Quick Answer: China's 2026 Public Holiday Dates
China has 7 national holidays in 2026. The two you must plan around are Spring Festival (Feb 15–23) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7) — both cause nationwide travel chaos. The best holidays for tourists are Qingming (April, quiet) and Mid-Autumn (September, atmospheric). Here is the complete 2026 calendar:
| Holiday | 2026 Dates | Days | Impact on Tourists |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day (元旦) | Jan 1–3 | 3 | 🟢 Minimal |
| Spring Festival (春节) | Feb 15–23 (travel rush Jan 25 – Feb 28) | 9 | 🔴 Major — world's largest migration |
| Qingming Festival (清明节) | Apr 4–6 | 3 | 🟢 Quiet — best time to visit |
| Labor Day (劳动节) | May 1–5 | 5 | 🟠 Busy — domestic travel peak |
| Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) | Jun 19–21 | 3 | 🟡 Moderate — dragon boat races |
| Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) | Sep 25–27 | 3 | 🟢 Pleasant — mooncakes & lanterns |
| National Day Golden Week (国庆黄金周) | Oct 1–7 | 7 | 🔴 Major — prices up 50–300% |
In one sentence: Avoid China's two "Golden Weeks" (Spring Festival and Oct 1–7) unless you plan months ahead and choose less-crowded destinations; Qingming (April) and Mid-Autumn (September) are the best holiday windows for tourists.
Scrolling for details? Jump to Spring Festival guide, Golden Week survival, best times to visit, or the avoid vs experience matrix.
Why Chinese Holidays Matter for Your Trip
Every year, over 9 billion domestic trips happen during China's Spring Festival travel rush alone. The National Day Golden Week sees 900 million trips in 7 days. These are not small disruptions. They are the largest regular population movements on the planet.
This does not mean you should avoid China during holidays. It means you need to plan differently. The right strategy — choosing the right dates, booking at the right time, and knowing which destinations work — can turn a potential travel nightmare into one of the most memorable trips of your life. Some of China's most spectacular cultural experiences only happen during these holidays.
This guide covers every major Chinese holiday through 2028, what actually changes on the ground, and exactly how to adjust your plans.
2026 Chinese Holiday Calendar
Chinese public holidays are set by the State Council and released in advance. Note that China uses "make-up workdays" (调休, tiáoxiū) — weekends before or after the holiday are turned into regular workdays to create longer breaks.
| Holiday | 2026 Dates | Days | Best for Travel? | Key Note for Tourists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day (元旦) | Jan 1-3 | 3 | Moderate | Major cities have celebrations. Most attractions open normally. |
| Spring Festival / Chinese New Year (春节) | Feb 15-23 (travel rush Jan 25 – Feb 28) | 9 | Mixed | World's largest migration. Many restaurants close for up to 7-10 days in city centers. Temple fairs, fireworks, incredible atmosphere. Note: 2026 holiday officially runs Feb 15–23 including Spring Festival Eve (Feb 16). |
| Qingming Festival (清明节) | Apr 4-6 | 3 | Good | Spring weather, fewer tourists. Tomb-sweeping traditions, kite flying. Pleasant hiking weather. |
| Labor Day (劳动节) | May 1-5 | 5 | Heavy | Domestic travel peak. Book trains and hotels 30+ days ahead. Many scenic spots near cities get very crowded. |
| Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) | Jun 19-21 | 3 | Good to moderate | Dragon boat races nationwide. Zongzi (rice dumplings) everywhere. Hot and humid in southern cities. |
| Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) | Sep 25-27 | 3 | Good | Mooncake season. Beautiful lantern displays. Pleasant autumn weather nationwide. Family-oriented holiday. |
| National Day Golden Week (国庆黄金周) | Oct 1-7 | 7 | Challenging | Peak domestic tourism. Prices 50-300% higher. Major attractions extremely crowded. Book 2-3 months ahead. |
2027 Chinese Holiday Dates (Official Dates Released Late 2026)
China's State Council typically publishes the official 2027 holiday schedule in November or December 2026. The dates below are estimates based on the lunar calendar and will be updated when the official announcement is made. See data sources below.
| Holiday | 2027 Estimated Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1-3 | Standard 3-day weekend |
| Spring Festival (Year of the Goat) | Feb 5-11 (travel rush begins ~Jan 20) | Chinese New Year falls on Feb 6, 2027. Week of Feb 5. |
| Qingming Festival | Apr 3-5 | Qingming falls on Apr 5, 2027 (estimated). |
| Labor Day | May 1-5 | 5-day break |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Jun 7-9 | Estimated (lunar calendar — 5th day of 5th lunar month). |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep 15-17 | Estimated (lunar calendar). |
| National Day Golden Week | Oct 1-7 | Always Oct 1-7 |
2026 dates confirmed by China State Council (gov.cn). 2027 dates are estimates based on the lunar calendar and previous year patterns. Official 2027 dates will be released in late 2026 — we will update this page within 48 hours of the announcement.
2028 Chinese Holidays (Early Preview)
2028 is a leap year in the Chinese calendar with two special features: Chinese New Year falls very early (Jan 26) and Mid-Autumn lands inside National Day Golden Week (Oct 3), creating an extended 8-day break. Plan accordingly:
| Holiday | 2028 Estimated Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1-3 | Standard 3-day weekend |
| Spring Festival (Year of the Monkey) | Jan 26 - Feb 1 | Chinese New Year falls on Jan 26, 2028 — the earliest in a decade. Travel rush starts ~Jan 10. |
| Qingming Festival | Apr 4-6 | Qingming falls on Apr 4, 2028 (estimated). |
| Labor Day | May 1-5 | 5-day break |
| Dragon Boat Festival | May 28-30 | Estimated (lunar calendar). |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Oct 3-5 | Falls inside Golden Week — expect an 8-day combined break (Oct 1-8). |
| National Day Golden Week | Oct 1-7 | Extended by Mid-Autumn overlap. |
2028 dates are early estimates based on the lunar calendar only. The official schedule will be released in late 2027.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) — The World's Biggest Travel Event
When: February 15-23, 2026 (holiday, incl. Spring Festival Eve on Feb 16) | Travel rush runs approximately January 25 through February 28.
What happens: Around 9 billion passenger trips during the 40-day chunyun (春运) period. High-speed rail tickets sell out within minutes of release. Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen partially empty as migrant workers return home. Small restaurants close for a week or more. Major attractions and temple fairs become very busy.
What's good about it: The atmosphere is electric. Cities and villages are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and spring couplets. Temple fairs (庙会, miào huì) offer traditional performances, food stalls, and folk art. Fireworks and firecrackers create an unforgettable sensory experience. The Lantern Festival (元宵节, 15 days after New Year's Day) features spectacular lantern displays across the country — Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, the Forbidden City in Beijing, and ancient towns like Pingyao are particularly beautiful.
Practical tips:
- Book trains the moment tickets release — 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM sharp on Trip.com or 12306. Set an alarm. Popular routes sell out in 5-10 minutes.
- Expect restaurant closures — Smaller local restaurants close 3-10 days. Chain restaurants (KFC, Haidilao) and shopping mall food courts stay open. Tourist-oriented restaurants in Xi'an, Guilin, and Chengdu generally operate normally.
- Visit a temple fair — Ditan Park (Beijing), Yuyuan Garden (Shanghai), and Wuhou Shrine (Chengdu) host excellent temple fairs with traditional food, crafts, and performances.
- Pack earplugs — Fireworks can be intense, especially on New Year's Eve and the Lantern Festival. In smaller cities and rural areas, fireworks may continue at all hours.
- Major tourist sites stay open — The Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Terracotta Warriors all operate normally, but book tickets well in advance.
National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) — Surviving the Crowds
When: October 1-7 every year. Fixed, not lunar.
The scale: Over 900 million domestic trips in 7 days. Over 140 million train passengers. The busiest travel period in China after Spring Festival.
What changes: Train tickets sell out within minutes of release. Hotel prices near tourist sites double or triple. Major attractions (Great Wall, Forbidden City, West Lake, Zhangjiajie) become extremely crowded. The Great Wall at Badaling caps at 65,000 visitors per day and hits capacity by 10 AM.
Survival strategies:
- Book everything 2-3 months ahead — Hotels, flights, and attraction tickets. Use Trip.com for hotels with free cancellation to keep flexibility.
- Aim for October 4-7 — October 1-3 are the worst days for crowds. By October 4-5, the intensity drops noticeably as short-trip travelers head home.
- Skip Badaling, Zhangjiajie, and Huangshan — These become impassable. Go to less crowded alternatives: Mutianyu Great Wall instead of Badaling, Western Sichuan (Danba, Xinduqiao) instead of Zhangjiajie.
- Pick one city and stay there — Instead of bouncing between multiple cities, base yourself in one and explore its less-visited neighborhoods. Beijing hutongs, Shanghai's French Concession side streets, and Chengdu's local teahouses remain surprisingly calm.
- Use overnight trains — Departing on the evening of October 1 by sleeper train gets you moving during the period when millions are settling into destinations. Overnight travel competes with rest, not sightseeing.
- Early mornings win — Be at major attractions by 7:00-7:30 AM. Tour groups arrive at 10 AM. You get 2.5 hours of peace.
Other Chinese Holidays Worth Knowing
Qingming Festival (清明节 — Tomb Sweeping Day)
April 4-6, 2026. This is one of the best times to visit China. Spring weather is mild across most of the country — cherry blossoms in the south, fresh green landscapes everywhere. The holiday has a dual character: quiet cemetery visits in the morning, then families picnicking, flying kites, and enjoying outdoor spaces in the afternoon. It is a moderate travel period — mildly busy but manageable. Good destinations: Hangzhou (West Lake spring scenery), Yangshuo (Li River cycling), and the ancient water towns near Shanghai (Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen).
Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)
June 19-21, 2026. Dragon boat races are held in nearly every city with a river or lake. The most spectacular competitions happen in Guangzhou, Hangzhou (Xixi Wetlands), Foshan (famous for sharp-turn "drifting" races), and Miluo (Hunan — the festival's birthplace). You will see households hanging mugwort leaves on doors, and every convenience store sells zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). Expect hot, humid weather — this is early summer in much of China. Book trains 15 days in advance. It is a relatively short holiday, so the travel crush is less intense than Golden Week or Spring Festival.
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)
September 25-27, 2026. This is one of the most atmospheric Chinese holidays. Families gather for dinner under the full moon, eat mooncakes (月饼, yuebing), and carry lanterns through parks and gardens. For travelers, it offers a gentler cultural experience — less chaotic than Spring Festival or Golden Week, but rich in tradition. The weather in late September is ideal across most of China: cool, clear, and comfortable. Mooncake varieties range from traditional lotus seed paste to modern ice-cream versions — try a few. The best places to experience Mid-Autumn: West Lake in Hangzhou (moon-viewing pavilions), the Bund in Shanghai (moon over Pudong skyline), and the ancient city wall in Xi'an (lantern displays under the full moon).
Labor Day (五一)
May 1-5, 2026. A 5-day domestic travel peak. Not as intense as Golden Week, but still significant. Many Chinese families take short trips, so scenic spots near major cities get busy. The weather is excellent — late spring, warm and not yet humid in most regions. Book key transport tickets 15 days ahead. Consider rural destinations like Yunnan (Dali, Lijiang) or Guizhou, where the crowds spread out more than in Beijing or Shanghai.
Best Times to Visit China (Holiday-Free Windows)
If you want to avoid holiday disruptions entirely, these are the quietest periods:
| Window | Why It Works | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-January (before Spring Festival rush) | Pre-chunyun lull. City restaurants still open, students in school. | Low | Colder in north (0-5°C). Milder in south (15-20°C). |
| Late February – March (post-Spring Festival) | Travel rush winds down by late February. Early spring in the south. | Low to moderate | Still cool in north. Plum blossoms and early cherry blossoms in south. |
| Late May – early June | Between Labor Day and Dragon Boat. Excellent weather nationwide. | Low | Warm but not hot (25-30°C). Comfortable for sightseeing. |
| September (before Golden Week) | The best travel month. Golden weather, low crowds before Oct 1. | Low | Perfect — 20-28°C, low humidity, clear skies. |
| Late October – November (post-Golden Week) | Crowds disperse. Autumn foliage peaks. Hotel prices return to normal. | Low | Crisp autumn air (10-20°C). Best season for photography. |
What to Book and When — Holiday Planning Timeline
Timing is everything when traveling during Chinese holidays. Here is the exact timeline:
- 2-3 months before — Book hotels (prices start climbing), international flights, and any limited-capacity attraction tickets (Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves).
- 30 days before — Confirm all hotel reservations. Make restaurant reservations for popular dinner spots.
- 15 days before — Set alarms for 8:00 AM Beijing time. Train tickets for your travel dates go on sale exactly 15 days in advance. Use Trip.com or 12306. Have passenger details saved and payment ready.
- 7 days before — Download offline maps. Charge portable batteries. Download entertainment for potential waiting time.
- 1-3 days before — Re-check all reservations. Screenshot confirmations (signal can be unreliable in crowded areas).
Holiday Experiences Worth Planning Around
Not all holiday impacts are negative. Some experiences are unique and worth seeking out:
- Temple fairs during Spring Festival — Beijing's Ditan Park and Shanghai's Chenghuang Miao host massive fairs with traditional acts, food stalls selling candied hawthorn (bingtanghulu), and handmade crafts. Entry is usually free or under $3.
- Dragon boat races on the Dragon Boat Festival — The Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament draws teams from 20+ countries. Watching from the Pearl River banks with a zongzi in hand is pure cultural immersion.
- Moon-viewing at West Lake during Mid-Autumn — Three Pools Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月) is the iconic spot. Lanterns float on the lake, and families picnic on the shores. It is genuinely beautiful.
- Lantern Festival displays — 15 days after Chinese New Year. Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, the ancient city of Xi'an, and Nanjing's Confucius Temple area transform into seas of glowing, handcrafted lanterns.
- Qingming spring outings — Cherry blossoms in Wuhan (Wuhan University campus) and Hangzhou's West Lake are in full bloom. Kite flying is a traditional Qingming activity — join locals in any large park.
Avoid vs Experience: Which Holidays Should You Plan Around?
Not all Chinese holidays hit travelers the same way. Here is the honest breakdown — which ones to avoid if you want quiet sightseeing, and which ones to seek out if you want a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
| Holiday | Crowd Level | Hotel Prices | Avoid If… | Experience If… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Festival | 🔴 Extreme (9B trips) | +50-100% | You want empty temples and easy train tickets | You want fireworks, temple fairs, and the most spectacular Chinese holiday atmosphere |
| National Day Golden Week | 🔴 Extreme (900M trips) | +50-300% | You plan to visit major attractions like the Great Wall or Zhangjiajie | You're flexible, book 2-3 months ahead, and pick off-the-beaten-path destinations |
| Labor Day (May 1-5) | 🟠 Heavy | +30-80% | You're visiting scenic spots near big cities | You head to less crowded regions like Yunnan or Guizhou |
| Dragon Boat Festival | 🟡 Moderate | +10-30% | You dislike heat and humidity in June | You want to watch dragon boat races — especially in Guangzhou |
| Qingming Festival | 🟢 Light | +5-15% | — (it's a good time to travel) | You want spring blossoms, kite festivals, and mild weather |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 🟢 Light | +5-15% | — (it's a good time to travel) | You want moon-viewing, lantern displays, and autumn perfection |
| New Year's Day | 🟢 Light | +5% | — (no real impact) | You're already in a big city for the countdown |
Holiday × City Guide: Where to Be for Each Festival
Each Chinese festival has its own "capital" — the city where the celebration is most spectacular. Use this to turn a holiday from a headache into a highlight:
| Holiday | Best Cities | What You'll See | Plan With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Festival | Beijing (Ditan Temple Fair), Xi'an (city wall lanterns), Harbin (Ice & Snow Festival overlaps in Jan-Feb) | Red lanterns, fireworks, temple fairs, dragon dances | Beijing guide · Xi'an guide |
| Qingming | Hangzhou (West Lake spring), Wuhan (cherry blossoms), Yangshuo (Li River cycling) | Cherry blossoms, kite flying, spring greenery | Hangzhou guide · Guilin guide |
| Dragon Boat | Guangzhou (international race), Foshan, Miluo (festival birthplace) | Dragon boat racing, zongzi dumplings, mugwort traditions | Guangzhou guide |
| Mid-Autumn | Hangzhou (West Lake moon-viewing), Shanghai (Bund moon over Pudong), Xi'an (ancient wall lanterns) | Mooncakes, lantern displays, full-moon reflections | Hangzhou guide · Shanghai guide |
| Golden Week | Less-crowded alternatives: Western Sichuan, Fujian coast, Qinghai | Autumn scenery without the human waves | Skip Zhangjiajie and Badaling — go off-grid instead |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are attractions open during Chinese holidays? Yes. Major attractions — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors — all operate normally. Some smaller museums may adjust hours. Always check official reservation platforms for specific opening times.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance during holidays? Absolutely required. During Golden Week and Spring Festival, popular routes sell out within minutes of release. Do not show up at the station expecting to buy same-day tickets — you will be stranded.
Are restaurants open during Spring Festival? Some are, some are not. Chinese chain hotels usually have their restaurants open. Shopping mall food courts in larger cities tend to stay open. Many independent local restaurants close for 3-10 days, but tourist-oriented restaurants in Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin, and Lijiang typically operate normally because they rely on holiday visitors.
Is Golden Week worth visiting? If you plan carefully, yes. Pick less-visited destinations (Western Sichuan, Fujian coast, Qinghai), avoid the October 1-3 peak, book everything in advance, and embrace the energy rather than fighting it. If you want quiet sightseeing with empty temples, choose a different week.
What about Hong Kong and Macau during Golden Week? Both are busy but manageable. Mainland Chinese tourists visit in large numbers, but the cities have good infrastructure to handle crowds. Hotel prices increase 30-60%.
When is Chinese New Year in 2027? Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) falls on February 6, 2027 (Year of the Goat). The official holiday period is expected to run approximately February 5-11, with the travel rush starting around January 20. Official dates are announced by the State Council in late 2026.
Is China closed during Spring Festival? No — but it changes. Tourist attractions, major hotels, and chain restaurants stay open. Many small local restaurants close for 3-10 days. Cities partially empty as migrant workers go home, and temple fairs become the center of activity. It's a wonderful time to experience Chinese culture if you plan ahead.
How early should I book train tickets for Golden Week? Tickets go on sale exactly 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM Beijing time, and popular routes sell out within minutes. Book the moment they're released — set an alarm. For hotels, book 2-3 months ahead during Golden Week.
Which Chinese holiday is best for tourists? Qingming (April 4-6 in 2026) and Mid-Autumn (September 25-27 in 2026) are the best holidays for tourists: mild weather, light crowds, and rich cultural experiences. September is the single best month to visit China overall.
What happens if I travel during Golden Week without bookings? You risk being stranded: trains sold out, hotels at 2-3x prices or full, and major attractions at capacity by 10 AM. Always book train tickets 15 days in advance and hotels 2-3 months ahead.
About This Guide & Data Sources
Last updated: August 2, 2026. We review and update this guide whenever the State Council announces official dates.
Primary data source: China State Council official holiday announcements (gov.cn). 2026 dates are official. 2027 and 2028 dates are estimates based on the Chinese lunar calendar; we will update them within 48 hours of the official announcement.
About ChinaWander: This guide is written by the ChinaWander travel content team, a group of experienced China travel planners who research destinations, transportation, and cultural events on the ground. We combine official government data with first-hand traveler insights to give you accurate, actionable travel advice.
For personalized planning, use our AI trip planner to build a custom itinerary, or check our Best Time to Visit China guide for season-by-season recommendations. For transportation, our high-speed rail guide covers booking trains during peak periods.