China (CN)
China is one of the world's largest economies and most important expat destinations, combining global business hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou with deep history, fast infrastructure, and a highly digital daily-life ecosystem.
Capital: Beijing
Region: Asia
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: CNY (RMB)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)
Emergency: 110
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Public Holidays 2026
24 holidays in China. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Yuandan
National public holiday. Jan 1 is Thursday in 2026; the State Council designates Jan 2 as an additional holiday day.
Fri 2
New Year's Day Holiday Public Holiday
Yuandan Jiari
Government-designated additional holiday extending the New Year period. Offices, banks, and many businesses remain closed.
February 2026
Mon 16
Spring Festival Eve Public Holiday
Chuxi
The start of the Chinese New Year holiday period. Transport demand is extreme during chunyun — the world's largest annual human migration.
Tue 17
Chinese New Year Public Holiday
Chunjie
Year of the Horse (马年). Most offices, schools, factories, and government services close for the full Spring Festival holiday.
Wed 18
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiiari
Book trains, flights, pet boarding, and restaurants very early — demand is extreme nationwide.
Thu 19
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiari
Many small businesses and restaurants remain closed beyond the official holiday through Lantern Festival (Feb 28).
Fri 20
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiari
Extended Spring Festival holiday per State Council annual arrangement.
Sat 21
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiari
Extended Spring Festival holiday per State Council annual arrangement.
Sun 22
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiari
Extended Spring Festival holiday per State Council annual arrangement.
Mon 23
Spring Festival Holiday Public Holiday
Chunjie Jiari
Final day of the extended Spring Festival holiday period. Return travel congestion is at its peak.
April 2026
Sun 5
Qingming Festival Public Holiday
Qingming Jie
Tomb-sweeping festival — families visit and clean ancestral graves. Falls on Sunday Apr 5 in 2026.
Mon 6
Qingming Festival (Substitute) Public Holiday
Qingming Jie Jiiari
Substitute holiday for Qingming (Apr 5 falls on Sunday in 2026) — observed Monday Apr 6. Travel to ancestral hometowns, parks, and scenic areas is common.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Laodong Jie
Major domestic travel period; hotels and trains sell out quickly. May 1 is Friday in 2026.
Mon 4
Labour Day Holiday Public Holiday
Laodong Jie Jiari
Extended Labour Day holiday per State Council arrangement. Youth Day falls on May 4.
Tue 5
Labour Day Holiday Public Holiday
Laodong Jie Jiari
Final day of the Labour Day holiday period. Return travel congestion.
June 2026
Fri 19
Dragon Boat Festival Public Holiday
Duanwu Jie
Traditional zongzi rice dumplings and dragon boat race events. 5th day of the 5th lunar month.
September 2026
Fri 25
Mid-Autumn Festival Public Holiday
Zhongqiu Jie
Mooncakes, family gatherings, and corporate gift-giving. 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
October 2026
Thu 1
National Day Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie
Founding of the People's Republic of China (1949). Start of Golden Week — China's busiest travel period. Book everything months in advance.
Fri 2
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Golden Week: government offices and banks operate on holiday schedules.
Sat 3
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Golden Week: avoid non-urgent travel through major stations and airports.
Sun 4
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Golden Week: scenic areas and tourist destinations are at peak capacity.
Mon 5
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Golden Week: many factories and businesses remain closed through the entire week.
Tue 6
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Golden Week: return travel begins; expect congestion at airports and train stations.
Wed 7
National Day Holiday Public Holiday
Guoqing Jie Jiari
Final day of Golden Week. Note: the State Council designates compensatory working days (补班) on surrounding Saturdays/Sundays — check the official annual schedule.
Note: Some holidays in China apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.