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The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on 12 September this year, is a traditional Chinese holiday for family reunions. And it wouldn’t be a proper Mid-Autumn Day without moon cakes – this baked treat with its various fillings is an indispensable part of the holiday. Find out more in the CNTV News stories Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated across China and Explore China to find various Mid-Autumn traditions.

Each year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, China Central Television (CCTV) hosts a spectacular gala that is broadcast live across China. To watch the full video online visit CCTV 2010 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala. This year’s gala was broadcast from the city of Wuhu in Anhui Province which we visited on our 2009 trip to Henan, Anhui and Zhejiang. The distinctive Anhui architecture is reflected in the stunning Mid-Autumn Festival Gala stage set.

This Wednesday marks the traditional Chinese mid-autumn day, which is the second largest festival after Spring Festival in China. The festival is also known as the Moon festival, as the moon is at its roundest at that time of the year. On the day, family members gather to appreciate the bright full moon, eat moon cakes, and think of their home and family members who live far away. To find out more see the Chinese National Television (CNTV) stories Chinese mid-autumn day is coming! and About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.