Basics - The Rough Guide to Beijing - page 46

Beijing International Music Festival bimfa.org . China's premier classical music event;
with as many local as international performers, it's a great opportunity to see how well the
scene is developing here.
SEPTEMBER
MoonFestival Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, this is marked on the fifteenth day
of the eighth lunar month. It's a time of family reunion, celebrated with fireworks and lan-
terns. Moon cakes, containing a rich filling of sweet bean paste, are eaten, and plenty of
maotai - a strong white spirit distilled from rice - is consumed.
Double Ninth Festival Nine is a number associated with yang , or male energy, and on the
ninth day of the ninth lunar month qualities such as assertiveness and strength are celeb-
rated. It's believed to be a profitable time for the distillation (and consumption) of spirits.
Beijing International Art Bienniale Late Sept in even-numbered years.
ConfuciusFestival Sept 28. The birthday of Confucius is marked by celebrations at all Con-
fucian temples.
OCTOBER
National Day Oct 1. Everyone has three days off to celebrate the founding of the People's
Republic.
DECEMBER
Ice and Snow Festival Dec-Feb. Enjoy the Beijing chill at this small festival, held
throughout the city's long winter at Yuyuantan Park. There's lots of sledding, and the oppor-
tunity to ride a horse-drawn carriage.