Is Halloween Banned in China? Your Might Get Into Trouble If You...

If you were in Shanghai during Halloween in recent years, you probably remember the scenes: people dressed as Batman, Deadpool, ghosts and all sorts of weird creatures roaming the streets. Some costumes were hilarious, some were downright bizarre, and some people apparently put more effort into their Halloween outfits than their actual jobs.

But things got complicated when police began dispersing costumed crowds, asking people to leave public areas, and, according to reports, taking some revellers away for questioning.

So naturally, the question comes up every October: Is celebrating Halloween actually illegal in China?

So, Is Halloween Banned

Short answer: Halloween itself isn't banned nationwide by a blanket law. But that doesn't mean every type of Halloween celebration is welcome everywhere. Complicated huh, I know! Welcome to China.

In Shanghai, Halloween street gatherings faced significant disruption since 2024. Reports described police moving people away from popular gathering spots, checking identities and telling some revellers to remove their costumes or makeup.

Similar restrictions on Halloween costumes in public spaces have occurred in other cities too.

The important distinction is that wearing a Batman costume to a private party is not the same thing as joining a huge crowd of costumed strangers in the middle of a busy public street.

Apparently, Batman can attend a party. Whether Batman can join 500 other Batmans and turn the street into a real-life Gotham is a different question. 

It Depends on Where You Celebrate

Halloween isn't celebrated in China quite the same way it used to be, when people could dress up, take photos, meet friends and have a laugh in public spaces without worrying so much that their costumes might get them into trouble.

For the authorities, spontaneous public gatherings can raise concerns about crowd control and public order. Don't ask me why, or this article might get censored. 

In previous years, some local businesses and universities also reportedly received notices discouraging Halloween events or participation in public gatherings.

That doesn't mean every costume is forbidden, or that every city handles Halloween the same way.

Organised events at theme parks, bars and other commercial venues may still take place, depending on local arrangements and the venue's requirements. But look, just because an event happened last year doesn't guarantee it will happen again.

And in case you didn't know, dressing up as a certain yellow, anthropomorphic Disney bear, or doing anything that could be interpreted as mocking the authorities, might get you into serious trouble.

Not sure if your Halloween costume is safe? Ask your local Chinese friends first. They might just save your ass.

The Bottom Line

Halloween isn't automatically illegal in China, but public celebrations have faced restrictions before. So check your local situation before heading out in your finest zombie makeup.

Here's the sensible approach:

• Check local updates. Don't rely entirely on last year's social media posts or event listings.

• Avoid wearing  costume or applying Halloween makeup on the subway. If you're heading to a party, consider changing when you arrive instead. You don't want your journey to the party to become the main event

• Confirm your event is going ahead. Check directly with the organiser or venue.

• Be careful with large street gatherings. Previous celebrations in some places have been disrupted, so by default, just assume a crowded public event will proceed without problems.

• Follow local instructions. If authorities ask a crowd to disperse or a venue changes its arrangements, just obey! Don't turn the evening into an unnecessary confrontation.

Follow these tips, and you should be in a good position to enjoy Halloween without any unwanted surprises. Have fun, stay safe, and try not to become headline on the news. 

Now, let's end on a less serious note. What's been your best Halloween experience in China? Share your stories in the comments. We want to hear the funny ones, the weird ones, and the downright ridiculous ones!

Add our customer service above to join the grou