Moon-Chasing Festival

The Moon-Chasing Festival is one of Huanglong's traditional festivals. On this special night, people decorate trees with lanterns and admire the moon to celebrate their reunion. The origin story of this festival varies province to province.

The Fox and the Moon

The tale of "The Fox and the Moon" is the most popular origin story of the Moon-Chasing Festival. According to the story, Hsin, a merrymaker among the Sentinels, once teased another Sentinel with a night of chasing during celebration. This joyous scene, as they were silhouetted against the mid-autumn moonlight, gave rise to the term "Moon-Chasing".

Dual Moons

For the people of Jinzhou, the phases of the moon signify the revival pattern of the Threnodian, with dual moons serving as a harbinger of disaster. Moon-Chasing symbolizes a race against the moon, where Jinzhou must give everything to prevent the dormant Threnodian from awakening before the moon becomes full. To honor the soldiers and citizens who contributed to this challenging victory, a former Jinzhou Magistrate established the "Moon-Chasing Festival," held when the moon is fullest each year. As the dual moons wane to a single full moon, the race transforms into a journey home, guided by the pristine moonglow.

Moonlit Fair

The Moonlit Fair is a special feast held in Jinzhou on the evening of the Moon-Chasing Festival, featuring various stalls for visitors to explore. People in Jinzhou often accompany their families or invite friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere together.

Moontree Lodge

In the days leading up to the Moon-Chasing Festival, Jinzhou residents visit Taoyuan Vale to write their wishes on paper tags. These tags are then either hung on the branches or placed in the "Moontree Lodge," under the wishing tree. Word on the street is that wishes made this way will all come true in various ways. Perhaps an anonymous hero has been working tirelessly behind the scene?

Xiangli Yao: “The stalls at the Moonlit Fair are built according to people's wishes.”

Yumyum Haven

Yumyum Haven sells popular sweet desserts and recipes, including their signature item, the Plumpcake, at the Moon-Chasing Festival. These round treats represent family unity and are enjoyed for a happy reunion and fulfilling life.

Jinzhou's famous Plumpcake recipe has been passed down for centuries. The kind vendor is eager to teach anyone how to make these delectable treats.

Sanhua: “From preparing the dough and filling to baking the cakes at high temperatures, the process of making Plumpcakes is truly fascinating.”

Fan Drawing Stall

Jinzhou residents are proud of their hometown's natural beauty. Poets and artists create poems and paintings on fans, treasured by locals. During the Moonlit Fair, stall owners commission artists to adorn fans with intricate designs.

Zhezhi: “I need to get references ready for the fans. The deadline is killing me…”

Moon Shooter

In Jinzhou, a traditional event has become a high-tech shooting challenge with mechanical targets. Every year, enthusiasts come together to compete for the best scores.