Holidays and festivals in China


China has seven legal holidays in a year, including New Year's Day, Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Qingming Festival, May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Day and National Day.
The table below provides a detailed list of 2018 / 2019 public holidays in China. Hope it can help you make a good tour plan.
China Public Holiday Calendar 2018/2019
Holiday Name Date 2017 Holiday 2018 Holiday
New Year's Day Jan. 1 Dec. 31, 2016 -
Jan. 2, 2017 off
Dec. 30, 2017 -
Jan. 1, 2018 off
Chinese New Year subject to
 lunation
Jan. 28 (Jan. 27 - Feb. 2 off) Feb. 16 (Feb. 15 - 21 off)
Qingming Apr. 4 or 5 Apr. 4 (Apr. 2 - 4 off) Apr. 5 (Apr. 5 - 7 off)
May Day May 1 Apr. 29 - May 1 off Apr. 29 - May 1 off
Dragon Boat 5th of 5th
lunar month
May 30 (May 28 - 30 off) Jun. 18 (Jun. 16 - 18 off)
Mid-Autumn Day Aug. 15 of
lunar calendar
Oct. 4 (within the 
National Day holiday)
Sep. 24 (Sep. 22 - 24 off)
National Day Oct. 1 Oct. 1 - 7 (be prolonged to Oct. 8) Oct. 1 - 7

In addition to the above seven festivals, Chinese people celebrate four others on which some people have a half day off - Women's Day, Youth Day, Children's Day and Army Day. Many other galas and anniversaries are celebrated even without days off, such as Arbor Day and Teachers' Day.


Golden Weeks In China
Chinese New Year Holiday and National Day Holiday are the only two week-long holidays in China. During these two weeks, people enjoy themselves in a great variety of ways, contributing to a boost in tourism industry, hence the nickname 'Golden Week'. Hotel rooms, train tickets or air tickets will definitely be in great demand then. Therefore, we recommend that people who are planning China tours avoid these Golden Weeks in view of the huge crowds at the major attractions, on trains, at railway stations and airports.

Business run during Chinese public holidays

Business actually flourishes during holidays, so there’s no need to worry about the shopping, dining, entertainment. Some shopping malls, shops, supermarkets and restaurants have promotions and discounts on festivals, and some even extend their opening time. On the Chinese New Year, the grandest occasion for family reunion of the year, some personal shops and small restaurants are closed.
The civil service departments such as the government offices, embassies and schools are closed on the legal holidays. Elementary public service establishments like the public transport system run normally to facilitate the locals and visitors on their basic living and travel; however, please note that the banks and post offices only have their major branches opened on China public holidays, so it is better to go to those branches in the prosperous business districts in big cities, or arrange your money and post matters in advance. Most of the hospitals run during holidays, but maybe only the basic departments are available, without some famous specialists.


Ask Questions ?