Step back in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival in Zhouzhuang
(chinadaily.com.cn)
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Visitors to Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water towns in China, will have the opportunity to experience the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival in traditional style. [Photo/zhouzhuang.net] |
The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner, and visitors to Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water towns in China, will have the opportunity to experience the festival in traditional style.
Over the course of the festival, visitors are able to wander peacefully along the streets and scattered lanes, or take a trip aboard a traditional boat across many waterways.
Ascending one of Zhouzhuang's tower is another option, to watch the mid-autumn moon as it waxes in the night sky. Nanhu Trestle, Changqiao Bridge and Chunluzhisi Resort Hotel are some of the best places to enjoy the moon.
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Traditional folk performances of pipa, guqin and other Chinese traditional music instruments will be held at Nanhu Bay, Zhouzhuang, during the Mid-Autumn Festival. [Photo/zhouzhuang.net] |
Moon worship is an integral part of the festival, as ancient Chinese people believed in rejuvenation being associated with the lunar body. Food offerings made to lunar deities are often placed on an altar set up in the courtyard of Nanhu Qiuyue Garden, including mooncakes, apples, plums, grapes and melons in shape of lotus flowers. Visitors are implored to relish the local delicacies in addition to the festival's famous mooncakes while surveying garden.
Traditional folk performances of pipa, guqin and other Chinese traditional music instruments will be held at Nanhu Bay, adding an extra harmonious splash of color to the celebrations.
Falling on the 15th day of the eighth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the second grandest festival after Spring Festival in China. It takes its name from the fact that it is always celebrated in the middle of autumn. The day is also known as the Moon Festival, as at that time of the year the moon is at its roundest and brightest.
