A glass of wine, a plate of mooncakes, accompanied by family and friends, and admiring the moon together make up the perfect Mid-Autumn Festival evening.

It's been a tradition for people to admire the moon together on this day for more than a thousand years. Today, with high-speed rails and airlines leading to almost every corner of the country, admiring the moon is an even more appealing event.

Here are some destinations, which could provide one with diverse experiences while celebrating the festival and admiring the moon.

Ancient structures: Best background for the moon

With a history of over 3,000 years, Beijing has a number of ancient gardens, including a number of palaces such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Beihai Park. They are usually among photographers' top choices during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Imperial architecture, characterized by golden tiles, red walls and white marble railings, as well as the traditional constructions, provide a perfect setting for the full moon.

Besides the imperial palaces, the Great Wall is also a good choice. Outside Beijing, there are many other choices across China, such as the City Walls in Xi'an and Nanjing. 

Moon reflection in the water

The West Lake in Hangzhou City is known as one of the most popular tourist resorts in China. Located in the downtown, the lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides and divided into several parts by causeways.

It is also known for the historical relics constructed around the lake. The city and the West Lake have already made a name in the odes of literary giants for its scenery, myths and history, anecdotes of celebrities and inexhaustible cultural stories growing out of this piece of land. 

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the reflection of the moon in the lake, it is easy for the Chinese to come up with melodious lines out of the essays and poems. The natural landscape could easily present an image resembling classic Chinese ink and wash paintings.

The moon and its reflection in the water match each other perfectly. If you want to enjoy the moon in the water, Hangzhou with the West Lake, and Nanjing with the Qinhuai River could be your destination.

The moon in the mountains

Mountains are always a perfect location for admiring the moon. You would be closer to the celestial body and enjoy the serenity bathed in the moonlight.

Mount Tai in Tai'an City, Shandong Province is one of the most recommended destinations. With cultural attractions scattered on the mountain, Mount Tai is also considered one of the Five Great Mountains of China, known for its fogs, stones, temples and sunrise scenery.

Tianshan Mountain in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is always an appealing tourist attraction, with moonlight shining over the snow-covered mountains.

Sharing the moonlight and the moment

Besides the destinations mentioned above, there are many other choices for residents across the country.

For instance, people living in Wuhan City could have a tour of the Yellow Crane Tower, which provides light shows during this year's festival. Those in Nanchang City can also go to the Pavilion of Prince Teng, one of the city's historic landmarks. 

For those living in Tibet and Inner Mongolia, the open wilderness is the best choice, while for residents in big cities such as Guangzhou and Shanghai, the moon hanging over the modern skyline amid the light show of skyscrapers is no less dazzling.

No matter where you are, people are enjoying not only the scenery of the moon, but also family reunions and gatherings. 

As a Chinese poem goes:

As the bright moon shines over the sea

From far away you share this moment with me.