Planning a trip to China in 2026? Whether you’re visiting family, exploring the Great Wall, or scheduling business meetings, understanding China’s public holidays can make a huge difference.
The country’s festive rhythm is unique — full of ancient traditions, massive travel waves, and a few “make-up workdays” you’ll want to know about. Here’s everything you should know before booking tickets or setting appointments.
China currently has seven official public holidays. In 2026, several of these breaks are structured to create longer weekends, spanning festivities from New Year’s Day through National Day Golden Week.
These holidays set the rhythm for the country’s travel and business calendar—train tickets sell out fast, cities empty as families head home, and tourist attractions can feel either buzzing or blissfully quiet, depending on when you go.
Public Holiday | Date | Day Off | Day | Duration |
New Year's Day | Jan 1 | Jan 1 | Thursday | 1 |
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | Feb 17 | Feb 16-23 | Monday to Monday | 8 |
Qingming Festival | Apr 5 | Apr 4-6 | Saturday-Monday | 3 |
Labor Day | May 1 | May 1-5 | Friday-Tuesday | 5 |
Dragon Boat Festival | June 19 | June 19-21 | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep 25 | Sep 25-27 | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
National Day | Oct 1 | Oct 1-7 | Thursday to Wednesday | 7 |
Stay organized and plan your travels with our China Public Holidays 2026 calendar. This easy-to-read guide shows all the key dates at a glance, helping you book trips in advance and make the most of your holidays.
International New Year celebrations, easy getaways.
Notice: Light crowds—it's a great time for quick city visits or meetings.
Chinese new year - NCAB Group
The biggest family holiday—a week-long break when many factories and offices close.
Notice: It's the year's peak travel period—book early; expect 1–2 weeks of supplier shutdowns.
Closes out the Chinese New Year season—lantern shows and night markets.
Notice: Evening crowds spike—great for cultural experiences; limited business activity at night.
Honoring ancestors; spring outings.
Notice: Travel is moderate; some small shops and family-run businesses may close.
Leisure travel and shopping promos—often extended by swapping workdays.
Notice: Domestic travel is in a busy period—trains and hotels fill up fast; confirm any weekend make-up work.
Races and zongzi (rice dumplings).
Notice: Regional events may bring crowds near rivers and lakes; otherwise, business as usual.
The Dragon Boat Festival
Romantic observance; not a national day off.
Notice: Restaurant/retail promotions; business as usual.
Family reunion, mooncakes, evening lanterns.
Notice: Parks and waterfronts are crowded in the evenings; some businesses close for the day.
A week-long holiday—and a surge in domestic tourism.
Notice: It's the year's second peak—expect sold-out trains and hotels; most factories and offices will be closed.
Public holidays in China - Wikipedia
Respect for elders; hiking and chrysanthemum viewing.
Notice: Light travel; minimal business disruption.
Quick tips: For travel, steer clear of CNY and Golden Week if you prefer smaller crowds. For business, build in buffers around CNY and National Day, confirm workday swaps, and lock in logistics (rail/air/hotels) early.
✅Book early during Chinese New Year and National Day weeks — train and flight tickets sell out fast.
✅Entry Requirements & Visas: Always check the latest permitted stay length and conditions before you book—rules can change. Start with notices from your nearest Chinese mission or recent government updates.
✅ Transport Matters: Holiday train tickets sell out fast. Use Trip.com to book early; be flexible with departure stations and times. For in-city rides, Didi works in most big cities.
✅Avoid factory shutdowns if you’re sourcing products or conducting business; many operations pause for up to two weeks during the Spring Festival.
✅Travel smart — visit major attractions just before or after holidays to enjoy smaller crowds.
✅ Stay connected: A China SIM/eSIM (or roaming eSIM) keeps maps, translations, and tickets at your fingertips. Foreign eSIMs usually work, while local tourist eSIM options are limited—roaming eSIMs can also help you access blocked sites. If you plan to use a VPN, be aware it’s a legal gray area—use at your own risk.
✅ Pack for the season—China’s weather varies greatly; February in northern China can be freezing, while southern cities like Guangzhou stay mild.
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