China Golden Week 2026: Travel Tips, Holidays & What to Expect

Every October, China gets busy and festive for Golden Week, starting on National Day. Filipino travelers can enjoy celebrations, sales, and lively streets, but should also expect long lines, full trains, and pricier hotels. Plan flights, stays, and transport early so the trip feels smoother and less stressful.

What is Golden Week in China?

Golden Week in China usually refers to the National Day holiday that starts on October 1. It is a long public holiday when many locals travel, visit family, shop, and enjoy local celebrations.

For Filipino travelers, it is a lively time to visit, but it can also be very crowded.

Key things to know:

• Trains and flights sell out fast
• Hotel prices can go higher
• Famous attractions get very crowded
• Some museums and tourist spots need advance booking
• Booking early can help you avoid stress

When is Golden Week 2026?

In 2026, Golden Week in China will run from October 1, Thursday, to October 7, Wednesday. This is the National Day holiday and one of the busiest travel periods in China.

Mid-Autumn Festival is separate in 2026. It falls from September 25, Friday, to September 27, Sunday, so travelers can expect two travel rush periods close to each other.

Key things to know:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25 to 27, 2026
• National Day Golden Week: October 1 to 7, 2026
• September 28 to 30 are normal weekdays, but some locals may take leave to extend their trip
• Airports, train stations, hotels, and tourist spots will be very busy
• Book flights, hotels, train tickets, and attraction passes early
• China may have adjusted working days before or after the holiday, so check business hours before visiting offices or local services

Should Filipinos Travel to China During Golden Week?

Golden Week is worth visiting if you enjoy lively cities, sales, and National Day decorations. But expect packed airports, trains, hotels, and attractions. For a calmer and cheaper trip, Filipino travelers may prefer visiting before or after Golden Week.

Good time to go if:

• You want to experience China’s holiday mood
• You are visiting family or friends
• You can book flights, hotels, trains, and tickets early
• You do not mind busy places

Better to avoid if:

• It is your first time in China
• You dislike long lines
• You are traveling with kids or seniors
• You want cheaper hotels and a calmer trip

For easier travel, visit in late September or after October 8 when the crowds start to go down.

Best Time to Visit China

National Day Celebrations and Festival Highlights

On October 1, China celebrates National Day with a festive holiday mood. For Filipino travelers, it is a good time to see cities decorated with flags, flowers, lights, and red-themed displays.

What to expect during Golden Week:

• Tiananmen Square flag-raising: A popular National Day experience in Beijing. Arrive very early and expect big crowds.
• City decorations: Parks, malls, streets, and public squares are often filled with flags, flowers, and holiday displays.
• Light shows and local events: Some cities may have light shows or cultural activities, but schedules can change yearly.
• Shopping and dining promos: Malls and restaurants may offer holiday deals, but expect crowded areas.
• Busy attractions: Famous spots like the Great Wall, the Bund, West Lake, and Terracotta Army can get packed.

For 2026, Mid-Autumn Festival is separate from Golden Week. It falls from September 25 to 27, while National Day Golden Week runs from October 1 to 7.

Recommended National Day Holiday Tours for Filipinos

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel seasons in China, so joining a tour can make the trip easier for Filipino travelers. You still need to expect crowds, but a guided tour can help with transport, routes, hotel planning, and attraction tickets.

Here are some tour ideas to consider:

1. Beijing Heritage Tour

Beijing is a good choice if you want to feel the National Day atmosphere. Tours usually include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall.

Tip: Choose an early morning tour. For the Great Wall, Mutianyu may feel more comfortable than the very busy Badaling area.

2. Shanghai City Tour

Shanghai is great for travelers who enjoy city views, shopping, and modern attractions. Common stops include The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and Shanghai Tower.

Tip: Pick an evening tour if you want to see the skyline and city lights.

3. Guilin and Yangshuo Nature Tour

Guilin and Yangshuo are good for Filipinos who want a more scenic trip. The Li River cruise is the main highlight, with limestone mountains and countryside views.

Tip: Book a small group tour if you want a quieter and more relaxed experience.

4. Xi’an History and Food Tour

Xi’an is ideal for travelers who love history and local food. Tours often include the Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, and Muslim Quarter.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot.

5. Chengdu Panda and Food Tour

Chengdu is a fun option if you want a slower city trip. Many tours include the panda base, old streets, teahouses, and Sichuan food stops.

Tip: Visit the panda base in the morning, when pandas are usually more active.

6. Harbin and Northeast China Tour

Harbin is a different choice for Golden Week. In October, the weather is cool, and you can enjoy Russian-style buildings, parks, and autumn views.

Tip: Bring layers because the weather can get cold, especially at night.

Tips for Travelling During China Golden Week

Travelling to China during Golden Week can be exciting, but Filipino travelers need to plan early. This is one of the busiest holiday periods in China, so expect full trains, crowded attractions, and higher hotel prices.

Must-know tips for Filipino travelers:

• Apply for your China visa early: Do not wait until the last minute, especially if you are travelling near the holiday period.
• Book flights and hotels ahead: Prices can go up fast as October gets closer.
• Secure train tickets early: High-speed train tickets can sell out quickly during Golden Week, especially for popular routes.
• Complete your eTravel before flying: Filipino travelers should register within 72 hours before departure from the Philippines.
• Use metro when possible: Taxis and ride-hailing cars can get stuck in traffic near tourist spots.
• Pre-book attraction tickets: Many famous places may require online reservations, so do not expect to buy tickets at the gate.
• Bring your passport everywhere: You may need it for trains, hotels, and attraction entry.
• Prepare China travel apps: Set up Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, and a map app before your trip.
• Get internet ready before flying: Some apps may not work smoothly in China, so prepare an eSIM or VPN before arrival.
• Avoid a packed schedule: Leave extra time for queues, security checks, and heavy crowds.

If you want a smoother trip, start your day early, visit fewer places each day, and avoid famous attractions during peak afternoon hours.