest and brightest. Locals enjoy Mooncakes that are small pastries filled with red bean or lotus seed paste.

National Day (October)

This celebration takes place on the 1st of October and commemorates the creation of the people's republic of China. There are fireworks and parades all throughout the city. This day also signals the start of the Golden Week, which is a week long holiday in China.