Double Ninth Festival: Complete Guide & Places to Experience It

Written by Ivy Dong | Updated April 16,2026

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that takes place on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. In 2026, it will be on October 18.

In Chinese culture, nine is a “yang” number, and “chong” means double, so the double nines are called “Chongyang”. This festival is based on three main ideas: respecting the old, keeping away bad luck, and enjoying autumn.

The holiday has many heartwarming traditions and fun activities for locals and travelers alike. For example, you can learn about Chinese culture, enjoy beautiful fall scenery, and experience local people’s kindness when traveling to China during this festival.

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• Basic Facts of Double Ninth Festival
• How to Celebrate: 5 Main Traditions & Activities
• Best Places to Experience the Double Ninth Festival
• Double Ninth Festival vs. Qingming Festival: What’s the Difference?
• Discover More of China’s Cultural Essence with China Xian Tour
• FAQs about the Double Ninth Festival

Basic Facts of Double Ninth Festival

Meaning

In the old Chinese book I Ching, numbers are divided into yin and yang. Odd numbers are considered yang and associated with brightness, warmth, and positivity. Nine is the biggest single yang number, so the 9th day of the 9th lunar month is considered special and is named Double Ninth, or Chongyang.

In Chinese, “nine-nine” sounds like “forever”, so this holiday represents wishes for long life, good health, and happy families. Now, it’s not only a traditional festival, but also China’s Seniors’ Day, bringing together autumn joy, good health, and respect for the elderly.

History

• The Double Ninth Festival has a very long history. Its origins can be found in old rituals to thank ancestors and the heavens for good harvests which began over 2,000 years ago.
• The festival became popular during the Western Han Dynasty.
• By the Tang Dynasty, Chongyang was celebrated all over China, and many poets wrote poems about it.
• In 2006, the festival became part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.
• Since 1989, it has also served as China’s Seniors’ Day.

Story

There’s a famous story about the Double Ninth Festival. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, a man named Huan Jing met a wise man who told him that his family would experience disaster on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. In order to avoid this, he told Huan Jing he had to climb to high places, wear dogwood, and drink chrysanthemum wine.

Huan Jing did as the man instructed. He took his family to a mountain and stayed there all day. When they finally went back, their animals were dead, but the family was safe. Since then, people have believed that these customs would keep them safe, which is why they’re still popular today.

Festival Dates

The Double Ninth Festival follows the lunar calendar, so its date on the solar calendar changes every year. It usually falls between early October and early November. The weather at that time of year is pleasant: cool, clear, and fresh. As such, it’s one of the best times for traveling in China, especially for those looking to do outdoor activities.

Here are the dates for the next five years:

• 2026:October 18
• 2027:October 8
• 2028:October 26
• 2029: October 16
• 2030:October 5

If you plan to travel to China for this festival, take note of the dates now. That way, you’ll be able to book flights, hotels, and tickets in time.

How to Celebrate: 5 Main Traditions & Activities

Reach New Heights

Since Huan Jing was told to go to a high place, this is the most important tradition of the Double Ninth Festival. It’s also called “saying goodbye to green summer”, and is similar to the spring outings of the Qingming Festival.

In olden times, people believed climbing high could keep away diseases and bad luck. Now, it’s also taken on the meaning of “getting better and better” in life and work, representing progress.

Don’t worry though – you don’t need to climb a steep mountain or anything. Any high place works. You can walk up small hills, towers, city walls, or viewing platforms. It’s the perfect time for it, too, since autumn weather is comfortable, not too hot or too cold. You can take nice photos, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the golden autumn views. This tradition is a good way to exercise and relax.

Eat Chongyang Cake

Chongyang Cake is the most classic food for this festival. In Chinese, “cake” sounds like “high”, so it fits the tradition of going to high places. Eating Chongyang cake represents “getting better every year” and “rising step by step”. Chongyang Cake is usually steamed and has a sweet flavour. People add red dates, walnuts, beans, and sesame to it. Additionally, in southern China, people often make it with nine layers. Eating Chongyang cake is a way to wish for a long life full of good luck.

You can find Chongyang cakes easily, as they’re sold in old shops, local markets, supermarkets, and even scenic spots. With a sweet taste and soft texture, it’s a treat for people of all ages. Even better, it’s not just a great snack for your trip, but also a nice small gift for friends.

Admire Chrysanthemums & Drink Chrysanthemum Tea

The ninth lunar month is when chrysanthemums bloom most beautifully. As such, the Double Ninth Festival also has another name: the Chrysanthemum Festival. Chrysanthemum exhibitions are often found in parks, gardens, and city streets during this festival. These flowers come in many colors, like yellow, white, and purple, making them a perfect photo-op for those enjoying the refreshing autumn air.

In the past, people drank chrysanthemum wine to keep healthy. Now, however, most people drink chrysanthemum tea instead. It is light, clean, and good for the body, making it a perfect way to relax after a day of climbing.

Around the time of the festival, you can easily find the chrysanthemum tea in restaurants, shops, and scenic spots. Dried chrysanthemums also make for affordable souvenirs.

Wear Dogwood (Zhuyu)

Dogwood is a plant with a strong smell. People in old times referred to it as “the protector against bad things”. They believed that dogwood could drive away insects, take away dampness (one of the “Six Evils” of Chinese Traditional Medicine), and prevent illness. As a result, wearing dogwood branches on one’s head or putting them in small bags has become a tradition of the festival.

Some scenic spots offer free dogwood branches or small bags during the festival. They’re another, more unique option for a meaningful souvenir.

Respect the Elderly

Since 1989, the Double Ninth Festival has also been celebrated as China’s Seniors’ Day. It reminds people to respect, care for, and help the old, an important value of Chinese culture given the belief in filial piety.

Today, people celebrate this aspect of the festival in simple and warm ways. They have meals with older family members, accompany them for short walks or trips, and give them small gifts.

Best Places to Experience the Double Ninth Festival

Xiangshan, Beijing

Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) is the most popular place to enjoy the Double Ninth Festival in Beijing. It is famous for its vibrant autumn leaves. The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November, when the whole hill is covered with vivid red and orange leaves, making the area perfect for photos.

The park also has gentle and easy paths for old people and families. You don’t need to walk too much, but if you do get tired, Chongyang cakes and local snacks are available inside the park. Just remember to arrive early to avoid large crowds.

Hong Kong

Chongyang Festival is a public holiday in Hong Kong, where those celebrating it focus on ancestor worship and hiking. During the day off, local people climb hills and honor those that came before them, which is often called “autumn worship”. Popular places for doing this are Victoria Peak and Tai Mo Shan, where you can enjoy city and sea views at the same time. Public transport runs extra services during the festival. Additionally, you can try local snacks and chrysanthemum tea.

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Huangshan

In autumn, the stunning autumn leaves, unique pine trees, and oddly-shaped rocks together make the Yellow Mountain a great spot for natural views. Climbing the mountain also gives visitors a chance to see the famous sea of clouds. Cable cars are available for older visitors. If you love mountains and photography, Huangshan is a can’t-miss.

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Mount Tai

Mount Tai is the most important place in China for blessing and respecting the elderly. It’s known as a holy mountain, and many cultural activities are held there during the festival, such as blessing events and papercutting shows. People over 60 enter for free during the festival, and the festival atmosphere is much easier to feel.

Double Ninth Festival vs. Qingming Festival: What’s the Difference?

While both are traditional Chinese festivals for expressing filial piety, each has very different traditions and atmospheres. For example, the Double Ninth Festival celebrates longevity, while the Qingming Festival honors the memory of those who have passed. Read on to see more details on how they differ from each other:

Discover More of China’s Cultural Essence with China Xian Tour

The Double Ninth Festival is a perfect time to experience the warm and beautiful culture of China. If you love autumn views, traditional cultural activities, and friendly locals, come and travel with China Xian Tour. Whether you’re looking to climb beautiful mountains, taste Chongyang Cake for yourself, enjoy the bright chrysanthemums, or all of that and more, we’ll make sure you get to feel the real festival fun. From photos to look back on to memories and cultural understanding that’ll last a lifetime, it’s an oft-overlooked chance to get to know the real China.

Additionally, if you are interested in other Chinese festivals or cultural experiences, our travel consultants can help you customize your trip based on your interests and schedule. We’ll handle all the logistics to ensure you a safe, smooth and memorable trip without the stress of figuring out everything on your own.

FAQs about the Double Ninth Festival

• Is it a public holiday in China?

No, the Double Ninth Festival is not a public holiday in mainland China. Schools, companies, and offices open as usual. It is a public holiday in Hong Kong and Macao, however. Many companies and communities hold special activities for the old, including free shows and health checks, and sometimes even offer small gifts.

• How to celebrate with elderly family members today?

You can eat a comforting family meal, take a slow walk up a hill, prepare healthy gifts such as Chongyang cake or chrysanthemum tea, or take a family photo together. You can also try to join local family activities to experience their traditions.

• Why is nine “yang” and lucky?

Ancient Chinese people divided numbers into yin and yang. Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are yang. They represent positivity, as well as bright and warm energy. Nine is the biggest single yang number, so it stands for greatness and good luck. In Chinese, “nine-nine” sounds like “forever”, earning it an association with long life, good health, and lasting happiness. That is why the 9th day of the 9th lunar month is considered to be a special, lucky day.