Chung Yeung actually reflects many of the values and beliefs that Chinese people hold dear – including respect for the elderly and ancestors. Here is your one-stop guide to celebrating Chung Yeung Festival in the city.

What is Chung Yeung Festival?

Chung Yeung Festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar – which is why it is sometimes also referred to as the Double Ninth Festival. It is one of China's most traditional festivals, having been referenced in writing since before the Eastern Han period (AD 25), dating back to as early as the Warring States era.

According to the ancient divination text the I Ching (also known as the Book of Changes), odd numbers have yang (masculine) energy, and nine, being the largest single odd number, is considered the most positive. The repeated nines in Chung Yeung mean this is an auspicious date.

Chung Yeung Festival origins and legends

As the story goes, the tradition of Chung Yeung began when a Han dynasty man was advised by a prophet or master to bring chrysanthemum wine and food, and climb a mountain with his family on the ninth day of the ninth month. After spending the day as instructed, the man returned home to find all the villagers and his livestock dead. If he had not climbed the mountain, his entire family would have perished too. Since then, Chinese people have followed the custom of climbing up the mountains, or being on higher ground during Chung Yeung to avoid ill fortune.

What do people do during the Chung Yeung Festival?

Keeping with the origins legend, it has become customary to go hiking or climb a mountain during this festival. The autumn weather will make for a nice outdoor trip, and the physical act of ascending to new heights carries an auspicious meaning.

Sometimes, people will also fly kites on Chung Yeung as it is believed to take bad fortune and carry them far away from the kite holder. However, it is important not to pick up pretty kites from the ground, as fallen kites have an ominous meaning instead.

Are there specific foods associated with Chung Yeung?