Chinese Culture 101

In China, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) and January 1 (New Year’s Day) are widely recognized as the “Western New Year” (元旦, Yuándàn). It is a modern celebration centered on countdowns, friends, city lights, and fresh-start energy. However, it is important to know one key cultural detail: for most Chinese families, the “real” New Year—emotionally and traditionally—is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), which follows the lunar calendar and carries much deeper customs and family meaning.

Christmas (圣诞节, Shèngdànjié) is not a traditional Chinese holiday, yet every December it adds a warm, festive glow to many Chinese cities. Shopping malls sparkle with décor, cafés play seasonal music, and international schools, offices, and expat neighborhoods organize gatherings. For customers living abroad, Christmas is a perfect moment to send flowers and gifts to friends, family, colleagues, or partners in China—and this guide shows exactly how to do it well.

Thanksgiving is not a traditional Chinese holiday, but it has quietly found a place in China’s big cities and international communities. Restaurants host seasonal menus, international schools organize “Friendsgiving” activities, and many families with overseas ties enjoy a cozy dinner at home. For customers abroad who wish to share gratitude with loved ones in China, thoughtful flowers and gifts make the occasion warm and memorable—even without turkey and football on TV.

Black Friday is world-famous in North America and Europe, but in China it is a minor event. Chinese consumers focus far more on the November shopping festivals that happen earlier in the month, especially 11.11 (Singles’ Day). If you live abroad and want to surprise someone in China around late November, this guide explains how Black Friday is perceived locally and how to choose flowers and gifts that actually fit the Chinese calendar.

Every year on November 11, China celebrates what is now known as the world’s biggest online shopping festival. It is called Singles’ Day (光棍节, guānggùn jié) because the date 11-11 looks like four single people standing together. What began as a playful day for young, unmarried people has been completely transformed by Chinese e-commerce platforms into a national “buy everything today” event. For foreigners who have family, friends, or partners in China, understanding this day helps you choose...

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhōngqiū Jié) is one of China’s most beloved family celebrations. It takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its roundest and brightest. For many families, the round moon symbolizes reunion, completeness, and good fortune. If you live overseas and want to surprise someone in China, this guide explains the festival’s story, modern customs, mooncakes, and culturally thoughtful gift ideas—so you can celebrate with confidence.

Every year on September 10, China celebrates Teacher’s Day (教师节, Jiàoshī Jié) to recognize the dedication and impact of educators. If you live abroad and want to send appreciation to a teacher in China, this 2025 guide explains the cultural background, appropriate flowers and gifts, and practical etiquette so your gesture feels warm, respectful, and memorable.

In China, love has its own special day steeped in legend, history, and heartfelt tradition—the Qixi Festival (七夕节), often called Chinese Valentine’s Day. Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, this year it falls on August 29th. For couples, it’s a day to express love, devotion, and appreciation—much like Valentine’s Day in the West, but with a deeper cultural and romantic story behind it.

Chocolate gifting is a universally sweet gesture—but in China, it’s more than just a treat. With rising appreciation for quality chocolates and a growing culture of gift-giving, chocolates have carved out a meaningful space in modern Chinese celebrations, relationships, and business exchanges. Whether you're sending a romantic gift to a loved one or looking to impress during Chinese festivals, understanding the local preferences and gifting customs can help you make a more thoughtful and...

In China, few flowers command as much admiration and symbolic significance as the majestic peony. Known affectionately as the "King of Flowers" (花中之王, huā zhōng zhī wáng), the peony is deeply cherished in Chinese culture for its beauty, elegance, and powerful symbolism of prosperity and good fortune.

Father’s Day, known as Fuqinjie (父亲节) in Chinese, is a relatively recent yet increasingly popular celebration in China. Similar to many other countries, Father’s Day in China is traditionally observed on the third Sunday of June each year. This special day has become an occasion for people across the country to express appreciation, respect, and deep gratitude towards their fathers and paternal figures. While originally a Western tradition, Father’s Day has seamlessly integrated into...

The Dragon Boat Festival, known in Chinese as "Duanwu Jie" (端午节), is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This vibrant festival, rich in history and folklore, typically falls in late May or June each year and is one of China’s most cherished cultural celebrations. The festival is famous worldwide primarily for its exciting dragon boat races, but it also has deep historical significance, commemorating the life of the legendary poet and patriot Qu...