Spring Festival Season in China: Events Guide for American Travelers
culture • 29 March 2026
China's spring festival season kicks off in April with a packed calendar of cultural celebrations perfect for international visitors. The Qingming Festival on April 4 offers a window into traditional Chinese customs, while the Luoyang Peony Festival throughout April transforms the ancient capital into a floral wonderland. The Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 is a highlight, with exciting boat races held across the country. The most accessible events for American tourists are in Hangzhou, where races on West Lake are accompanied by food stalls serving traditional zongzi rice dumplings. Travel tip for Americans: the May 1–5 Labor Day holiday is one of China's busiest domestic travel periods. International visitors should book popular attractions and trains well in advance, or consider visiting slightly off-the-beaten-path destinations like Guilin or Kunming during this window.