This year, the festival will begin towards the end of September, with beautiful lantern displays and celebrations continuing into early October. As the festival unfolds over the following weeks, communities host lantern festivals and cultural events that allow families and friends to gather outside. In cities like Beijing and Taipei, local parks and public squares are adorned with colourful lanterns and traditional performances showcase folk dances and music, creating a festive atmosphere that lingers on throughout the month.

With roots tracing back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), the festival originally emerged from ancient moon worship rituals, integral to agricultural societies that revered celestial bodies for their influence on seasonal changes and harvests. Symbolising unity and reunion, the full moon represents togetherness in Chinese culture, making it a time for families to come together and celebrate.

In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. Families gather for dinner, enjoying traditional dishes that emphasise the bounty of the fall harvest, often including pumpkins and pomelos. The roundness of the moon symbolises family unity and many families will set up tables outside to admire it while sharing mooncakes – a delicious pastry filled with sweet or savoury ingredients.

Mooncakes are often exchanged as gifts, representing respect and goodwill. These pastries come in various flavours, from the traditional lotus seed paste to more modern interpretations like chocolate and ice cream, and in recent years, creative chefs have even experimented with flavours such as matcha, red bean and durian.

Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai come alive with vibrant celebrations featuring lantern displays, fireworks, and cultural performances including traditional music and dance. In Beijing, Beihai Park is a popular spot for moongazing, where you’ll see the moon's reflection on the sparkling lake while indulging in mooncakes.

If you’re looking to stay in Beijing, Peninsula Beijing is renowned for its mooncakes. This year it presents a new collection of artisanal mooncakes, building on its tradition of more than 35 years. The Michelin-starred chefs at the Spring Moon restaurant have created a range of egg custard mooncakes with innovative fillings such as Yingde black tea and fig – they’re presented in a box designed by modern origami artist Liu Tong and sculptural artist Gao Xiaowu, as beautiful as the suite you’ll stay in.

In Taiwan, the festival transforms into a public holiday marked by outdoor barbecues and family gatherings. The round moon symbolises completeness and families often prepare traditional foods that celebrate the harvest. Popular dishes include grilled meats, sweet potato balls and various seasonal fruits, all enjoyed in the company of loved ones.

Children craft hats from pomelo rinds, a tradition linked to the moon goddess Chang'e, believed to bestow good fortune upon those who honour her. Lanterns are also a significant part of the celebrations, with children carrying colourful lanterns as they roam the streets, often participating in lantern-making workshops that teach them about the festival's history and significance.

For those seeking a luxurious stay in Taiwan during the festival, the Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is renowned for its hospitality and exquisite amenities. The hotel is the perfect base for experiencing the festival, with easy access to local celebrations and cultural events. The hotel’s artisanal mooncake offering this year includes flavour combinations such as mango, honey and sesame or jasmine, citrus and yuzu.

In Singapore and Malaysia, the festival is celebrated with colourful lantern parades and cultural performances of traditional music and dance, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the region. Food stalls line the streets, offering a variety of snacks and delicacies, from mooncakes to dumplings and local sweets.

Singapore’s Chinatown becomes a dazzling spectacle, illuminated with lanterns and intricate sculptures, while Malaysia’s Thean Hou Temple is adorned with thousands of red lanterns that will remain illuminated into October, creating a magical ambiance that enchants all who visit during the period.

Right near the Thean Hou Temple, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional service, ensuring a memorable experience during the festival. Take part in the vibrant local festivities, including traditional performances and mooncake tastings – the hotel will offer a range designed by Dim Sum Chef Tan Tiong Guan this year – all while enjoying the luxury and comfort of the hotel.

Of course, you can book these and other hotels in Asia with the ASMALLWORLD Collection.