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Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Mid-Autumn Festival. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Tourists visit Cheung Chau on the second day of the the golden week holiday on October 2. Photo: Dickson Lee
Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong businesses must adapt to new tourism and spending trends

While multiple sectors benefited from ‘super golden week’, it’s clear visitors no longer just come for high-end dining or shopping.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong retailers, caterers enjoy ‘golden week’ business growth of up to 20%

Hong Kong economy

Which Hong Kong businesses came out on top over National Day break?

From our archives

In pictures: Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations from the 1970s to 90s

Mooncakes, lanterns and fire dragon dances have long been hallmarks of this festival marking the full moon at the end of harvest season.

Families with their kids during Mid-Autumn Festival in 1977. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong crowds out in force for Mid-Autumn Festival as restaurants get boost

This year’s festival also overlaps with mainland China’s extended National Day ‘golden week’ break, which runs from October 1 to Wednesday.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong emergency foster mother’s ‘happy journey’ brings fulfilment, hope

NGO urges more families to sign up for foster care, with demand for emergency childcare placements expected to surge under coming law.

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Hong Kong society

‘Unique’ and ‘stunning’: Hong Kong’s fire dragon dance draws thousands to Tai Hang

Visitors from around world pack into narrow streets of Causeway Bay neighbourhood for annual event celebrating Cantonese culture.

Troupe members perform on the first day of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance celebration. Photo: Sam Tsang
Trending in China

Explainer | China ethnic minority youth prank on elders during Mid-Autumn Festival for longevity

This tradition stems from an ancient legend of a beautiful young woman who favoured sharp, sarcastic comments over hollow flattery.

China consumption

Mooncake sales on the wane as China’s consumers cut back on non-essentials

Sales of the Mid-Autumn Festival staple are expected to drop, with purchase prices falling as China’s buyers tighten their belts.

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Trending in China

Dried cricket mooncake filling sparks concerns in China about possible roach option

Creepy-crawly take on Mid-Autumn Festival delicacy sees internet users mock ‘insane’ use of ingredients in traditional fare.

Dried, ground crickets are being used as mooncake filling in China, sparking concern about potential cockroach mooncakes. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong lantern maker crafts his own legacy with father as ‘apprentice’

Hui Ka-hung did not inherit his craft from his father but works with him, drawing encouragement and life lessons to keep a tough business going.

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Hui Ka-hung (left) and his father, Hui Cheung-chun, at the Hung C Lau workshop. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong

Video | Hong Kong’s paper lantern masters

Father and son work together day and night to make traditional lanterns for Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong tourism

How are mainland Chinese visitors enjoying Hong Kong during ‘golden week’?

Tai Hang’s Fire Dragon Dance, Lantern Carnival, Blue House and Lee Tung Avenue, as well as races, proving popular with visitors.

China travel

China’s ‘super golden week’ sees record-breaking travel on first day

With the extended break under way, records are being set for railway travel and popular tourist destinations are selling out days at a time.

On the first day of an extended “super golden week” holiday, China’s travellers have already broken records. Photo: China News Service via Getty Images
What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend October 3-5

Make Sanrio-themed crafts, head to a gelato festival, clean up a beach or watch Juno Mak’s new film – the choice is yours this weekend.

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This weekend, Sanrio fans can transform upcycled denim to make Hello Kitty keychains at the Mills in Tsuen Wan. Photo: The Mills Fabrica
First Mention

When crowd control concerns threatened Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn fireworks display

The team behind the extravaganza finally saw their efforts literally go up in smoke more than 2 weeks after the festival date.

Chinese culture

Where do mooncakes come from? Origin myths and folktales

There are many versions of the mooncake’s origin, from one that honours a woman’s sacrifice to another that sees the end of a ruling dynasty.

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On Our Radar

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance: a raucous tradition since the Qing dynasty

The flaming beast is ready to once again turn the neighbourhood’s sleepy streets into a riotous spectacle of sparks.

Students play with an LED dragon along the streets of Tai Hang in September 2024. Photo: Elson Li
Food and Drinks

We sample 3 of Hong Kong’s fanciest new mooncakes. How do they taste?

We tried new offerings from Truffle Bakery, Caviar Cakery x Roucou and Steak King to see if they’re hits or misses.

What to do in Hong Kong

4 Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 events in Hong Kong that escape the crowds

Besides popular Mid-Autumn events like the Victoria Park carnival that draw huge crowds, here are some low-key ways to celebrate the festival.

Your Perfect Week

What to do in Hong Kong, September 21-27

Our cheat sheet for the best things to do in Hong Kong this week, from the ‘Mirage’ exhibition to the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival.

Lanterns in Victoria Park during last year’s Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival. Photo: Eugene Lee
Trending in China

Explainer | Screaming at the moon during Mid-Autumn Festival – tale of yearning and connection

Practice is rooted in local legend about elderly woman who tragically lost 17-year-old son to military conscription.

In some regions in China, people playfully scream at the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival as a message of love. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Food and Drinks

Have too many mooncakes? How to donate them to people without in Hong Kong

Millions of mooncakes go to waste every year in Hong Kong and boxes and packaging end up in landfills. Here are charities that help.

Food and Drinks

Which wines, spirits and cocktails go best with mooncakes? Expert tips

Hong Kong bar pros and sommeliers reveal which alcoholic drinks pair best with mooncakes, from lotus seed paste and salted egg to custard.

Food and Drinks

With Taipan closed, where to buy snow skin mooncakes in Hong Kong

Here are six places from bakeries to hotels offering snow skin mooncakes in flavours including durian, egg custard, pistachio and chocolate.

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Shang Palace Durian Snowy Mooncake Duet Photo: Kowloon Shangri-La
Food and Drinks

11 great hotel mooncake deals in Hong Kong ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Hong Kong hotels are already offering a delicious variety of mooncakes, with early-bird discounts and special gift sets available.

Kowloon Shangri-La’s durian mooncakes are one of the more creative offerings this year from Hong Kong hotels, many of which have early-bird discounts in the coming days and weeks. Photo: Instagram/kowloonshangrila
E-commerce

China fines influencer agency US$9.8 million for fake mooncakes

Controversies erupted after influencer Crazy Little Brother Yang falsely promoted mooncakes he sold as shipped from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Struggling businesses must adapt to survive amid changing trends

Hong Kong restaurants and retailers in crisis as more people go to mainland China for entertainment and shopping.

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