China Public Holiday 2026: Full List and Travel Planning Guide

Before booking your China trip, it is worth checking the public holiday calendar first. Major holidays can mean busier airports, packed train stations, higher hotel demand, and longer queues at popular attractions. A little planning can make a big difference, especially around Chinese New Year, Labour Day, and National Day.

China Public Holidays 2026 at a Glance

China has seven official public holiday periods in 2026. Some longer breaks also include make-up workdays, when a Saturday or Sunday becomes a normal working day.

The longest break is Chinese New Year, while National Day Golden Week is another major travel period. Flights, trains, hotels, and attractions can become much busier around these holidays.

What to Expect During China Public Holidays

Each holiday has a different atmosphere, so knowing what happens during these periods can help you plan your trip better.

🧧 Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the longest holiday break of 2026 and one of the busiest times to travel in China. Many people return to their hometowns, so major train routes and flights can fill quickly.

It is also a great time to experience lanterns, temple fairs, festive decorations, and traditional celebrations.

🌿 Qingming Festival

Qingming is traditionally a time for families to visit ancestral graves and pay respects to relatives.

Some transport routes can become busier, especially around hometowns and regional cities, but tourist crowds are generally easier to manage than during Chinese New Year or Golden Week.

🧳 Labour Day

Labour Day is a popular time for short domestic trips. Theme parks, famous attractions, shopping streets, and nearby getaway destinations can become crowded.

Booking hotels and attraction tickets in advance is a good idea if you plan to travel during this period.

🐉 Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is known for dragon boat races and zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dish wrapped in leaves.

Waterfront cities and areas with major races can be especially lively during the festival.

🌕 Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival is centred around family gatherings, mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.

Evening attractions, historic streets, parks, and waterfront areas can be especially popular during the holiday.

🇨🇳 National Day Golden Week

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in China. Major attractions, railway stations, airports, and popular city centres can see very high visitor numbers.

If possible, avoid changing cities too often during this period and book your transport and accommodation early.

Mid-Autumn and National Day Travel in 2026

The Mid-Autumn Festival from September 25 to 27 falls only a few days before National Day from October 1 to 7.

This means travel demand can remain high across late September and early October.

China Railway's 2026 Mid-Autumn and National Day holiday transport period runs from September 23 to October 8, with particularly heavy passenger traffic expected around October 1.

If you are visiting during this period:

• Book popular train routes as soon as tickets become available
• Reserve hotels before arriving in major tourist cities
• Check attraction booking rules before your visit
• Allow extra time at railway stations and airports
• Avoid changing cities too often during Golden Week
• Keep your passport with you when using transport or entering attractions that require identification

Festivals and Cultural Events in China

Not every festival in China is an official public holiday. Some traditional and regional festivals are still worth knowing about because they can add something special to your trip.

🧊 Harbin Ice and Snow Season

Harbin becomes one of China's most popular winter destinations with huge ice sculptures, illuminated ice buildings, snow activities, and winter attractions.

The season usually runs during the coldest part of winter, but exact opening and closing dates can depend on weather and individual attractions.

💦 Xishuangbanna Water Splashing Festival

The Water Splashing Festival is one of the biggest celebrations in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan.

In 2026, major celebrations took place around April 13 to 15, with water-splashing activities, performances, traditional ceremonies, dragon boat activities, markets, and other cultural events.

🎭 Chinese New Year Temple Fairs

Temple fairs are common in some cities during Chinese New Year. Visitors may find traditional performances, snacks, handicrafts, lanterns, games, and cultural activities.

Popular fairs can become crowded, so check local schedules before going.

🐉 Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boat racing is one of the best-known traditions connected with this festival.

Events vary by city, but places with rivers and waterfront areas often hold races and cultural activities during the holiday.

💕 Qixi Festival: August 19

Qixi Festival fell on August 19 in 2026. It is often called Chinese Valentine's Day and is linked to the traditional story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.

Shopping areas, cultural venues, restaurants, and attractions may hold special activities, but Qixi is not a national public holiday.

🌕 Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25

Mid-Autumn Festival is an official public holiday and one of China's most important traditional celebrations.

Mooncakes, lanterns, family gatherings, and moon viewing are common during the festival.

What to Expect During China Public Holidays

Public Transportation

• Train stations and airports can be much busier during major holidays.
• Popular high-speed rail routes may sell out quickly.
• China Railway currently uses a 15-day ticket presale period, including the travel date.
• Road traffic may be heavier around major cities and tourist destinations.
• Allow extra time when transferring between airports, railway stations, and hotels.

Attractions

Popular attractions may require advance reservations, especially during major holiday periods.

For example, the Forbidden City in Beijing does not sell same-day tickets. Tickets become available from 8:00 PM seven days before the visit, and bookings require real-name identification.

Other attractions may have their own reservation periods and visitor limits, so always check the official booking rules before visiting.

Shops and Restaurants

Large shopping malls, tourist attractions, chain restaurants, and convenience stores generally continue operating during public holidays.

However, some small independent businesses may close or shorten their opening hours, particularly during Chinese New Year.

Opening hours can vary by city and business, so check before making a special trip.

Hotels

Hotel demand can rise sharply during:

• Chinese New Year
• Labour Day
• Summer school holidays
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• National Day Golden Week

Hotels near major attractions, transport hubs, and city centres may fill faster than usual.

Best Places to Visit in China

China has everything from historic cities and mountain scenery to shopping districts and modern theme parks. Where you go depends on how much time you have and the kind of trip you want.

🏯 Classic Cities

• Beijing: Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and nearby sections of the Great Wall.
• Shanghai: Explore the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Disneyland.
• Xi'an: See the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city wall, and Muslim Quarter.

🛍️ Shopping Destinations

• Guangzhou: Good for shopping, Cantonese food, wholesale markets, and easy transport.
• Yiwu: Famous for its huge wholesale markets and wide range of affordable goods.
• Shanghai: Nanjing Road and major malls offer everything from international brands to local products.

🌿 Nature and Scenic Destinations

• Zhangjiajie: Known for dramatic sandstone mountains, glass bridges, and forest scenery.
• Guilin and Yangshuo: Popular for karst mountains, countryside views, and Li River cruises.
• Jiuzhaigou: Famous for colourful lakes, waterfalls, forests, and mountain scenery.

🐼 Chengdu

Chengdu is a good choice if you want to see giant pandas, try Sichuan food, visit traditional streets, and enjoy a slower city atmosphere.

Travel Tips for China Public Holidays

• Book early: Reserve popular flights, hotels, trains, and attractions before major holiday periods.
• Watch train ticket dates: China Railway currently sells tickets within a 15-day presale period.
• Check make-up workdays: Some Saturdays and Sundays become working days around longer holidays.
• Carry your passport: You may need it for trains, hotels, attractions, and other bookings.
• Set up mobile payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in China. Keep another payment option as backup.
• Expect longer queues: Give yourself more time at airports, railway stations, attractions, and restaurants.
• Travel outside peak dates when possible: Arriving a few days before or after Golden Week can make transport and hotel planning easier.
• Check attraction rules: Reservation periods and entry requirements vary by attraction.