Festival · 节日

Double Ninth Festival (重阳节)

Climb a hill, drink chrysanthemum wine, honor elders.

Double Ninth (重阳节) on lunar 9/9 — two yang-energy nines stacked — is traditionally a day to climb hills for a long view, drink chrysanthemum wine, and honor elders. In modern China it's also officially Senior Citizens' Day (老人节).

When does Double Ninth Festival fall?

• 2026 — Sunday, October 18, 2026 (2026年10月18日)
• 2027 — Friday, October 8, 2027 (2027年10月8日)
• 2028 — Thursday, October 26, 2028 (2028年10月26日)

Traditions

Climbing high (登高)

Families ascend hills or pagodas to "rise above" misfortune and enjoy the autumn view.

Chrysanthemum wine (菊花酒)

A long-life elixir steeped from chrysanthemum flowers and sometimes goji berries — drunk by elders.

Visit elders

A modern emphasis: visit grandparents, gift longevity peaches, share a meal.

Common questions

What date is Double Ninth 2026?

Double Ninth 2026 falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026 (lunar 9/9).

Why is 9/9 considered auspicious?

In Chinese numerology, 9 is the highest yang (阳) number. Two nines stacked make 重阳 ("double yang") — extremely energetic, hence climbing high to harness it.