Glowing dragon lanterns, mythical moonscapes at Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Families pack a Beijing park as they view large installations lit up in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, one of the most important in the Chinese calendar.

The festival has been bestowed with the meaning of unity, with legends such as Chang'e and the moon rabbit enriching its heritage. For Chinese people, the festival is of special ethical significance, while the thought of reuniting with family on this occasion has been a sentiment and mind-set for hundreds of years.

The symbolic snack known as mooncake, a traditional offering to the lunar deities and a seasonal treat, has now evolved into a cultural brand representing China.