China
Hangzhou History & Culture Festivals

Annual Festivals, Cultural Events, and Celebrations in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, a city renowned for its historical relics and natural scenery, offers a multifaceted cultural experience through its annual festivals and events. These celebrations highlight the city's rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy. Below is a list of notable festivals, cultural events, and celebrations that occur throughout the year in Hangzhou:

West Lake Expo

  • When: October
  • What: A modern continuation of a historical trade expo, focusing on cultural exhibitions, trade, and economic talks. The event illuminates the city with elaborate light shows around the West Lake area.

Hangzhou International Tea Culture Festival

  • When: Late April to early May
  • What: Celebrating Hangzhou's historical connection with tea, especially the renowned Longjing tea. Activities include tea picking, tea-making demonstrations, and tea-tasting sessions.

Xixi Wetland Lotus Festival

  • When: June to August
  • What: Held in the Xixi National Wetland Park, this festival celebrates the blooming of lotuses with photography competitions, traditional performances, and boat tours among the lotus ponds.

Hangzhou International Cartoon and Animation Festival

  • When: April to May
  • What: One of the largest events of its kind in China, showcasing animated films, comics, and new multimedia from around the world. It includes screenings, forums, and an expo.

Qiantang River Tidal Bore Watching Festival

  • When: On the 18th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September)
  • What: Observing the Qiantang River's spectacular tidal bore, a natural phenomenon. The event is accompanied by various cultural and sports activities along the riverbank.

Hangzhou Silk Fashion Festival

  • When: Spring (dates vary)
  • What: Celebrates Hangzhou's historical silk industry with fashion shows, exhibitions, and trade events focusing on silk garments and fabrics.

Mid-Autumn Festival

  • When: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October)
  • What: While celebrated across China, Hangzhou offers unique local experiences like moon-gazing at the West Lake, lantern displays, and tasting local mooncakes.

Dragon Boat Festival

  • When: 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June)
  • What: Features dragon boat races on the city's waterways, most notably on the West Lake, along with the consumption of zongzi (rice dumplings) and various local festivities.

Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

  • When: Late January or February (date varies based on the lunar calendar)
  • What: The most important traditional Chinese festival, celebrated with fireworks, temple fairs, and family reunions. Hangzhou offers traditional performances, lantern displays, and special New Year markets.

These events are a gateway to understanding the cultural richness of Hangzhou, offering visitors unique experiences throughout the year.