For the Chinese people, the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes family reunion and harmony. The festival takes place when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. In Chinese culture, the full moon represents prosperity, happiness, and family togetherness.

Many traditional and meaningful celebrations are held in households across China and in neighboring countries. The main traditions include eating mooncakes, sharing family dinners, appreciating and offering respects to the moon, and lighting lanterns.

The Mid-Autumn Festival boasts a history of over 3,000 years, tracing back to moon worship during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). As one of the most important traditional festivals, it has inspired countless poems, given rise to widespread stories and legends, and been explained in various ways by generations of Chinese people.