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 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.