Chinese Celebrations and Festivals

Learn what a tangram puzzle is, how to make a tangram puzzle, and how to solve a tangram puzzle.

Learn the origins of the Tomb Sweeping Festival and how the Tomb Sweeping Festival is celebrated.

Learn about Chinese birthday celebrations including Chinese birthday traditions and taboos.

Learn how to play Chinese games like mahjong, liar's dice, and struggle against the landlord.

Learn how to play Dou Di Zhu, one of China's most popular card games.

Learn how to play Liar's Dice, one of the most popular games in China.

Learn how to make a traditional Chinese Lantern for Chinese New Year.

Discover what animals are in the Chinese Zodiac, why the Chinese Zodiac signs are important, and learn what your Chinese Zodiac sign is.

The Hungry Ghost Festival is the highlight of the Hungry Ghost Month, one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.

Learn about Grappling with Ghosts, a folk festival that is part of the Hungry Ghost Month.

Learn about the Chinese hungry ghost festival and how to celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Those seeking a little extra luck have several lucky spots to flock to in Hong Kong on the first and 15th lunar days of each month.

Da Jiao is a ceremony to worship deities and ancestors for good luck, fortune, and to keep evil spirits away.

Learn when and how Wei Ma is performed in Chinese Culture.

Lantern lighting isn’t only for the Lantern Festival. Learn when and how to conduct a lantern lighting ceremony.

Learn all about Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. Learn how to prepare for various Chinese holidays, what to wear, and what to eat.

From what to eat to what to do, learn all about how to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival.

Find Dragon Boat Teams and Dragon Boat Competitions near you.

One of the traditional pastimes during the Dragon Boat Festival is the egg standing contest. Learn the tricks of egg standing.

See how people’s lives are remembered and celebrated at Chinese funerals. Chinese funeral traditions vary depending on where the deceased person and his or her family are from but some basic traditions still apply.

Learn about xiong huang, the traditional Chinese wine that is drunk during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Learn how to avoid common Chinese taboos.

Use Chinese Culture to prep for your baby. Consult the Chinese Birth Chart to plan and predict your baby's gender, get advice on Chinese baby names, host a Red Egg and Ginger Party, learn how to adopt a baby from China and more.

Use this Chinese Birth Chart to predict whether you will have a boy or girl.

From pre-wedding prep and Chinese wedding clothing to Chinese wedding food and Chinese wedding favors, learn all about Chinese weddings.

Learn about Chinese wedding traditions including engagement, betrothal gifts, and bridal dowry.

Learn about Chinese wedding dresses. See what the bride, groom and guests wear at a Chinese wedding.

See Chinese wedding invitations and learn what goes on Chinese wedding invitations.

Learn what Chinese wedding decorations are used at Chinese weddings.

Learn which flowers are the best Chinese wedding flowers.

Learn what kinds of Chinese wedding favors are given out at Chinese weddings.

Chinese wedding pictures are an integral part of Chinese weddings.

Learn what kind of Chinese wedding gifts are acceptable to give at Chinese weddings. Learn what Chinese wedding gifts to avoid.

On the morning of Chinese weddings, there are several pre-Chinese wedding traditions.

Learn all about Chinese wedding rituals and what happens at a Chinese wedding.

Have a question about Chinese etiquette? Submit your Chinese etiquette question and get answers to frequently asked questions about Chinese etiquette.

Learn about Chinese Flowers and Their Meanings

Learn about the chrysanthemum, an important Chinese flower.

The hibiscus is a popular Chinese flower.

The iris is an important and popular Chinese flower.

Lilies are an important Chinese flower.

The lotus is an important Chinese flower and is rooted in Buddhism.

The magnolia is a symbolic flower in Chinese culture.

The Narcissus is an important Chinese flower.

The orchid is an important Chinese flower.

The peony, a Chinese flower, is the ‘queen of flowers’ and the flower of spring.

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Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in China. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, so it is also called Lunar New Year, and it is considered the beginning of spring, so it is also called Spring Festival. Learn the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year and how to prepare for...

Chinese New Year is the Chinese version of Christmas and Western New Year’s celebration, but many Chinese get in the holiday spirit at Christmas and during Western New Year’s. New Year’s Day is an official holiday in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan with many businesses and schools closed. Western New Year’s holiday (Jan. 1) is...

2010 was a busy year in China. Take a look at the top 10 China news stories that had people talking worldwide.

While the origin of mahjong (麻將, má jiàng ), along called mah-jongg in the US, is unknown, the fast-paced four-player game is popular throughout Asia. The game was first sold in the US in the 1920s and has become popular in the last decade. Mahjong is often played as a gambling game; therefore, mahjong was banned after 1949 in China but...

From night clubs to Taipei 101, there are many places to countdown to the New Year in Taipei.

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important Chinese holiday. In the weeks leading up to the two-week holiday, several traditional activities are necessary to do in order to properly prepare for Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in Chinese culture. Celebrations are held throughout the holiday but get started on Chinese New Year's Eve. Learn how to celebrate Chinese New Year's Eve.

Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in China. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, so it is also called Lunar New Year, and it is considered the beginning of spring, so it is also called Spring Festival. There are different stories of how Chinese New Year came about, but it has...

Whether you’re ringing in Chinese New Year with a bottle of champagne, making a toast at a wedding, or drinking 白酒 (báijiǔ, a popular type of Chinese alcohol) with your buddies, share your favorite Chinese toast.

How do you celebrate Chinese New Year? Share your stories, photos, tips and more.

Chūnlián (春聯) are simply long, narrow red strips of paper or diamond-shaped paper printed with black or gold Chinese characters which are hung in the doorways of homes in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Whether you’re ringing in Chinese New Year with a bottle of champagne, making a toast at a wedding, or drinking 白酒 (báijiǔ, a popular type of Chinese alcohol) with your friends, here are some Chinese toasts.

Opportunities for ringing in the New Year abound in Macau. Nearly all casinos have New Year’s Eve parties, but there are other places to usher in the New Year.

Since 1983, Chinese families have sat down to wrap dumplings and watch CCTV’s 'New Year’s Gala' on television on Chinese New Year's Eve. It’s a Chinese New Year’s Eve tradition that nearly every family in China participates in to ring in the New Year.

Colorful lanterns fueled with flickering flames float and bob against the infinite night sky across Asia. From Taiwan and China to Malaysia and Singapore, Asians culminate their New Year’s celebrations with a feast for the senses: a glowing spectacle of lanterns, cacophonous firecrackers, and mouthwatering food.

Learn how to play mahjong. While the origin of mahjong (麻將, má jiàng), along called mah-jongg in the US, is unknown, the fast-paced four-player game is popular throughout Asia. The game was first sold in the US in the 1920s and has become popular in the last decade. Mahjong is often played as a gambling game; therefore, mahjong was banned after...

While the origin of mahjong (麻將, má jiàng), along called mah-jongg in the US, is unknown, the fast-paced four-player game is popular throughout Asia. The game was first sold in the US in the 1920s and has become popular in the last decade. Mahjong is often played as a gambling game; therefore, mahjong was banned after 1949 in China but...

When playing mahjong for money, who pays depends on the ending of the game. While the origin of mahjong (麻將, má jiàng), along called mah-jongg in the US, is unknown, the fast-paced four-player game is popular throughout Asia. The game was first sold in the US in the 1920s and has become popular in the last decade. Mahjong is often played as a...

While the origin of mahjong (麻將, má jiàng), along called mah-jongg in the US, is unknown, the fast-paced four-player game is popular throughout Asia. The game was first sold in the US in the 1920s and has become popular in the last decade. Mahjong is often played as a gambling game; therefore, mahjong was banned after 1949 in China but...

Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in Chinese culture. Celebrations are held throughout the holiday in Taiwan but by the Lantern Festival, the last day of Chinese New Year, it all gets ratcheted up a few more notches with fiery lanterns, noisy firecrackers and mouthwatering food. While the Lantern...

Learn how to set up a game of mahjong by following this step-by-step photo guide.

Qipao or cheongsam are one-piece Chinese dresses that have been worn since the Manchu ruled China in the 17th century.

On the Traditional Chinese New Year calendar of events, the Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao, falls on the final, or fifteenth day. This marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with a party under the full moon.

The Kitchen God is assigned by Yu Huang, the emperor of heaven, to watch over each family and record what they do throughout the year. A paper picture of he Kitchen God is hung in a prominent location in the kitchen.

Chinese New Year festivities abound in Macau. Here’s where to usher in the Year of the Rabbit during Chinese New Year 2011. Except for the Stepping High Macau Tower Run, all other events are free.

Similar to poker, the goal in mahjong is to get the highest combination of tiles, called sets. In order to win, a player must have five sets of three tiles each (any combination of straights and three-of-a-kinds is fine) and one pair from any suit. A player can also win with one four-of-a-kind, four sets of three tiles each, and one pair from...

During Chinese New Year, it is customary to invite family and friends over to celebrate the New Year. During the two week period, each home has a tray of togetherness or prosperity box, an octagonal or round platter with eight compartments filled with snacks, to share with visitors.

Before playing mahjong (麻將, má jiàng), it is important to identify and understand each mahjong tile. Each game set contains: three ‘simple’ suits (stones, characters, and bamboos), two ‘honor’ suits (winds and dragons) and one optional suit, flowers.

Once you've learned how to play mahjong, get a mahjong game set. Mahjong has many regional variations, The mahjong books on this page will help you learn American mahjong, Shanghainese mahjong, Taiwanese mahjong and more.

Chinese New Year is the Chinese version of Christmas, but many Chinese get in the holiday spirit at Christmastime. Christmas is not an official holiday in China, but all the trappings of a Western Christmas can be found in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Learn how Christmas is celebrated and get advice on celebrating an East-meets-West holiday.

Chinese New Year is the Chinese version of Christmas, but many Chinese get in the holiday spirit at Christmastime. Christmas is not an official holiday in China, so most offices, schools and shops remain open. All the trappings of a Western Christmas can be found in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Learn about how people in China, Hong Kong,...

While the words may not be an exact translation of the English lyrics to 'Jingle Bells,' the Chinese lyrics capture the essence of this timeless Christmas carol. The Mandarin lyrics are sung to the traditional melody of 'Jingle Bells.'

The holidays are all about preparing large feasts and indulging in holiday treats. More and more Chinese are celebrating the holiday season with Christmas Eve dinners. While many Chinese opt to eat out, a growing number are preparing Christmas feasts that are similar to the ones they enjoy at Chinese New Year. Learn how to make traditional...

Deck the Halls Chinese-style this holiday

A red envelope is simply a long, narrow, red envelope with money in it. Traditional red envelopes are often decorated with gold Chinese characters like happiness and wealth. Variations of the red envelope include red envelopes with cartoon characters and red envelopes from stores and companies that contain coupons and gift certificates inside.

The annual Taipei City Lantern Festival features lanterns of all shapes and sizes. From lanterns shaped as animals, flowers, people, and other objects to animated lanterns that tell traditional stories with themes of filial piety and other traditional themes, there are lanterns for everyone.

While giving a gift is much appreciated and it’s the thought that counts, there are some gifts that are absolute no-no’s in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Avoid these Chinese gift giving blunders.

Named for the appearance and sound of the thousands of fireworks lit during this festival, the Beehive Rocket Festival in Yanshui in southern Taiwan is not for the faint of heart.

Not only is the choice of gift important in Chinese culture, but how much you spend on it, how you wrap it, and how you present it are equally important.

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Introduce your children to Chinese culture with games and toys that have delighted Chinese children for centuries.

Banquets, food, flowers, and cash are great Chinese gift-giving options.

Fashionable Chinese clothing, accessories, and kitchenware are noteworthy gifts.

In Taitung in Southern Taiwan, the locals celebrate the Lantern Festival by throwing firecrackers at Master Handan, a shirtless man. Legend says the celebration became an annual custom when it coincidentally got rid of infectious diseases that plagued Taitung at the time. Others simply believe the heat and smoke from the fireworks may have...

Classic games and ancient gadgets are gifts that are sure to be conversation starters.

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Bombing the Dragon is held during the Lantern Festival period in Miaoli in central Taiwan. It is one of 12 Hakka festivals. During the Bombing of the Dragon, firecrackers are thrown at dancing dragons. It is believed that throwing firecrackers at the dragons will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Each year, several dragon...

Every Chinese New Year (mid-January to mid-February depending on the lunar calendar), thousands of revelers descend upon Pingxi, a small township nestled among the mountains in northeastern Taipei County, an hour’s drive from Taipei. During the celebration, between 100,000-200,000 lanterns are launched.

The Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius (祭孔大典) is held annually on Confucius’ Birthday to pay homage to Confucius, China’s ‘First Teacher.’

Double Ten Day is Taiwan’s National Day, a public holiday to mark the anniversary of the start of the Wuchang Uprising, which eventually led to the founding of the Republic of China (ROC).

Find everything you need to know about Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Visitors to Expo 2010 Shanghai share their tips, stories and photos.

Learn where Expo 2010 Shanghai is located, how it's organized and how to get to Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Getting tickets to Expo 2010 Shanghai is simple.

Looking for more information about Expo 2010 Shanghai? These websites will help you plan an in-person or virtual visit to Expo 2010 Shanghai.

There are several free Expo 2010 Shanghai apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apps for purchase are also available but this list only describes the free apps. There are a handful of apps for iPad users though they are either in Chinese or have a fee. Download, enjoy and share your thoughts.

Quick tip on Expo 2010 Shanghai dates and hours of operation.

Since the first international exposition in London in 1851, the world has continued to gather together to share ideas, present innovations and celebrate the future. Expo 2010 Shanghai is the latest World's Fair. Over 200 countries are participating and 70 million visitors are expected to attend the Expo.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Take a virtual tour of Expo 2010 Shanghai and see the country pavilions of Expo 2010 Shanghai including the US Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, Hong Kong Pavilion, Australia Pavilion and African Pavilions.

New Year is China's most-important holiday.

Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations highlight food, history

The ancient Chinese holiday Qi Xi Jie is similar to Valentine's Day

When it comes to gift-giving, it's the thought that counts. Explore traditional Chinese gifts, get advice on top gift picks for men, women, and children, learn Chinese gift giving blunders to avoid, and learn proper Chinese gift-giving etiquette.

Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in China. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, so it is also called Lunar New Year, and it is considered the beginning of spring, so it is also called Spring Festival. Learn the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year and how to prepare for...

Learn how the Dongzhi Festival, a Winter Solstice Festival, is celebrated in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.