The celebration of Halloween in China is not a widespread, nationally recognized holiday. Unlike countries with significant Western cultural influence, traditional Chinese customs and festivals hold greater prominence. Instead of trick-or-treating or large-scale costume parties, observations are generally limited to specific areas and demographic groups.
The holiday’s limited presence stems from deep-rooted cultural traditions and historical context. China has its own festivals honoring ancestors and spirits, such as the Ghost Festival (also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival), which shares some thematic similarities with Halloween. This existing framework fulfills similar cultural needs, reducing the perceived necessity for adopting a foreign celebration. Furthermore, the focus on collective harmony and family values in Chinese culture often overshadows the individualistic and sometimes macabre aspects associated with the Western holiday.
