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

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        PKX6:55 AM
        2h
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        HRB8:55 AM
        Beijing - Harbin|Fri, Jul 3|Air China
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        HRB14:00
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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

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  • Round-trip
      • direct cheapest
        PVG9:25 PM
        3h 10m
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        CTU12:35 AM
        Shanghai - Chengdu|Wed, Jul 1|Chengdu Airlines
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        AU$186
        11% off
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        AU$165
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        3h 10m
        Nonstop
        CTU14:00
        Shanghai - Chengdu|Mon, Sep 6|Normal Airline
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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
801 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!
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#2 Yuehe Historic District: Taste Jiaxing authentic fresh pork zongzi, and strolling along the acient street.

4.6/5
110 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.
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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
385 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.
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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
3181 reviews
5/5
Three days in Hangzhou, and now I finally understand why it has been called “Paradise on Earth” for centuries.My journey began at West Lake, where willow trees sway gently over emerald waters and elegant stone bridges seem to belong in a Chinese painting. Whether cruising across the lake or strolling along Su Causeway, every corner felt effortlessly beautiful.IN77 buzzed with modern energy, atypical of shopping malls.As night fell, Hangzhou revealed a different side, while Wulin Night Market came alive with street food, and the irresistible aroma of local snacks—a perfect blend of old and new.The next day, I wandered through Hefang Street, where traditional architecture and centuries of history transport you back to ancient Hangzhou. The evening ended with West Lake Impression, a breathtaking outdoor performance where water, music, and light transform the lake itself into a stage.My final day was perhaps the most memorable. Nestled among forested hills, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak offered a peaceful escape filled with ancient grottoes, incense, and quiet reflection. To end the journey, I experienced 杭州宮宴 (Hangzhou Gongyan), an immersive Han culture food theatre combining exquisite cuisine, elegant dance, and storytelling. It felt less like dinner and more like stepping into a living history book.Hangzhou isn’t just a city—it’s poetry in motion, where nature, culture, and history blend seamlessly together. Three days barely scratched the surface, but they were enough to leave me wanting to return.📍Highlights:West Lake • IN77 • Wulin Night Market • Hefang Street • West Lake Impression • Lingyin Temple • Feilai Peak • 杭州宮宴#Hangzhou #WestLake #ChinaTravel #HangzhouGongyan #TravelChina
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5/5
Graduation trips are the brightest memories of youth. My best friends and I saved up our allowance, squeezed onto trains, stayed in budget guesthouses, shared a bed and chatted all night, took silly group photos at tourist attractions, and laughed more than anyone else while trying to save money on street food. We saw the same scenery, braved the same downpours, and shouted our hopes for the future together from the mountaintop. These crazy days together have become warm memories that I'll never forget.
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4/5
The lake is very large. We arrived on a dusty day, so the sky wasn't very clear. There were many activities to do, including boat trips, dressing up in traditional Chinese costumes for photos, and strolling around.
review picture
5/5
I'd long heard the saying, "Of the thirty-six West Lakes in the world, Hangzhou's is the best," but only after experiencing it firsthand did I truly understand the weight of that statement. In spring, strolling slowly along the Su Causeway, peach and willow trees line both banks, and a gentle breeze sends petals falling into the lake, creating delicate ripples. Standing on the Broken Bridge, gazing at Leifeng Pagoda, the misty willows shroud the lake's surface, and the distant mountains appear as pale ink tones. Even sitting casually on a bench, feeling the breeze, is incredibly comforting. Renting a small boat and drifting to the center of the lake, the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon stone pagoda stands serenely in the middle, making even your breathing slow down. There's no overly commercialized crowds, only the timeless poetic charm of Jiangnan, well worth taking your time to explore.
review picture
5/5
I've loved traveling for so many years, not to show off where I've been, but simply because I love the feeling of being refreshed each time I return. I leave my bad moods behind on the road and fill my pockets with fresh joy. Every journey is a mini-escape, and every return is a fresh start. Having seen more of the world, my heart is filled with more scenery, and I face life's storms with more composure and courage. This is the best gift travel has given me.
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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
1190 reviews
5/5
The cruise was incredible, especially the scenery towards Yangshuo. I was debating between the 4-star and 3-star options, and the 3-star cruise was really good, with delicious food and very comfortable seats.
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5/5
This cruise on the Li River is a marvel. The journey begins at an exceptional visitor center, from which the dock is easily found. The entire trip is spectacular. The views are breathtaking. You're also welcomed aboard the boat in traditional regional attire with tea and sweets. It's undoubtedly an experience not to be missed when traveling to the Guilin region.
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5/5
I enjoyed a dinner on a cruise ship with the best scenery. It couldn't have been better.
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5/5
Beautiful scenery along the way
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5/5
Beautiful trip! I recommend choosing the option to pick you up. They come early, but the trip to the wharf is long and we arrived just on time to take the boat.
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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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Opening hours: 09:00-18:00(Admission ends at 17:00) | Duration:2-3 hours

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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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