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Cultural landmark

Lunar Calendar and Festivals

Understand the logic of lunar months, lunar phases, and major festive times.

Page of an ancient Chinese calendar.
Visual representation of the traditional Chinese calendar and its seasonal rhythm.

Why this reference is important

The traditional calendar is a major reference for festivals, but also for daily conversations about dates, family trips, and seasonal habits.

Distinguish two logics

  • Lunar calendar: structure of many major festivals (New Year, Lanterns, Mid-Autumn).
  • Solar terms: seasonal references like Qingming.

Learning tip

When encountering a Chinese festival, always verify: lunar date, approximate Gregorian date, and associated vocabulary. This triple reference avoids confusion.