Falling on September 17 this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival has a strong connection to the full moon, which embodies harmony and reunion in Chinese culture. When is the best time to enjoy the glorious full moon? Here are some tips you may want to know!

On September 18 at 10:34 am (Beijing time), people will witness the roundest supermoon of the year. While the moon will have already set by then for all regions of China, there's no need to worry. The slight difference between the moon when it's fully round and just before is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Most people across China can still enjoy a bright, nearly perfect full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Mid-Autumn full moon coincides closely with the moon's closest approach to Earth, known as the perigee, occurring on September 18 at 9:22 pm. As a result, the moon will appear larger than usual.

Early moonrise this year

On the night of September 17, the moon will rise earlier than it has in the past seven years. In Guangzhou, the moon will rise at 6:02 pm, 18 minutes earlier than last year. It will reach its highest point in the sky at 12:01 am the next day and set at 6:06 am on September 18.

For the best moon-gazing experience, head to an open area like a lakeside, plaza, or park around midnight when the moon is at its highest.

Best moon-gazing times in Guangzhou

11:08 pm on September 16, with an altitude of 53°.

12:01 am on September 18, with an altitude of 61°.

12:52 am on September 19, with an altitude of 68°.