China Public Holidays

Planning your trip to China? Knowing the public holidays can help you avoid crowds, enjoy unique experiences, and make the most of your time. Here is a concise overview of the major holidays, what they mean, and travel tips for each.

Disclaimer: China's official holiday schedule is often released just months in advance and may include "makeup days" where an official weekend day is designated a workday to create longer breaks. Always check the current year's dates for accuracy.

1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – 春节

When: Around late Jan to mid-Feb (varies by lunar calendar)
What it means: This is the most important festival in China, celebrating the start of the lunar new year. Families gather, food flows, fireworks light up the sky, and traditions run deep.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Many businesses shut down; trains and flights get booked months ahead.
• Cities can feel quiet as local people travel home.
• Temples, lantern festivals, and temple fairs become lively.
  Travel tip:
  Book transport and accommodation well in advance. Consider visiting smaller towns for a more authentic feel, while expecting large crowds in places like Beijing and Shanghai.

2. Qingming Festival – 清明节 (Tomb-Sweeping Day)

When: Usually April 4 or 5
What it means: A time to honour ancestors by cleaning tombs, offering food, lighting incense and spending a quiet moment with family.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Short public holiday — expect domestic travel surges.
• Historically significant sites and countryside get busy.
  Travel tip:
  Explore quieter heritage spots rather than big tourist hubs. Consider countryside walks or local village visits.

3. Labour Day Holiday – 五一劳动节

When: Around May 1; often 5-7 days off
What it means: A celebration of workers; modern China often uses the holiday for rest and travel.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Big spike in domestic tourism; popular destinations get crowded.
• Flights and trains see high demand; prices may go up.
  Travel tip:
  If you travel during this time, go early morning. Alternatively, explore less-visited regions (north-west China, small towns) to avoid the rush.

4. Dragon Boat Festival – 端午节

When: 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually June)
What it means: Marking the death of poet Qu Yuan, China honours it with boat races, zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in leaves), and traditions to ward off evil.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Short holiday—travel demand spikes locally.
• Cultural events like boat races and local fairs become visible.
  Travel tip:
  Go watch a dragon boat race along the river, taste fresh zongzi, and visit a town with riverside traditions rather than just big cities.

5. Mid-Autumn Festival – 中秋节

When: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually Sept)
What it means: A night to appreciate the full moon, reunite with family, eat mooncakes and remember folklore of Chang’e flying to the moon.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Evening lantern events, park gatherings, moon-viewing parties.
• Short holiday often combined with other days off—expect local travel.
  Travel tip:
  Stay near a lake or park with good moon view. Try mooncakes from local bakeries and join a park lantern gathering.

6. National Day Golden Week – 国庆节

When: October 1-7 (typically)
What it means: Celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Also a major week for tourism and domestic travel.
Why it matters for travelers:

• Biggest travel week of the year. Major sites packed, traffic heavy.
• Accommodation and flights are booked far ahead.
  Travel tip:
  Avoid the most popular spots (like the Great Wall near Beijing or Forbidden City). Instead, visit more remote regions or enjoy city walks early morning. Book everything as early as possible if you travel then.

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

• If traveling during a holiday, book in advance, choose less-crowded destinations, and start your day early(before 8:00 am).
• Train Tickets: 12306.cn releases train seats at 08:00 local time 30 days out; use Trip.com English mirror if your card fails.
• Hotels: Prices jump 50–150 %. Refundable rates are your friend.
• Embrace the special events (lanterns, boat races, moon-gazing) — they offer a deeper cultural insight.
• Respect local customs: at festivals many places have different opening hours, local people may travel to hometowns, and services can be limited.

Safe travels and enjoy discovering China’s festivals!