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Zhengzhou’s event calendar is shaped by both national holidays and its location in the historic heart of Henan. The biggest draws are the April peony season in nearby Luoyang and the biennial Shaolin Wushu Festival in Dengfeng. Here are the main events and festivals in Zhengzhou through the year, with dates and what to expect. Pair these with the seasonal guidance in our best time to visit Zhengzhou article, or see the main Zhengzhou travel guide for the full overview.
Events and Festivals in Zhengzhou: Spring (March to May)
Zhengzhou International Marathon
The Zhengzhou International Marathon usually runs in late March or early April, with a route that passes the Erqi Memorial Tower and the Zhengdong CBD. The full marathon, half marathon, and shorter fun-run distances draw tens of thousands of runners. Road closures affect the center for most of race morning, so check the date before planning travel on the day.
Luoyang Peony Festival
The Luoyang Peony Festival runs through April, roughly April 5 to May 5, in Luoyang, a 40-minute high-speed train ride west of Zhengzhou. The city’s parks, especially Wangcheng Park, open thousands of peony varieties, and it is one of China’s most famous spring flower events. Expect heavy crowds on weekends, and book train tickets a week ahead. Entry to most peony gardens costs 30 to 50 RMB. April weather is mild, as shown in our Zhengzhou weather by month guide.
Events and Festivals in Zhengzhou: Summer (June to August)
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually June. It is a three-day national holiday marked by zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) and dragon boat races on city lakes. Most businesses stay open, but train stations are busy at the start and end of the holiday. It is a low-key event in Zhengzhou itself but a good window for a short regional trip. For where to base yourself, see our Zhengzhou neighborhoods guide.
Events and Festivals in Zhengzhou: Autumn (September to November)
International Shaolin Wushu Festival
The International Shaolin Wushu Festival takes place in Dengfeng every two years, usually in October, with thousands of martial artists performing and competing around the Shaolin Temple. Opening ceremonies feature large-scale kung fu demonstrations. If you are visiting for it, book lodging in Dengfeng early and expect the temple grounds to be busier than usual. Full details on getting there are in our things to do in Zhengzhou guide.
Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day
The Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually late September) and National Day (October 1) often combine into Golden Week, an eight-day national holiday in early October. This is the busiest travel period of the year across China: avoid it unless your dates are fixed, and if you do travel, book trains and hotels four to six weeks out. City parks and the Yellow River Scenic Area are packed.
Events and Festivals in Zhengzhou: Winter (December to February)
Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival
Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival, falls in late January or February depending on the lunar calendar. Zhengzhou empties out as workers return home, many restaurants close for several days, and the city is unusually quiet. The Lantern Festival 15 days later marks the end of the season with temple fairs and lantern displays in parks like People’s Park. For travelers, the quiet streets are a plus, but plan meals and transport carefully. Winter hotel deals are listed in our where to stay in Zhengzhou guide, and our Zhengzhou travel tips and FAQ page covers the practicalities of traveling during the holiday.
