The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner – an annual occasion celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It also marks the beginning of a three-day national holiday. Traditionally, families would gather and spend some quality time together, enjoying sweet mooncakes as well as admiring the glorious full moon at night. 

In the Chinese context, the full moon means family reunion. For those who can't reunite with their loved ones, a mere look at the moon might remind them of their families and homeland.

For the best moon-gazing experience and some stunning moon photos, places with an open view are where you should head to, such as a rooftop, balcony, mountaintop or the lakeside. If you don't have an exact spot in mind, then check out the following popular picks where you can enjoy the moon as well as tour around. 

Lugou Bridge, Beijing

Lugou Bridge is renowned for numerous finely carved stone lions sitting on both sides of the bridge. The world-famous traveler Marco Polo once wrote in his book that "Over this river there is a very fine stone bridge, so fine indeed, that it has very few equals in the world." The river refers to the Yongding River and the bridge was then called Marco Polo Bridge by many.

In Beijing, there are many historical sites that add more charms to the moon. Besides Lugou Bridge, the Summer Palace, the Beihai Park and the Jingshan Park also offer wonderful views. 

Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao

Laoshan, the tall and majestic mountain in east China's Shandong Province, is famous for its marvelous mountainous scenery and coastal landscape. Its highest peak can rise up to staggering 1,133 meters above sea level. The breathtaking sights of the moon on the mountaintop is definitely well worth the climb.

Qinhuai River, Nanjing

Appreciating the bright moon while on a cruise tour might be the most relaxing arrangement. Here in Nanjing, you can either hop on the cruise and tour along the Qinhuai River, or watch the moon on the Wende Bridge where traditional folk activities will be held.

West Lake, Hangzhou

There is no need to say much about the beauty of the West Lake as its nickname is "paradise on earth." It's an ideal location to see the moon's reflection on the lake surface, sometimes perfectly flat and sometimes wrinkled due to the wind. Some say the moon shines even brighter from this vantage point.

Go enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday with your loved ones. When you gaze up at the moon, you might also find some inspiration for poetry just like ancient Chinese poets did. 

(Cover image designed by Qu Bo)