China Public Holidays 2026: Calendar, Full List & Major Festivals
Planning a trip to China in 2027? China's public holidays can affect flight and train availability, hotel prices and how busy popular attractions are. This guide covers the official 2027 public holiday dates, key travel periods and practical tips to help you plan your trip with fewer surprises.
China Public Holidays Calendar for 2027
Here's the confirmed list of national holidays in Mainland China for 20276. Some include "weekend shifting" to create longer breaks — perfect for travel planning!
China Public Holidays in 2027: Month-by-Month Calendar
Book your China hotels, flights, and train tickets early this holiday season as popular dates sell out fast.
✈️ Cheap flights to China
to Shanghai
to Beijing
to Guangzhou
to Chengdu
See all flights
How to Maximise Your China Holidays in 2027?
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 | 1–3 Jan (Fri–Sun) | 4–8 Jan | 10 days: 1–10 Jan | Take 5 annual-leave days after the New Year break to create a full ten-day trip. |
Spring Festival / Chinese New Year | 5–13 Feb (Fri–Sat) | 1–4 Feb | 15 days: 30 Jan–13 Feb | Use 4 leave days before the holiday period; the preceding weekend extends the break considerably. |
Qingming Festival | 3–5 Apr (Sat–Mon) | 6–9 Apr | 9 days: 3–11 Apr | Add 4 leave days after Qingming and connect to the following weekend. |
Labour Day | 1–5 May (Sat–Wed) | 26–30 Apr and 6–7 May | Up to 16 days: 24 Apr–9 May | The longest spring option, using 7 leave days around the five-day holiday. Confirm official make-up workdays before booking. |
Dragon Boat Festival | 9 Jun (Wed) | 7–8 Jun and 10–11 Jun | 9 days: 5–13 Jun | Turn a midweek one-day holiday into a nine-day break by taking 2 days on each side. |
Mid-Autumn Festival | 15 Sep (Wed) | 13–14 Sep and 16–17 Sep | 9 days: 11–19 Sep | The same four-day annual-leave strategy creates a full September week away. |
National Day / Golden Week | 1–7 Oct (Fri–Thu) | 27–30 Sep and 8 Oct | Up to 16 days: 25 Sep–10 Oct | Take 5 leave days around Golden Week for the longest autumn break; check official make-up workdays first. |
Top hotels in China
Shanghai
Shenzhen
Guangzhou
Beijing
Chongqing
See All Hotels
NO.1
China Holiday Travel Essentials
✅Get a local SIM card or reliable eSIM data plan to stay connected in China!
See all attractions
How to Travel in China During Public Holidays
Recommended City Travel Guide
Best Day Trips from Shanghai: Water Towns, Nearby Cities & Hidden Gems
Plan your perfect day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou, Hangzhou, ancient canals, and hidden gems, with travel times, ticket prices, and transport tips.
October 15, 2026
Best Day Trips from Guangzhou: Culture, Cities & Hidden Gems
Plan your perfect day trip from Guangzhou, including Hong Kong, Macau, Foshan, and hidden gems, with travel times, ticket prices, and transport tips.
October 15, 2026
Best Day Trips from Beijing: Great Wall, Ancient Towns & Hidden Gems
Discover the best day trips from Beijing, including the Great Wall, Tianjin, Chengde and unique hidden gems, with train, metro, taxi, bus and travel tips.
October 15, 2026
China Public Holidays and Major Celebrations in 2027
China Public Holidays 2027: 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
This attraction is a must-visit during the winter in China. The ice sculptures are truly stunning—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.£30
Flights to Harbin
- One way
- Return
- direct cheapest
PKX15:302h 15mDirectHRB17:45Beijing - Harbin|Tue, Oct 20|Beijing Capital Airlines£44£6228% offBook28% off£62£44 
BJS13:002h 15mDirectHRB14:00Beijing - 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 2027: Spring Festival (February 5 - February 13)
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 2027: Qingming Festival (April 3-5)
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
24746 Reviews
If you're visiting Chengdu, this is one place that's absolutely worth setting aside a morning for. The grounds are much bigger than we expected, with plenty of space for the pandas and lots of walking paths through bamboo. It feels more like a park than a typical zoo.The best time to visit is right after opening, when the pandas are usually awake, climbing, eating and playing before the warmer part of the day. We also liked that there are different areas for giant pandas and red pandas, so there's plenty to see without feeling repetitive. Even with the crowds, the park is well organised, and it never felt too difficult to get around.£6
Flights to Chengdu
- One way
- Return
- direct cheapest
SHA19:503h 5mDirectTFU22:55Shanghai - Chengdu|Tue, Oct 20|Spring Airlines£74£10530% offBook30% off£105£74 
SHA13:003h 5mDirectCTU14:00Shanghai - 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 2027: 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
812 Reviews
It's great for a leisurely outing~ It's wonderful to be able to admire the scenery of Shantangjie from a slow-moving cruise ship👍China Public Holidays 2027: Dragon Boat Festival (June 9)
Commemorates poet Qu Yuan. Celebrate with:
- Dragon boat races 🚣♀️
- Sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) 🍙
- Cultural performances 🪭
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
760 reviews
5/5
Yalong Bay is one of the most beautiful and cleanest bays in Sanya 🌴🌊
We absolutely loved it! We specifically chose a hotel in this bay for a relaxing beach holiday, and we didn't regret it.
Our beach was literally across the street from the hotel. The landmark was the Pushkin Restaurant sign, clearly visible from the street.
The beach itself is very clean and well-maintained. The grounds are constantly maintained: staff regularly pick up trash, so even with a large crowd, everything looks neat.
And the sea is simply amazing 💙 The water is turquoise, clear, and beautiful. The beach is wide, with plenty of space, and there weren't too many people. We especially liked that it didn't feel crowded—you could just relax by the sea and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Swimming is allowed in a designated area, and lifeguards keep an eye on safety. Overall, the place is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday: the sea, clean sand, beautiful views, and minimal fuss.
It's definitely become one of our favorite places in Sanya. If you're looking for a beautiful sea and a more relaxed atmosphere, I highly recommend it 🌊☀️
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,
#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
365 reviews
5/5
We took a raft ride in Xingping—and it was like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting! The karst mountains rise right up to the water, and the river is so calm that it feels like time has slowed down. I especially remember the view depicted on the 20-yuan bill—it's even more beautiful in person. The hour-long ride flew by—it was definitely one of the most peaceful experiences of the trip. 😍
5/5
The Li River is one of the most beautiful boat trips in this region. We arrived by taxi from Yangshuo, which was about a 45-minute drive but very quick. We arrived as early as 8 am, making it wonderfully quiet, and the morning light created an enchanting atmosphere. Our boatman very kindly pointed out the beautiful viewpoints; otherwise, he kept a discreet presence, which was lovely as it didn't disturb the magical atmosphere. Upon arrival, you could take a shuttle bus to the old city of Xing Ping if desired. A highly recommended excursion!
5/5
I liked everything, the main departure point was not far from the hotel and the views were mesmerizing🤗
5/5
A beautiful, relaxing raft ride, especially in the heat, with a gentle breeze, the quiet murmur of the water, and incredibly beautiful views. A caveat: if you walk from the Old Town ticket office, it's quite a distance.
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.
China Public Holidays: Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept 15)
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
3045 reviews5/5
#Business Hours:Address:
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.
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
1297 reviews5/5
I definitely recommend booking!!! The scenery is stunning. I booked a bus that picked me up at 10 a.m. a little further from my hotel (across the road). After booking, you should immediately check your email—the supplier will send you messages there. There was one negative aspect: when I arrived at the pier, I saw that the driver had taken my suitcase and simply thrown it on the ground. I don't know why they couldn't have put it on wheels 🥺 while I was getting off the bus. That was the only thing that upset me. I brought food with me; it's better to take more because the journey is quite long... So, I boarded the bus at 10 a.m. and arrived in Yangshuo at 6 p.m.
5/5
A three-star cruise on the Li River is definitely worth a visit. You can easily enjoy the scenery of the Li River from the ship. The seats are comfortable, making it a highly recommended trip to Guilin.
5/5
Aside from the staff sleeping on board (a Chinese tradition 😅), the ship is spacious for the number of passengers allowed. There are no chairs on the roof.
5/5
We had a lovely experience on the Li River Star Ship Cruise! The seats were comfortable, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. They even helped us with our luggage, which made the whole experience smooth and hassle-free. Great service and a comfortable journey. Highly recommended!
5/5
A great way to get from Guilin to Yangshuo, the views from the cruise were amazing and there was a great atmosphere with groups of locals asking for photos 😂
China Public Holidays 2027 – 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.
[5% Off] China Train Ticket Discount for New Users
24/7 Ticketing · 3-Minute Booking · E-Tickets
The Bund
4.8/5
5921 Reviews
It's a great place to visit!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
47480 Reviews
A great place to spend a few hours and our guide, Crystal, was super awesome. Unfortunately for us, the rain was too much for us to enjoy the full 3 hour tour as we had to cut the tour short. But this is a must see if you’re in Beijing.£12
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
29934 Reviews
An impressive and interesting place. We liked it. We didn't go to the Lishan Garden, but we did see all three pits.£13
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
5515 Reviews
Very nice£6
Source: Yuchen Dai/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 2027
In addition to the official public holidays, China also has several other festivals celebrated informally by locals.
🏮Lantern Festival (20 Feb)
🩷Qixi Festival (8 Aug)
☯️Double Ninth Festival (8 Oct)
Source: Yang Yu/unsplash
Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with some Chrysanthemum alcohol!
FAQ – China Public Holidays 2027
-
What are the public holidays in China in 2027?
-
When is Chinese New Year in 2027?
-
When is China's Golden Week in 2027?
-
Is China busy during public holidays?
-
Should I book China train tickets in advance during holidays?
More Travel Guides
Best China eSIM (with VPN) from £0.44
Find the best China eSIM plans, compare providers, learn how eSIM works, where to buy, setup steps, traveller reviews, FAQs, and tips for using eSIM in China.
October 15, 2026
China 2026 Entry Rules for UK: Visa-Free Policy & Process
Complete guide to China entry requirements 2026. Learn visa-free countries, required documents, and step-by-step entry process for foreign travellers.
October 15, 2026
Best Time to Go to China: Climate, Seasons & Activities
Discover the best time to go to China. Compare seasons, understand regional climates from north to south, and find the ideal time to visit top cities.
October 15, 2026
China Arrival Card 2026: How to Fill It Online & On-Site
Learn how to complete the China Arrival Card with this step-by-step guide: who needs it, when & where to submit it, and the key info you must prepare.
October 15, 2026
How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat, Cash & Card
Learn how to pay in China as a foreign tourist using Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank cards, or cash. Simple tips for easy payments while travelling.
October 15, 2026
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending Searches
-
Travel guides