What is the name of the traditional Chinese festival that occurs in autumn, also known as the Moon Festival?

The traditional Chinese festival held in autumn and known as the Moon Festival is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, when the Moon is traditionally considered especially full and bright.

The festival began as an autumn harvest celebration and gradually became associated with family reunions, gratitude, moon viewing, and offerings to lunar deities. One of its best-known legends tells of Chang'e, who flew to the Moon after drinking an elixir of immortality. Her story helps explain why the festival is often connected with the Moon.

Mooncakes—pastries commonly filled with lotus-seed or sweet-bean paste—are shared as symbols of reunion. Lanterns, family gatherings, and seasonal foods are also common. The Mid-Autumn Festival should not be confused with the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month and marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations.