China Public Holidays 2026: Calendar, Full List & Major Festivals
Planning a trip to China in 2026? China's public holidays can affect flight and train availability, hotel prices and how busy popular attractions are. This guide covers the official 2026 public holiday dates, key travel periods and practical tips to help you plan your trip with fewer surprises.
China Public Holidays Calendar for 2026
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!
| Date | Day(s) of Week | Public Holiday | Total Holiday Duration | Make-up Work Day(s) |
1–3 Jan | Thu–Sat | New Year's Day | 3 days | Sun, 4 Jan |
15–23 Feb | Sun–Mon | Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | 9 days | Sat, 14 Feb & Sat, 28 Feb |
4–6 Apr | Sat–Mon | Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) | 3 days | - |
1–5 May | Fri–Tue | Labour Day | 5 days | Sat, 9 May |
19–21 Jun | Fri–Sun | Dragon Boat Festival | 3 days | - |
25–27 Sep | Fri–Sun | Mid-Autumn Festival | 3 days | - |
1–7 Oct | Thu–Wed | National Day (Golden Week) | 7 days | Sun, 20 Sep & Sat, Sat, 10 Oct |
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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 Holiday Duration | Strategy Tip |
New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | None (or Mon, 5 Jan) | 3 days (1-3 Jan) | Take 1 day for a 4-day weekend. |
Chinese New Year | Sun, 15 Feb – Mon, 23 Feb | Tue, 24 Feb – Fri, 27 Feb | 9 days → 13 days (15-27 Feb) | Add 4 days after the holiday to avoid the return rush. |
Qingming Festival | Sat, 4 Apr – Mon, 6 Apr | Tue, 7 Apr – Fri, 10 Apr | 3 days → 9 days (4-12 Apr) | Use 4 days off for a 9-day break. |
Labour Day | Fri, 1 May – Tue, 5 May | Mon, 6 May – Fri, 8 May | 5 days → 9-10 days (1-10 May) | A simple 3-day extension creates a solid break. |
Dragon Boat Festival | Fri, 19 Jun – Sun, 21 Jun | Mon, 22 Jun – Tue, 23 Jun | 3 days → 5-7 days (19-27 Jun) | Take 2 days off after the holiday (22nd-23rd) to connect with the next weekend and form a 7-day holiday. |
Fri, 25 Sep – Sun, 27 Sep | Mon, 28 Sep – Wed, 30 Sep | 3 days → 13 days (25 Sep - 7 Oct) | Combine the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day by taking 3 days off (28–30 Sep) for a 13-day extended break (25 Sep – 7 Oct). | |
Thu, 1 Oct – Wed, 7 Oct | Mon, 28 Sep – Wed, 30 Sep | 7 days → 12 days (25 Sep - 7 Oct) |
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China Public Holidays and Major Celebrations in 2026
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.
Harbin Ice-Snow World
4.4/5
8284 Reviews
Beautiful, magnificent, and a daring challenge to the cold.€34
Flights to Harbin
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PEK06:552hDirectHRB08:55Beijing - Harbin|Wed, Oct 14|Grand China Airlines€55€6110% offBook10% off€61€55 
BJS13:002hDirectHRB14:00Beijing - Harbin|Mon, Sep 6|Normal AirlineFind more flightsFind more flights
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!
China Public Holidays 2026: Qingming Festival (April 4-6)
Known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. People honour 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.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
4.6/5
25143 Reviews
The pandas are so sweet and laid-back; we arrived just before they opened and caught them feeding. The grounds are large, but we all walked and saw most of the animals without waiting in line. I highly recommend visiting! No one will remain indifferent to these adorable creatures!€7
Flights to Chengdu
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PVG21:253h 10mDirectCTU00:35Shanghai - Chengdu|Sun, Oct 4|Chengdu Airlines€65€7210% offBook10% off€72€65 
SHA13:003h 10mDirectCTU14:00Shanghai - Chengdu|Mon, Sep 6|Normal AirlineFind more flightsFind more flights
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: Labour Day (May 1-5)
Labour 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 theatres, travelling 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.
Shantang Street
4.4/5
824 Reviews
The scenery is beautiful, and it is nice to see views that can only be seen by taking a boat. Also, if you have sore legs from walking a lot during the day, being able to sit and rest for a few tens of minutes while enjoying the view seems like a big advantage.
Source: Yannes Kiefer/ unsplash
Labour 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 savoury glutinous rice dumplings are must-haves during the Dragon Boat Festival.
Recommended 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
762 reviews
5/5
It's great to take a deep breath in Yalong Bay. It's great.
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 ❤️
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.
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,
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!
#2 Yuehe Historic District: Taste Jiaxing authentic fresh pork zongzi, and stroll along the ancient street.
4.6/5
102 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.
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.
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.
#3 Li River: enjoy misty river views on bamboo raft, join villagers in Guilin to fold Zongzi by yourself.
4.4/5
366 reviews
5/5
Really cool experience. The tour is also quite long (one hour I believe), really worth the money. The view is also amazing, with the view of the mountains on the 20 chinese yuan bill.
5/5
A pleasant walk with stunning views. The engine noise is practically unobtrusive. I highly recommend it.
5/5
An excellent bamboo rafting experience! Our captain was superb, steering the raft carefully and stopping so we could take pictures. The views were simply stunning!!! We highly recommend this activity.
5/5
Incredible and exotic activity, I loved it! I highly recommend this activity. The scenery was beautiful, the temperature was good, the service was high quality, I enjoyed this place.
5/5
Great cruise and service. Make sure you include the exact address in the description! I was afraid I wouldn't find a place big enough for an e-bike, nor a marina.
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
3070 reviews
5/5
A photo is worth a thousand words…
4/5
The instruc for departure point were not that helpful. An exact map/grid coordinates would have helped as few of the signs inside the park have English translations. We found someone who accepted our tickets and were on our way. The cruise round the lake was lovely. Very peaceful and beautiful views of the larger landmarks (the temples/pagodas). It was a trip right around the lake arriving back at the same pier about 35 minutes later.
5/5
I think this place is super nicely designed, the staff is super nice and helpful pretty much with anything. We took a cab to arrive at the guesthouse and had no trouble finding it. It is a bit uphill so make sure to take the cab to arrive at the spot. A very special tea class is available for purchase, we recommend it for sure… Be ready to have a nice time here! :)
5/5
Seeing Shanghai's financial heart from this tower is the most exhilarating experience. Walking beneath the glass, you feel like you're flying. Thrilling! The tower is absolutely beautiful at night, changing colors, and inside you can descend in a light elevator. There are also other attractions inside the tower that are incredibly exciting. They sell so many trinkets that you'll want to buy them all. There are also tiny, beautiful towers that you can even put in your refrigerator. There are so many lovely souvenirs from Shanghai to take home. The buildings and the river below light up and change color. It's a marvelous nighttime spectacle. A splendor that fills you with joy. The view from that beautiful observation deck makes you feel like you're in heaven, as you're over two hundred meters high. Your ears might feel like they're going to burst, but you'll get used to it. Don't miss this light show; it's one of the most beautiful experiences I'll take away from this tower and from Shanghai.
5/5
Definitely worth it. One of the iconic places to visit in Hangzhou and you can only reach the island by boat. The pier was easy to find and boats leave every few minutes so very convenient.
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.
4.5/5
1295 reviews5/5
The view is absolutely stunning. Enjoy the dreamlike scenery all to yourself from the river! It was very hot in September, but the boat was comfortably air-conditioned. The cabins have large windows, allowing you to enjoy the view even from a cooler spot. Finally, I recommend adding the Guilin city transfer. The port is quite a distance from the city center. However, the arrival point is right in front of the tourist attractions, so you can enjoy them immediately!
5/5
The boat trip through this beautiful and impressive landscape was an absolute highlight for me. There was plenty of space in the assigned seat, and besides, you spend most of the time on deck taking photos and videos anyway. The service on board was excellent. The hotel pick-up by bus also went perfectly. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!
4/5
Good experience, the food is plentiful and the accommodation is adequate
4/5
The ship was clean and well-maintained, and the crew was friendly. The attraction is worth it, with magnificent views of the landscape, a must-see.
5/5
It's very nice. They're sofa seats that comfortably fit three people and have plenty of space. It's true that four and a half hours feels long, but the scenery is beautiful. However, I recommend that if you want to do this activity, don't include transportation and go directly to the dock with a Didi; it would save you a lot of time. In my case, they picked me up at 7:30 and we didn't board until 10:30.
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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The Bund
4.8/5
5959 Reviews
I really enjoyed the excursion. My husband and grandson and I went. There was a great variety: crayfish, mussels, meat dishes, noodles, vegetables, and fruits. Everything was deliciously prepared, and they offered tea. There was a short concert on the second deck, which I really enjoyed. The views with the night lighting were stunning. I recommend this excursion.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.
The Palace Museum
4.9/5
47426 Reviews
The Forbidden City is impressive in its scale—the architecture is incredible, and you can feel its history at every step.
You could easily walk around the grounds all day, but from personal experience, three hours is plenty of time to leisurely see everything, savor the details, and avoid getting sore feet. The most important advice is to definitely book tickets for the morning shift. It's easier to breathe in the morning, there are fewer people, and the sun isn't as hot yet. A wonderful place, a must-see in Beijing!€13
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.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
4.7/5
29704 Reviews
The army is beautiful but the environment around make me enjoy less the terracotta army€16
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.
Chengdu Wuhou Shrine Museum
4.6/5
5394 Reviews
Definitely worth a visit for anyone who has even a passing interest in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, or if you just enjoy traditional Chinese architecture. English audio guides are available and work well. Even as busy as it was with the holiday, it didn't feel extremely crowded and seeing everything was not difficult. Good places for photography in the garden if you feel like dressing up. Give yourself around 2 hours for this visit.€7
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 Important Chinese Festivals in 2026
Lantern Festival (3 Mar)
Qixi Festival (19 Aug)
Double Ninth Festival (18 Oct)
Source: Yang Yu/ unsplash
Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with some Chrysanthemum alcohol!
FAQ – China Public Holidays 2026
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What are the public holidays in China in 2026?
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When is China's Golden Week in 2026?
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