The holiday schedule for the Chinese mainland in 2026 has been announced! The following is a detailed arrangement of annual leave for the Chinese mainland in 2026, a leave application guide, and some good places to go during the vacation, to help you make the most of these holidays.
2026 China Holiday Guides | Holiday Calendar
Holiday | Dates | Make-up Work Days |
New Year's Day | January 1 - 3, 2026 | January 4, 2026 |
Spring Festival | February 15 - 23, 2026 | February 14 & 28, 2026 |
Qingming Festival | April 4 - 6, 2026 | No make-up arrangements |
Labor Day | May 1 - 5, 2026 | May 9, 2026 |
Dragon Boat Festival | June 19 - 21, 2026 | No make-up arrangements |
Mid-Autumn Festival | September 25 - 27, 2026 | No make-up arrangements |
National Day | October 1 - 7, 2026 | September 20 & October 10, 2026 |
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.
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.
Destination | Why Visit in Spring? | Attractions |
Hangzhou, Zhejiang | Mild temperatures; West Lake surrounded by peach blossoms and green willow trees. | West Lake, Longjing tea plantations, cycling around the lake. |
Guilin & Yangshuo, Guangxi | Pleasant weather; Li River and karst mountains at their most picturesque. | Li River cruise, Yangshuo countryside, bamboo rafting. |
Beijing | Fewer crowds than summer; flowers in imperial gardens. | Forbidden City, Great Wall, Fragrant Hills. |
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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.
Destination | Why Visit in Summer? | Highlights |
Chengdu & Sichuan Tibetan Areas | Cooler climate; pandas are more active. | Chengdu Panda Base, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Tibetan culture. |
Qingdao, Shandong | Coastal breezes; beer festival in August. | Beaches, Tsingtao Brewery, European-style old town. |
Yunnan-Guilin | Mild summer; ideal for outdoor adventures. | Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Lijiang Ancient Town. |
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui | Cool mountain escape; sea of clouds views. | Huangshan hiking, ancient villages like Hongcun. |
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.
Destination | Why Visit in Autumn? | Highlights |
Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan | Bright blue lakes surrounded by golden and red leaves. | Multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, pristine forests. |
The Great Wall (Beijing & Beyond) | Cool weather; maple and ginkgo trees changing color. | Hiking sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling. |
Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), Anhui | Spectacular autumn hues and comfortable hiking conditions. | Sunrise over hot springs, ancient pine trees. |
Xinjiang (Kanas Lake) | Golden birch forests; stunning northern scenery. | Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, nomadic culture. |
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.
Destination | Why Visit in Winter? | Highlights |
Harbin, Heilongjiang | World-famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. | Ice lantern displays, snow sculpture park, Siberian Tiger Park. |
Beijing | Snow-covered imperial palaces; fewer tourists. | Forbidden City in snow, hotpot meals, temple fairs. |
Sanya, Hainan | Tropical warmth; beach escape from the cold. | Yalong Bay, scuba diving, coconut palm trees. |
Jilin | Frozen Songhua River; “rime” ice trees scenery. | Rime ice viewing, skiing resorts near Changbai Mountain. |
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FAQs about China Holiday 2026
How long is the Chinese New Year holiday in 2026?
Chinese New Year in 2026 starts on Tuesday, February 17th, and official public holidays in China run from February 16th to February 22nd, though celebrations can last up to 15 or 16 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. The celebration period includes a 7-day official holiday break and traditions can continue for the full 15 or 16 days.What is the Chinese calendar for 2026?
The Chinese calendar for 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which begins on February 17, 2026, with Chinese New Year, and ends on February 5, 2027. The year is specifically the Fire Horse year. It is a year of mixed fortunes, with challenges in areas like love, finances, and health, but opportunities for growth through humility and collaboration.What are the three biggest holidays in China?
- Lunar New Year.
- Dragon Boat Festival.
- Mid-Autumn Festival.
What day is New Year's day in 2026?
New Year's Day 2026 will be on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The year is also designated as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists by the UN, focusing on sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration. Globally, New Year's Eve celebrations will occur on December 31, 2025, and many will observe traditional activities like fireworks, parties, and making resolutions.