China Public Holidays 2026: Full Calendar & Travel Guide

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China Public Holidays 2026

Planning your travel in 2026? Whether you're heading home for family reunions or seeking quiet holiday escapes, this guide breaks down all the official public holidays in China — plus leave strategies and destination ideas to make the most of your time off.

2026 China Public Holidays Overview

Here’s the confirmed list of national holidays in Mainland China for 2026. Some include "weekend shifting" to create longer breaks — perfect for travel planning!

Holiday

Dates

Make-up Work Days

New Year's Day

January 1 - 3, 2026

January 4, 2026

Spring Festival

February 15 - 23, 2026

February 14 & 28, 2026

Qingming Festival

April 4 - 6, 2026

No make-up arrangements

Labor Day

May 1 - 5, 2026

May 9, 2026

Dragon Boat Festival

June 19 - 21, 2026

No make-up arrangements

Mid-Autumn Festival

September 25 - 27, 2026

No make-up arrangements

National Day

October 1 - 7, 2026

September 20 & October 10, 2026

Cheapest Flights to China
Best 20 China Hotels with Discounts

How to Maximize Your China Holidays: Smart Leave Strategies for Extended Breaks

Want to turn 3–5 day holidays into extended getaways? Here’s how you can plan your leaves for maximum time off:

Holiday

Predicted Public Holiday Dates

Recommended Leave Dates

Total Vacation Duration

Strategy Tip

New Year's Day​

Thu, Jan 1

Fri, Jan 2

4 days (Jan 1 - 4)

Take 1 day for a 4-day weekend.

Chinese New Year​

Mon, Feb 16 - Wed, Feb 18 (3-day core)

Thu, Feb 19 - Fri, Feb 20

10 days​ (Feb 13 - 22)

Add 2 days after the holiday to avoid the return rush.

Qingming Festival​

Sat, Apr 4 - Mon, Apr 6

Tue, Apr 7 - Fri, Apr 10

9 days​ (Apr 4 - 12)

Use 4 days off for a 9-day break.

Labour Day​

Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 3

Mon, May 4 - Tue, May 5

5 days​ (May 1 - 5)

A simple 2-day extension creates a solid break.

Dragon Boat Festival​

Thu, Jun 18 - Sat, Jun 20

Mon, Jun 21 - Fri, Jun 24

9 days​ (Jun 18 - 26)

Bridge the following weekend with 4 leave days.

Mid-Autumn Festival​

Sun, Sep 17 - Tue, Sep 19 (concurrent with National Day?)

TBD (See National Day)

TBD

May be combined with National Day for a super holiday.

National Day​

Thu, Oct 1 - Sun, Oct 4 (core)

Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 7

10 days​ (Oct 1 - 10)

If separate from Mid-Autumn, use 3 days for a 10-day break.

National Day "Golden Week"​

Sat, Sep 26 - Sun, Oct 10 (if combined)

Mon, Oct 11 - Fri, Oct 15

16 days​ (Sep 26 - Oct 11)

If combined, this becomes the ultimate vacation window.

China Holidays Travel Essentials

✅Get a local SIM card or reliable eSIM data plan to stay connected in China!

Where to go during China Holidays: Mainland China Travel Guide

Recommended City Travel Guide

China Public Holidays 2026– New Year's Day (January 1)

The first day of the year is a one-day holiday. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai often host countdown parties and fireworks, though many people prefer quiet gatherings or short trips.

Travel Tip: Visit Harbin for its famous Ice and Snow Festival — perfect for winter lovers.

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Flights to Harbin

  • One way
  • Round-trip
      • direct cheapest
        PKX14:55
        2h 15m
        Nonstop
        HRB17:10
        Beijing - Harbin|Tue, Jul 28|Beijing Capital Airlines
        MYR 254
        MYR 286
        11% off
        Search
        11% off
        MYR 286
        MYR 254
      • BJS13:00
        2h 15m
        Nonstop
        HRB14:00
        Beijing - Harbin|Mon, Sep 6|Normal Airline
        Find more flights
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Source: Lewis Zhao/ unsplash Join a countdown party on New Year’s Eve to enjoy fireworks displays and pop concerts!

Source: Lewis Zhao/ unsplash

Join a countdown party on New Year’s Eve to enjoy fireworks displays and pop concerts!

China Public Holidays 2026 – Spring Festival (February 15 - February 23)

China’s most important holiday. Millions travel to reunite with families. Traditions include:

  • Reunion dinner with dumplings or tangyuan
  • Red envelopes for children
  • Fireworks, temple fairs, and TV galas

Travel Tip: Most people return home — if you stay in the city, enjoy peaceful parks and empty streets.

Source: Matthieu Joannon/ unsplash Making and eating dumplings is a very popular Spring Festival tradition in China!

Source: Matthieu Joannon/ unsplash

Making and eating dumplings is a very popular Spring Festival tradition in China!

China Public Holidays 2026 – Qingming Festival (April 4-6)

Known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. People honor ancestors and enjoy outdoor springtime activities like hiking or kite flying.

Travel Tip: Head to Chengdu for its laid-back vibe and world-class Sichuan cuisine.

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Flights to Chengdu

  • One way
  • Round-trip
      • direct cheapest
        PVG21:30
        3h 25m
        Nonstop
        CTU00:55
        Shanghai - Chengdu|Mon, Jul 20|Air China
        MYR 393
        MYR 442
        11% off
        Search
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        MYR 442
        MYR 393
      • SHA13:00
        3h 25m
        Nonstop
        CTU14:00
        Shanghai - Chengdu|Mon, Sep 6|Normal Airline
        Find more flights
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Source: Jens Aber/ unsplash During the Qingming Festival, families would visit their ancestors’ tombs to present offerings and clean up the gravesites.

Source: Jens Aber/ unsplash

During the Qingming Festival, families would visit their ancestors’ tombs to present offerings and clean up the gravesites.

China Public Holidays 2026 – Labor Day (May 1-5)

Labor Day, also known as May Day, is a day dedicated to the achievements and contributions of workers to society. It was established as a national holiday in 1949 by the People’s Republic of China. Many Chinese celebrate this event by meeting friends, visiting theaters, traveling or joining any activities they enjoy. Do grab this opportunity to explore new places in China!

Travel Tip: Suzhou’s water towns offer a slower pace with gardens, canals, and classic architecture.

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Shantang Street

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Source: Yannes Kiefer/ unsplash Labor Day is dedicated to the achievements and contributions of workers to society

Source: Yannes Kiefer/ unsplash

Labor Day is dedicated to the achievements and contributions of workers to society

China Public Holidays 2026 – Dragon Boat Festival (June 19 - June 21)

Commemorates poet Qu Yuan. Celebrate with:

  • Dragon boat races
  • Sticky rice dumplings (zongzi)
  • Cultural performances
Source: Mae Mu/ unsplash Both sweet and savory glutinous rice dumplings are must-haves during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Source: Mae Mu/ unsplash

Both sweet and savory glutinous rice dumplings are must-haves during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Recommanded Travel Destinations on Dragon Boat Festival:

#1 Yalong Bay: Book a sunny break in Sanya, Hainan Island for beach resorts and seafood feasts.

4.7/5
796 reviews
5/5
It's great to take a deep breath in Yalong Bay. It's great.
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5/5
We are coming here on a regular basis and had try already 4 Hotels 🏨 We love the great beach 🏖️ and the fresh air here ❤️
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4/5
I stayed at Huayu near Yalong Bay for 3 nights. I will give an objective and realistic evaluation. I read a lot of reviews before choosing a hotel. This hotel in Yalong Bay is very cost-effective, and I often see reviews about free upgrades. So when I checked in, I asked if I could upgrade, but I was told that I needed to add one night. I gave up. But it met the requirements of a high floor. There was a musty and damp smell when I entered the room. There were many mold spots on the walls, furniture and bathroom. The faucet of the sink was shaking, and the bathtub plug needed to be pulled out manually. The table lamp and the spotlight above the bed did not light up. The telephone on the bedside table was broken, and the bedside clock had no power. The balcony door had poor contact and often could not be closed, resulting in the air conditioner not turning on. There was only one bathrobe, and the shower room was leaking. After taking a shower, the area outside the shower door was a water stain, and there was no footrest towel.
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4/5
A long sandy beach with many water activities. I think one of the best beaches on Sanya. The nearby area is very convenient and full of shops and cafes as well,
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5/5
Yalongbei is a paradise for beach lovers! Snow–white sand, turquoise water, palm trees - everything is as in the picture. Comfortable hotels, delicious food, affordable prices. The downside is that it's crowded. But if you come to the beach early, you can enjoy the peace and beauty. Be sure to take a boat ride to the neighboring islands and visit the pearl farm. An unforgettable vacation!
review picture

#2 Yuehe Historic District: Taste Jiaxing authentic fresh pork zongzi, and strolling along the acient street.

4.6/5
106 reviews
5/5
Yuehe Historical Street is a well-preserved, vibrant old street in Jiaxing's old city. Named for its picturesque scenery, "the city embraced by water, the river bends like the moon," it retains the layout of a Jiangnan water town from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China. Three rivers intersect, streets and waterways are intertwined, bluestone paths extend along the waterways, and red lanterns hang from the eaves of wooden houses. Its atmosphere is more bustling than Nanxun, and more tranquil than Xitang. The street features everyday Jiaxing life: zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) shops, sauce shops, and flower and bird markets, as well as bars and creative cultural stores. There's no entrance fee, and the food is reasonably priced. It only gets a bit crowded on holidays, making it an excellent place to experience the local Jiaxing atmosphere.
review picture
5/5
Jiaxing's 5A-level scenic spot has a very beautiful night view. It is very close to the Nanhu Scenic Area and is very crowded with tourists, making it very lively.
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5/5
It is one of the few tourist attractions in the city. The night view is really nice. I recommend it. A place where you can feel the charm of old southern China.
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#3 Li River: enjoy misty river vies on bamboo raft, join villagers in Guilin to fold Zongzi by yourself.

4.3/5
378 reviews
5/5
Amazing would do again very nice, 4 people in each rafting!
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4/5
I enjoyed this activity on a rather hot day; the breeze and the scenery were very satisfying.
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5/5
We had to go through a little quest to get printed tickets. From Yangshuo train station, we took a shuttle to Xingping train station for 5 yuan. From there, we had to walk about 500 meters down the street to a small shop (I think it's the second-to-last one on the right before the intersection), scan a QR code from a nice girl, and only then walk further down the street to the Tourist Center, where we could get our tickets from a kind woman at the window. Then we called a taxi for 9 yuan and took it to the pier. You can leave your luggage in a storage locker; we had a suitcase, so we paid 30 yuan via WeChat. The rafting itself was great. 👍🏻 The views are stunning 🥰
review picture
5/5
Amazing trip, magnificent scenery 🤩 I prefer this type of boat to see the beautiful Li River, instead of the big boats. Being alone, I had to wait for other people to board; the raft needs to be full, meaning four people. In my case, I waited less than 10 minutes.
review picture
5/5
The scenery is very beautiful. Surprisingly, there were no people to board, so we had to pay for the entire raft.
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China Public Holidays - Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept 25 – Sept 27)

Traditions:

  • Lantern displays
  • Mooncake gifting
  • Family reunions under the full moon

Recommended Travel Destinations on Mid-Autumn Festival

1. Hangzhou, Zhejiang

  • Highlight: "West Lake on the 15th of October" is not as good as "West Lake on the Mid-Autumn Night". Boating on West Lake, one can enjoy the breathtaking scenes of "Autumn Moon over Flat Lake" and "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon". The moon in the sky and the moon in the water complement each other, creating an unparalleled artistic conception.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival activities: Besides moon-gazing, you can also taste West Lake lotus root starch and Longjing tea, and experience seasonal lake crabs in Hangzhou cuisine.
4.7/5
3172 reviews
5/5
One of the best shows I have ever attended in my life. The organization was excellent, the performance was amazing and very entertaining, and the lighting effects were absolutely spectacular. Highly recommended!
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5/5
A lovely show! The lighting, singing, and dancing were very well done. A very enjoyable time.
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5/5
romantic and poetic atmosphere. perfect for a walk or a boat ride
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4/5
If you used to like watching the Legend of the White Snake movies, you'll definitely feel nostalgic about this pagoda. The view is very beautiful. From the pagoda to the boat dock you still have to walk about 900m, which is around 15-20 minutes.
review picture
5/5
We are all searching for a place to call home, forgetting that true home is where the heart finds peace. A lifetime of self-cultivation is nothing more than the process of finding inner peace. Journeys are short, life is long. Short trips are our repeated attempts to find our true home. We search for familiar flavors in unfamiliar cities, for solace on foreign streets. We discover that home is not a fixed place, but a state of mind. Life is long, meaning we must cultivate this inner peace throughout these long years. No matter where we are, no matter what we encounter, we can maintain inner peace and joy. The paths we walk ultimately lead back to our inner selves. Travel is an outward pursuit, while life is an inward settlement. Journeys are short, life is long; may we all find our inner peace.
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2. Guilin, Guangxi

  • Highlight: "The landscape of Guilin is the best under heaven." On the Mid-Autumn night, take a boat on the Li River to enjoy the moon, watching the moonlight fall on the karst peaks and the ripples of the Li River, just like a Chinese ink-wash painting.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival activities: Xiangshan Park and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area are usually the official venues for moon-gazing events, with a strong atmosphere.
4.4/5
1191 reviews
5/5
A very pleasant cruise that lasted about three hours. The scenery along the Li River is magnificent. The quality of service on board the boat was also excellent. Dylan helped us throughout the trip by answering our questions. The cruise ends near Yangshuo, so if you have booked a hotel in Xingping Old Town, you will still need to drive for about an hour.
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4/5
Very chill boat ride - it’s nice as a solo traveler you get out on a table with others which makes it more social ! My ONLY negative is the speaker need fixing !
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5/5
The scenery was amazing and the ship was so comfortable. Everything in the canteen costs 20RMB because of the main scenery meant to be seen is the 20RMB mountains 🤣. Quite corny I must say. The map was accurate, and the whole list of mountains was worth the amount
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4/5
Very relaxing and exceptional service. Good value for money
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5/5
Very pleasant experience! The ship was nice, with good food and beverages on board. The landscapes are really beautiful and interesting. Totally recommended.
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China Public Holidays 2026 – National Day (Oct 1- Oct 7)

This “Golden Week” is China’s longest public holiday which marks the founding of the People’s Republic.

To help you plan your perfect trip, here's our Golden Week travel guide to China's top cities:

Golden Week in Shanghai: Top Attractions & Festival Activities

Shanghai is fast, flashy, and full of contrast. From high-rise towers to old-world charm, this is where you’ll find some of China’s best Golden Week photo spots, street snacks, and scenic walks—all in one trip.

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Bund Sightseeing: Huangpu River Cruise

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Golden Week in Beijing: Top Attractions & Festival Activities

If you want to walk through the heart of China’s imperial history, nowhere beats Beijing. This city offers ancient palaces, towering gates, and stone-paved courtyards—all set against a modern skyline.

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The Palace Museum Tickets

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Opening hours: 08:30-16:30(Admission ends at 15:30) | Duration:0.5-1 day

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Golden Week in Xi'an: Top Attractions & Festival Activities

Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in China, and during Golden Week, it puts on show—light displays on the city wall, performances in the old town, and food markets running late into the night.

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Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum Tickets

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Opening hours: 08:30-18:30(Admission ends at 17:00) | Duration:4-5 hours

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Golden Week in Chengdu: Top Attractions & Festival Activities

Chengdu brings together everything people love about southwest China: adorable pandas, historic temples, slow mornings, and streets full of tea and tradition. Golden Week here feels festive but never rushed.

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Wuhou Shrine Tickets

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Source: Alexander Schimmeck/ unsplash The National Day Holiday is a week-long holiday that takes place on the first week of October every year

Source: Alexander Schimmeck/ unsplash

The National Day Holiday is a week-long holiday that takes place on the first week of October every year

Other China Holidays 2026

In addition to the official public holidays, China also has several other festivals which are celebrated informally.

Lantern Festival (Mar 3)

The Chinese Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the lunar month, and it marks the end of the Spring Festival celebrations. On this day, people carry intricate lanterns and solve riddles on lanterns.

Qixi Festival (August 19)

Qixi Festival, also known as Qiqiao Festival, falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, and it is considered the Chinese Valentine’s Day. This festival is closely associated with the romantic mythology about the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

Double Ninth Festival (October 29)

The Double Ninth Festival takes place on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, and it is closely associated with the concept of yin and yang. This date is believed to be a very auspicious day, and common activities include climbing mountains and drinking chrysanthemum liquor.
Source: Yang Yu/ unsplash Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with some Chrysanthemum liquor!

Source: Yang Yu/ unsplash

Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with some Chrysanthemum liquor!

FAQs about China Holiday 2026

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Jeffery

Jeffery

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Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better.

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