By the light of the moon: moongazing hotspots around the world

This year, Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on 29 September, when a full and luminous moon will cast its glow worldwide. The tradition of celebrating the festival is thought to have emerged in China during the Zhou Dynasty: as the story goes, emperors worshipped the moon every year in hopes of abundant harvests and good fortune.  

Fast-forward 3,000 years, and many Asian cultures still celebrate the festival. In Hong Kong, we mark the occasion by lighting lanterns, eating mooncakes, gathering with family and gazing at the moon. Of course, the magic of a full moon isn’t just limited to a single festival – there are many more ways to take in the moonlight. 

The many moons of Hangzhou 

Hangzhou’s fabled West Lake has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s easy to see why. While exploring this Unesco-listed heritage site, you’ll find ornate temples, arching bridges and three small islets reachable by boat. Among them is Xiaoying Island, where “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” awaits. 

At this serene spot, three pagodas rise above the water. When lit with candles, they create the appearance of several tiny moons floating on the lake – a scene that’s even more enchanting under the glow of a full moon. 

Kyoto’s poetic lunar celebrations 

Few places in the world are as radiant as Kyoto in autumn, especially during Tsukimi, an ancient full-moon-viewing festival that dates back to the Nara period in the eighth century. This annual celebration has given rise to reams of lunar-inspired poetry, music and events at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples across the city.  

For a truly unearthly experience, head to Osawa Pond next to the Daikaku-ji Temple on the western edge of the city, where you’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony and harp performance, before embarking on a boat ride to marvel at the full moon as its light dances across the water. 

Alpine skiing in a new light 

Experience the glüna plaina – or “full moon” in Romansh, a national language of Switzerland – on the slopes of Diavolezza. At this ski resort about three hours southeast of Zurich, a remarkable glacier landscape shimmers under the stars. For a few nights every winter, the ski runs and gondola remain open until at least 11pm so that you can glide down the mountain under the night skies. Stay the night at the Berghaus Diavolezza , a charming lodge where you’ll feel even closer to the heavens at nearly 3,000m above sea level. 

A moonlit paddle in Vancouver 

Off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia, another sublime experience awaits. Make your way to Jericho Beach, set on the tranquil Burrard Inlet about 20 minutes from downtown, to join a full-moon kayaking tour with Jericho Beach Kayak . During this 2.5-hour evening experience, you’ll paddle away from shore as the moon rises, soaking up mountain and skyline views along the way. When the sky deepens to an inky black, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat for the celestial event. 

Step closer to the sky in Broome 

About a 2.5-hour flight north of Perth, Broome is known for many natural wonders: humpback whales, rare snubfin dolphins and lustrous pearls, to name but a few. The far-flung beach town is also where you can see the incredible optical illusion “Staircase to the Moon”. On clear nights when the tide is low, the full moon reflects off exposed pools in the tidal flats, creating the appearance of golden steps climbing toward the horizon. For the best view, visit from March to October and try to snag a table on the lawn at the Mangrove Hotel . 

A lunar adventure in the empty quarter 

The vast Rub’ al Khali is the world’s largest continuous sand desert, covering an area nearly the size of France across the southern Arabian Peninsula. From Dubai, it takes roughly three hours by car to reach the edge of the desert. On an overnight camping experience with Rub Alkhali Desert Tourism , you’ll visit villages, sample dates and meet camels during the day, then sleep under the stars by night. Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara offers Bedouin-style camping experiences, during which you can join a guided night walk to watch the full moon shine over a sea of sand. 

Early riser? Discover the world’s best sunrise hikes here.