East Asia: Mid-Autumn Festival to occur Sept. 29 in multiple East Asian territories

Event

Millions of people in countries throughout East Asia will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival Sept. 29. Some countries have declared additional holidays through Sept. 28-Oct. 6 The festival is typically marked by family reunions, night gatherings, and cultural performances. Widespread business and bank closures are certain in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam on designated public holidays. Major transport disruptions are likely in China, South Korea, and Vietnam from Sept. 28, as large numbers of travelers attend celebrations in hometowns or utilize the extended holidays for international trips. Incidents of petty crime will probably increase during the holiday, especially at crowded transport hubs and tourist attractions.

Mainland China
Mainland China will be celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 29, as well as National Day on Oct. 1. Public holidays will run Sept. 29-Oct. 6, with Oct. 7-8 designated as compensating work days. Heavy travel volume is highly likely nationwide through Oct. 6. Increased traffic congestion typically occurs on Chinese expressways, including the G4 (Beijing to Hong Kong), G6 (Beijing to Tibet Autonomous Region), and G45 (Hebei-Beijing-Henan) highways. Significant delays are also possible on regional expressways near popular tourist attractions. Crowded conditions could occur on regional planes, trains, and buses.

Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR will observe the holiday Sept. 29 as well as National Day on Oct. 1. Public holidays will run Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Hong Kong SAR and Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Macau SAR. While significant transport delays are unlikely, increased congestion will probably occur at Hong Kong International (HKG) and Macau International (MFM) airports, border checkpoints with mainland China, and ferry services Sept. 29-Oct. 6.

Taiwan
Taiwan will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 29, with the government having designated Sept. 29-Oct. 1 as public holidays. Significant transport disruptions are likely islandwide through Oct. 1, as residents travel to various celebrations. Severe delays are possible during this period, especially on expressways, including Freeway 5 (Chiang Wei-Shui Memorial Freeway), Freeway 3 (Formosa Freeway), and Freeway 1 (Yat-sen Freeway). A number of restrictions will be in place along these thoroughfares during the holiday period to ease traffic congestion. Authorities have increased capacity for rail and air passengers during the holiday, but increased demand and overbooking on these services could lead to some transport delays.

South Korea
South Korea will celebrate the festival, known as Chuseok, on Sept. 29, as well as National Foundation Day on Oct. 3. with public holidays running from Sept. 28-Oct. 3. Significant road congestion is possible in and around major urban areas during the holiday, as millions of residents will travel to and from their hometowns. Significant delays are likely on national expressways, especially Expressway No. 1 (Gyeongbu Expressway) which connects Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Gumi, Daegu, and Busan. Increased congestion is likely on regional planes, trains, and buses. Higher demand is also likely on international flight routes since many residents travel abroad during the extended holiday.

Vietnam
Vietnam will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday on Sept. 29. Traffic congestion is most likely to occur in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and other large cities Sept. 29-Oct. 1 as residents travel to various celebrations. Officials could also enforce road closures in downtown areas to facilitate festivals and celebrations, prompting localized traffic disruptions. Localized traffic delays are possible in other cities, but countrywide transport disruptions are unlikely. Larger-than-normal crowds at transport hubs are likely throughout the country.

Others
Other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival although there are no public holidays or significant celebrations.

Advice

Reconfirm all rail, bus, and airline reservations if traveling during the holiday period. Airports will likely be very crowded; arrive earlier than usual due to volume delays at check-in counters and security checkpoints. Heavy traffic is likely on main highways; drive defensively and consider minimizing unnecessary trips on the days before and after the public observance of the holidays. Anticipate possible delivery delays; consider alternative transport for time-sensitive shipments. Take extra precautions to secure money and valuables. Plan for higher demand for hotels and taxis in tourist areas, as well as potential price gouging.