Do shops stay open during Chinese Holidays?

Yes. In fact, Chinese national holidays are unlike a lot of holidays in the West in that shops and attractions are busier and more open than ever! Many Chinese people travel on Chinese national holidays, especially during the long holidays of National Day and Chinese New Year . This makes those periods tricky to travel during for Westerners since many tourist attractions are packed with Chinese tourists. Also, prices for food and accommodation get a lot higher. So, it is strongly recommended NOT to travel during these times.

Do Chinese celebrate Christmas?

No they do not, however despite this, the bigger cities of China will still decorate shopping malls and supermarkets with Christmas Trees and Santa's. Although Christmas Day is a working day in China , you will still feel it's presence somewhat.

Do Chinese celebrate New Year's Day?

Generally the New Year celebrations for China come when Chinese New Year arrives in January/February ( 1st day of the Lunar Calendar ). The international New Year is much less significant in China.

What is the most important holiday in China?

Chinese New Year is always the most important. All Chinese return home to their families and celebrate for the holiday which extends to 7 days using the Chinese holiday system. Golden Week (October 1st-7th) is another important holiday but this is widely used to travel with family/friends instead of going home.

Is Chinese New Year always the same date?

No, it will change each year. Typically Chinese New Year would be around the end of January to mid February.

When does "Golden Week" start?

October 1st, which is the National Day of China.

Is Labor Day a public holiday in China in 2026?

Yes. Labour Day (May Day) was a five-day public holiday in China in 2026, running from May 1 to 5. To make up for the break, Saturday May 9 was a normal working day. Since 2025, Labour Day has two statutory days off (May 1 and 2), stretched into a longer break with weekend swaps.

What are all the national holidays in China?

Mainland China has seven statutory public holidays : New Year's Day, Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day), Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. Since January 1, 2025, they add up to 13 statutory days off a year. The State Council then swaps weekend days to create longer breaks, such as the seven-day Golden Week in October.

What are the four main Chinese festivals?

China's four great traditional festivals are Spring Festival, Qingming, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. All four are public holidays in mainland China. Spring Festival, Dragon Boat and Mid-Autumn follow the lunar calendar, while Qingming follows a solar term and usually lands on April 4 or 5.

National Holidays in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam

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