China Holidays Guide 2026: Vacation & Attraction Recommendations

Chinese holidays directly impact travel—tickets sell out in minutes during Chinese New Year, and demand surges during Golden Week. Knowing exact dates is essential for a smooth trip.

To help you plan, this guide covers the 2026 holiday schedule, leave-saving tips, and top travel destinations. While official 2027 long-weekend dates and working makeup days await the State Council's annual release, key holiday dates are already set.

Read on for a practical calendar covering remaining 2026 holidays, 2027 projections, best value travel windows, and dates to avoid.

2026 China Holiday Guides | Holiday Calendar

China Popular Holidays 2026

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2026 China Holiday | New Year's Day​

There will be a three-day holiday from Thursday, January 1st to Saturday, January 3rd. Sunday, January 4th will be a compensatory day off. Although it's only three days, you can choose a short trip or participate in the New Year's Eve activities in the city. If you take a three-day leave (December 29th to 31st), you can enjoy an 8-day mini-holiday, which is suitable for domestic short trips or overseas vacations.

2026 China Holiday | Spring Festival​

There will be a holiday from February 15th (the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, Sunday) to February 23rd (the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, Monday), totaling 9 days. We will be working on February 14th (Saturday) and February 28th (Saturday). This is the longest holiday of the year, suitable for going home for family reunions or taking long trips.

2026 China Holiday | Qingming Festival​

There will be a three-day holiday from April 4th (Saturday) to 6th (Monday). This marks the beginning of spring and is suitable for outdoor outings or short trips. You can plan to visit a natural scenic area to enjoy the breath of spring.

2026 China Holiday | Labor Day​

There will be a five-day holiday from May 1st (Friday) to May 5th (Tuesday). Work on May 9th (Saturday). This is another vacation suitable for long-distance travel. You can choose either a domestic in-depth tour or an overseas trip to experience different cultures and landscapes.

2026 China Holiday | Dragon Boat Festival​

There will be a three-day holiday from Friday, June 19th to Sunday, June 21st. This holiday is suitable for cultural exploration, such as visiting historical sites or participating in traditional activities like dragon boat races.

2026 China Holiday | Mid-Autumn Festival​

There will be a three-day holiday from Friday, September 25th to Sunday, September 27th. This holiday is perfect for family reunions, moon-gazing and tea tasting, or going to the countryside to enjoy the beautiful autumn night scenery. Don't forget to taste all kinds of mooncakes and feel the festive atmosphere of reunion and harvest.

2026 China Holiday | National Day​

There will be a 7-day holiday from Thursday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 7th. We will be working on September 20th (Sunday) and October 10th (Saturday). This is the longest vacation of the year and is suitable for a long trip. You can choose a domestic in-depth tour or take this opportunity to travel abroad and explore more distant places.

Public Holidays in China in 2027: What is Already Confirmed

The table separates the dates that follow from the current law and the official calendar from the general principles used to form long weekend periods. The exact holiday periods and rescheduled working days for 2027 have not yet been published.

Chinese New Year will fall on February 6, 2027, and its eve falls on Friday, February 5. The official explanation indicates that under current principles, the holiday period in 2027 could be nine days. However, the exact range and working makeup days cannot be stated as final until the annual notice is released.

When NOT to Travel to China

Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and school holidays are three times of the year that deserve a red mark on a traveler’s calendar:

• Spring Festival: In 2027, the first day of the new lunar year falls on February 6, though the exact holiday period has not yet been announced. During this time, the transport system operates at full capacity, and some restaurants and small shops close.
• Golden Week for National Day: In 2026, it will last from October 1 to October 7. Tourist attractions are overcrowded, tickets sell out quickly, and transport and accommodation prices rise.
• Summer Holidays (July and August): School breaks coincide with a wave of family travel, high temperatures, and high humidity in many cities.

Until the end of 2026, a quieter window begins after October 8, with November being particularly convenient. For trips in 2027, April–May and September–October remain good options, but exact holiday dates should be verified once the annual State Council notice is released.

China Holiday 2026 | Best Places to Visit in China During Spring

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Spring (March - May) is one of the best seasons to travel in China — comfortable weather, blooming flowers, and vibrant scenery.

China Holiday 2026 | Best Places to Visit in China During Summer

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Summer (June - August) is hot and humid in much of China, so head to mountainous regions, plateaus, or coastal areas to escape the heat.

China Holiday 2026 | Best Places to Visit in China During Autumn

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Autumn (September - November) offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and stunning fall foliage — a photographer’s dream.

China Holiday 2026 | Best Places to Visit in China During Winter

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Winter (December - February) in China can be cold, but it offers unique snowy landscapes, ice festivals, and warmer tropical escapes.

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