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Enjoy the Chinese festivals!

Chinese Festivals feature prominently in the Chinese calendar.

You can join in the festivities.

You also should be aware of them because they may affect your travel plans, for example, you can't get a plane, bus or train ticket because they are all booked out.

Up to and including 2007, the main Chinese holidays were three blocks of 7 days (including the weekend) called Golden Weeks. They were:

Spring Festival (including Chinese New Year) in January or February
Labour Day (May 1st)
National Day (October 1st)

The May Golden Week has been discontinued and replaced by individual holidays throughout the year. However, the National Day and Spring Festival still exist.

How might this affect you if you are in China?

Well it is enjoyable to view the celebrations during the festivals that are occurring.

But it also means travel could be quite difficult.

Let me explain!

The Chinese are a very mobile people. People move from city to city for work, and especially from rural areas to large urban cities.

During these Golden Weeks, internal mass migration occurs, particularly during the Spring Festival. The Chinese leave their cities on mass to return to family, whether in other cities or rural areas.

During the other Golden Week, they like to travel as tourists within their own country. It has been estimated over 100 million Chinese travel during these times.

Result - extremely extremely crowded on trains and buses in particular!

Chengdu Railway Station Railway stations such as the one at Chengdu in the picture are very crowded.

Train seats have different prices for different classes.

The cheaper seats are attractive to many Chinese and is a popular way of travel.

Also there seems to be a lot of carry on luggage.

The train gets quite crowded!

Don't let it stop you - just be aware and even more patient, and allow plenty of time.

Chinese Festivals are very important.

About the festivals

Chinese New Year.....it is an extremely important one - like Christmas in the West. Sichuan and the rest of China celebrate the Chinese New Year with great passion. Learn about the Chinese New Year.

The Chinese Moon Festival.....It is the most important festival after the Chinese New Year. Another festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Chinese. Learn about the Chinese Moon Festival.

Other Festivals.....There are many other Festivals celebrated. The Lantern Festival is one and there are others as well - all very exciting. Learn about the Lantern Festival and other Chinese festivals.

For more info on Asian & Chinese festivals check out Festivalpig.com

Return to the Chinese Festivals Top of Page.

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