China calendar countdown
Mid-Autumn Festival is getting closer.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, under the full autumn moon.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Mid-Autumn Festival
The lunar date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar. Official time off can vary and is announced by the Chinese government.
About Mid-Autumn Festival in China
Moon worship in China is ancient, and the festival grew into a time for family reunions beneath the brightest full moon of autumn. A popular legend tells of Chang'e, who flew to the moon. People eat round mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste or salted egg yolk, light lanterns and gaze at the moon. It is also celebrated in Vietnam and other East Asian communities.
When is Mid-Autumn Festival in China?
The festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, which gives 25 September 2026, 15 September 2027 and 3 October 2028.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Friday 25 September 2026 | Wednesday 15 September 2027 | Tuesday 3 October 2028 |
Planning around Mid-Autumn Festival
Order boxed mooncakes ahead for gifts, and check the official holiday notice because in some years the festival sits close to National Day and holidays may be combined. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Mid-Autumn Festival questions
How many days until Mid-Autumn Festival in China?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Mid-Autumn Festival in China, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Mid-Autumn Festival in 2027 in China?
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Wednesday 15 September 2027 in China.
Why do people eat mooncakes at Mid-Autumn?
Their round shape symbolises the full moon and family togetherness, so sharing and giving mooncakes is a way of expressing wishes for reunion and good fortune. Different regions favour different fillings and crusts.