Celebrating Chinese holidays

The resumption of direct flights between Brisbane and mainland China has opened up a world of possibilities for many overseas Chinese travellers and their families to reunite. The joy of reuniting with loved ones is a feeling that transcends all cultures, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese people, especially during important festivals such as the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These festivals are a time for families to come together, share stories, and create new memories. 

With the upcoming 2024 Lunar New Year just around the corner, there’s no better time to learn more about the colourful tapestry of Chinese holidays. From the Dragon Boat Festival to the Mid-Autumn Festival, each holiday has its own unique traditions and customs that are steeped in history and meaning.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings. The tradition of the celebration is the mooncake, a round pastry filled with various sweet or savory fillings. Families gather under the full moon to appreciate its beauty and indulge in mooncakes, enjoying an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.

You can feel the festive atmosphere during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with colorful lanterns as far as the eye can see. Try the lantern riddle activities by the lakeside or take a snap in traditional Chinese clothing to really get into the festive spirit. The easiest way to travel from Brisbane to Guangzhou is by taking a direct flight with China Southern Airlines. With a flight time of just over 9 hours, you'll quickly arrive in the heart of China!

When in Guangzhou, be sure to visit Yongqing Fang to experience the rich Mid-Autumn atmosphere, participate in lantern riddle activities, and watch dragon and lion dances. Don't forget to buy a box of mooncakes from Guangzhou Restaurant or Lianxianglou to taste the flavours of this traditional Chinese food.

Golden Week: A Week-Long Extravaganza

Golden Week is one of China's most anticipated holiday periods, marked by an entire week of festivities, travel, and family reunions. It typically takes place from October 1st to 7th each year. This holiday is intended to encourage travel and improve the national standard of living by giving people time to make long-distance family visits. This makes Golden Week a very busy travel time for Chinese travellers - and BNE!

National Day (1st October) marks the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It's a day filled with patriotic fervour, and flag-raising ceremonies across the country. On this day every year, people from all over the world come together to watch the sacred flag-raising ceremony and celebrate China's National Day together, with Beijing's Tiananmen Square one of the most popular spots to watch the flag-raising ceremony.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Each year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength and good fortune.

As we eagerly await the 2024 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, it's essential to understand the symbolism behind this zodiac animal. The Dragon represents strength, courage, and wisdom. People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to possess these traits, and the year itself is often associated with significant changes and opportunities.

You may be familiar with the Western New Year, but the Lunar New Year is a whole different ball game! It’s a time when families come together to celebrate their heritage and honor their ancestors.  The Lunar New Year is steeped in tradition, from the red lanterns that adorn the streets to the delicious dumplings that are shared among loved ones. Festivities typically include family reunions, sumptuous feasts, and the iconic dragon and lion dances. Red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults for good luck. Red is also used as the primary colour of decorations, it holds strong symbolism of wealth, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

If you want to immerse yourself in the Chinese New Year festivities, fly direct from Brisbane to Guangzhou and then take the high speed rail travel to nearby city Foshan(佛山) to see the lion dance. If you prefer to fly directly to Shanghai, make sure you don't miss the water bazaar in Wuzhen(乌镇） with the spectacular water township lanterns. 

Of course, the Chinese New Year is a time of joy and festivity, and Brisbane Airport is no exception! As the Year of the Dragon approaches, the airport will be buzzing with excitement and activity. From colourful decorations to traditional music and dance performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not join in the fun and experience the magic of the Chinese New Year at Brisbane Airport before you join in the official celebrations?

GETTING THERE

• The quickest way to Guangzhou from Brisbane is with China Southern Airlines, flight time is approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes
• The quickest way to Shanghai from Brisbane is with China Eastern Airlines, flight time is approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes

CREDITS

Feature image: mrwallpaper tripadvisor, Pinterest, allplants