Halloween in China
The Mandarin words and phrases for Halloween in China: 不给糖就捣蛋, costumes, haunted houses, photos and the signs at events. Halloween is not a traditional Chinese festival and is not a holiday. It is celebrated mostly by young people in cities, at theme parks, shopping centres and bars, with costumes and haunted houses rather than going door to door. Checked October 2026.
Also: Christmas in China
On the blog: How Halloween is celebrated in China, and what to say
Words you will see
万圣节 is the Chinese name for All Saints' Day on 1 November, and 万圣夜 is the night before it. In everyday use people say 万圣节 for the whole thing, the way English says Halloween. On signs and posters you will see both.
Things to say
Most Chinese city families live in apartment blocks with entry gates, so going door to door is rare. 不给糖就捣蛋 is known from films and used at parties and in shopping centres, where staff often hand out sweets. 扮成, to dress up as, is the verb you will use most.
Photos and tickets
People in good costumes are asked for photos all night, and 可以跟你合影吗 is the polite way to ask. Theme park Halloween nights often need tickets booked ahead, so 提前预约, booking in advance, is worth knowing before you go.
Signs at events
Popular Halloween events get very crowded. 限流 means staff are limiting how many people go in, and 请勿推挤 asks people not to push. If you see them, wait where staff direct you. 胆小慎入 is the only sign here that is meant to be fun.
The daily course builds these phrases into real conversation, one short lesson a day. Days 1 to 7 need no account, and a free account opens the rest of the first month.
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