Spring Festival / Chinese New Year Temple Fairs (January–February (lunar; e.g. 17 Feb 2026). Temple fairs run the 1st–7th day of the first lunar month.). Major temple fairs at Ditan Park and other sites feature lion dances, folk opera, lantern displays, and traditional food stalls. One of Beijing's most celebrated annual events.
Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Jie) (15th day of the first lunar month (e.g. 3 March 2026)). Marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. The Forbidden City holds special night-time openings. Lantern displays, tangyuan (sweet rice balls), and riddle games are traditional.
Cherry Blossom Culture Event, Yuyuantan Park (Mid-March to mid-May (e.g. 18 March – mid-May 2026 for the 37th event)). Annual cherry blossom festival in Yuyuantan Park, one of Beijing's top spring events. Entry: 10 yuan full-price.
Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Jie) (5th day of the 5th lunar month (e.g. 19 June 2026)). Dragon boat races on Shichahai Lake and Yanqi Lake; traditional zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) eaten. Over 2,000 years of history.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) (15th day of the 8th lunar month (e.g. 24–26 September 2026)). Mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings. Beijing parks and historic sites host lantern displays and cultural events.
National Day Golden Week (1–7 October (annual)). Seven-day public holiday celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China (1 October 1949). Tiananmen Square hosts large flag-raising ceremony; major crowds at all Beijing attractions.