Chinese Cultural Festival Calendar: What to See in April–May 2026
culture • 28 March 2026
April and May 2026 offer a rich calendar of cultural events across China that international visitors can enjoy. The Qingming Festival (April 4) features traditional tomb-sweeping ceremonies and kite-flying activities, particularly spectacular in Weifang, Shandong province. The Luoyang Peony Festival runs throughout April, showcasing over 1,000 varieties of peonies in China's ancient capital. May brings the Dragon Boat Festival (May 31), with colourful races held on rivers and lakes across the country — Hangzhou's West Lake and Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour host the most tourist-friendly events. For Australian travellers planning April–May visits, these festivals provide authentic cultural immersion opportunities. Most events are free to attend, and English-language information is increasingly available at major festival venues.