Let’s be honest here, chances are you have no idea what the Mid-Autumn Festival means or why it’s even a holiday. If it weren’t for the fact that you’re currently standing knee deep in mooncakes, you probably wouldn’t even know it’s that time of year again. While we won’t even bother lecturing you on the importance of this Chinese holiday, we will be showing you the best things to do around Shanghai so you can celebrate this year’s Moon Festival the proper way.

Stare at the moon: One of the most traditional customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival is to spend a substantial amount of time gazing wistfully at the full moon while very vocally admiring its beauty. For you to accomplish this ritual, it might be a good start to be outside at night so why not check out the Shanghai Night Tour while you’re out there anyway.

No, really. Stare at the moon: Given that being outside may not be enough to see the moon (on account of the pollution and the weather), you could always try and increase your chances by attending the Mid-Autumn Festival Meditation Retreat. Taking place at the Guang Jue Monastery near Hangzhou, the retreat is free but donations are welcome and BYO mooncake is almost certainly mandatory.

Eat with family: Another necessary custom to observe is to eat a nice meal with friends and family. Luckily, we’re spoilt for choices. La Finca is offering a 5 course Spanish Dinner with what they’re calling a “Chinese touch”. While that “touch” might just be eating Spanish food with a pair of chopsticks, you will have an amazing view over Xintiandi and again, another opportunity to see that elusive moon. Another great place with an amazing view would be over at Kathleen’s 5. Try to catch the moon as it travels across the night’s sky over People’s Square while you enjoy a three course dinner and their special cocktail, New Moon Surprise. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Arte Cafe & Lounge is serving a crab feast bonanza. Six different types of crabs will be served, including hairy crabs which are now coming into season. This is on top of the free flowing baijiu on offer, which is just about as Chinese as you can get.

Make your own lantern: For those of you who want to get in touch with their inner Chinese person, heading over to the Lantern Making Workshop and assembling your own traditional Chinese lantern might just be the right fix you need. Just remember the Mid-Autumn festival is not the Lantern Festival and that making and releasing sky lanterns into the sky may create air safety issues that we will not be accepting any responsibility for.

Note: In the unlikely event that you haven’t had enough mooncake, those round square shaped desserts will be served at all of the aforementioned restaurants.