Picture this: the enchanting sight of softly lit lanterns drifting elegantly up into the night sky, the magical glow of the full moon, and laughter shared between friends and family gathered around the table. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most cherished celebrations—a time to pause, reunite, and savour both food and company.

At its heart, this festival is about togetherness. The full moon, perfectly round and luminous, has long symbolised reunion and wholeness. Families come together to share stories, honour tradition, and enjoy the comfort of dishes that are passed from one generation to the next.

And of course, no Mid-Autumn gathering would be complete without mooncakes. These rich, round pastries are more than a sweet indulgence—their very shape echoes the moon, a reminder of unity and shared fortune. Classic fillings such as lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk mingle with modern creations like snow-skin varieties, each bite carrying its own tale of heritage and invention.

Beyond mooncakes, the season brings other favourites: pomelo, eaten for blessings and good luck; taro, served for prosperity; or the delicate osmanthus flower, steeped in tea or wine for sweetness and harmony. Regional traditions add their own touches—hairy crab in the east, fragrant river snails in the south—proof that Mid-Autumn is as diverse as it is meaningful.

Legends, too, find their place at the table: the graceful Chang’e on the moon, the steadfast Hou Yi, and the Jade Rabbit endlessly at work in the Moon Palace. These stories are told and retold, weaving magic through the night as lanterns glow and plates are cleared.

At China Sichuan, we embrace this spirit of reunion and celebration with dishes that balance tradition and innovation—made to be shared, savoured, and remembered. We invite you to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with food that brings people together.

Because in the end, it’s not just about gazing at the moon—it’s about the people you gather beneath it.