How many days off are there during the National Day holiday on the Chinese mainland? The holiday arrangements in the Chinese mainland have been announced. For travelers need to take leave this year, it is very important to understand these mainland holiday calendars and formulate leave strategies. The blog provides a detailed arrangement of annual leave in Chinese mainland in 2025 to help you make the most of these holidays!
Chinese Mainland Holidays: Holiday Calendar
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Chinese Public Holidays: Aug 2025 – Aug 2026
Holiday | Dates | Days Off | Compensatory Workdays |
Mid-Autumn Festival | Oct 1–8, 2025 (included in National Day) | 8 days | Sep 28 & Oct 11, 2025 |
National Day | Oct 1–8, 2025 (combined with Mid-Autumn) | 8 days | Sep 28 & Oct 11, 2025 |
New Year's Day | Jan 1, 2026 (Thu) | 3 days | Likely Dec 28, 2025 (Sun) |
Spring Festival | ~Jan 28–Feb 3, 2026 (Wed–Wed) | 7–8 days | Likely Jan 24–25 & Feb 7, 2026 |
Qingming Festival | Apr 4–6, 2026 (Sat–Mon) | 3 days | None |
Labor Day | May 1–3, 2026 (Fri–Sun) | 3 days | Likely Apr 26 (Sun) |
Dragon Boat Festival | Jun 19–21, 2026 (Fri–Sun) | 3 days | None |
1. The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day
There will be a holiday from Wednesday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 8th, with a total of 8 days off. We will be working on Sunday, September 28th and Saturday, October 11th. 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.
The relevant public holiday arrangements have been announced. For workers who plan to travel or need to take leave this year, it is very important to understand these public holiday calendars and formulate leave strategies.
2. New Year's Day
There might be a one-day holiday on Thursday, January 1st. Whether it will be adjusted for compensatory leave has not been determined yet. Although it's only one day, you can choose a short trip or participate in New Year's Eve activities in the city. If you take a leave of absence, you can have a 3-4 day short holiday, which is suitable for domestic short trips or vacations abroad.
3. Spring Festival
The Spring Festival holiday in 2026 is scheduled from Saturday, February 14th to Sunday, February 22nd, totaling 9 days. Among them, February 16th (Monday) is New Year's Eve, February 17th to 21st (Tuesday to Saturday) is the Spring Festival holiday, and February 14th and 15th are weekends. If you want to extend your vacation, you can take a 4-day leave (from February 23rd to 26th). In this way, you can have a full 16 days off from February 14th to March 1st
4. Qingming Festival
April 4th, 2026 is Saturday and April 5th is Sunday. Therefore, there will be a three-day holiday for the Qingming Festival, including compensatory days off on the weekend. Specifically, April 4th (Saturday, the Qingming Festival) and April 5th (Sunday) are public holidays, and April 6th (Monday) will be a compensatory day off.
5. Labour Festival
The Labor Day holiday in Chinese mainland in 2026 (May 1st) is expected to last for three days. The specific arrangement is usually as follows: May 1st to 3rd will be a holiday, totaling three days.
Where to go for China Holidays in Spring?
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Spring Weather in China
Spring in China lasts from March to May. During this period, the climate is pleasant almost all over the country, neither too hot nor too cold. The temperature in the north is approximately 10°C to 15°C, while in the central and southern regions it ranges from 20°C to 25°C.
At this time of year, the entire land of the country seems to awaken from its long hibernation, donning a magnificent coat composed of a myriad of colorful flowers. The peach blossoms are pink and brilliant, the plum blossoms are golden and dazzling, and the orchids are elegant and fresh, adding poetic charm to the spring scenery.
What should be done in spring in China?
Spring is the best time to visit famous scenic spots, go hiking and explore nature. Passengers can enjoy outdoor activities without any worries, as extreme weather may affect their trips.
Recommended spring travel destinations include:
- North: The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie
- Central region: Hangzhou, Huanglong, Three Gorges, Lijiang, Fenghuang Ancient Town
- South: Guangzhou, Kunming, Sanya, Shanghai, Beijing
Spring is the period when many important festivals are held in China, including the Peach Blossom Festival in Beijing's Yuyuantan Park, the Peony Festival in Luoyang, and the Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival, allowing tourists not only to taste local seasonal delicacies but also to enjoy various traditional performances and deeply experience Chinese culture.
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Where to go for China Holidays in Summer?
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What's the weather like in summer in China
Similar to Vietnam, summer in China lasts from June to August, with relatively hot weather and an average temperature ranging from 25°C to 35°C. In some areas, especially in southern China, the temperature may exceed 35°C. In addition, in the central and southern regions, there are often showers and even thunderstorms.
What can be done in China during summer?
Summer in China offers great travel opportunities despite the heat and humidity (many escape to the north for cooler weather). Key activities include:
- Explore Natural Wonders: Hike the Great Wall, visit Zhangjiajie, cruise the Three Gorges.
- Cool Mountain Escapes: Access Xizang (Tibet) more easily – visit Lhasa, Mount Everest base camp, or Mount Kailash.
- Beach Resorts: Relax on coastal beaches like Sanya for sun and sea.
- Outdoor Adventures: Go mountain climbing, hiking, or kayaking.
- Experience Festivals: Immerse yourself in cultural celebrations like the Dragon Boat Festival (late summer) with unique activities, food, and traditions.
Where to go for China Holidays in Autumn?
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When is the best time to travel in China in autumn?
Autumn usually lasts from September to November and is regarded by many as one of the most charming seasons for exploring China. The weather is pleasant at this time, and the average temperature across the country is approximately between 15°C and 20°C.
What is suitable for traveling in autumn in China?
Autumn in China features vibrant golden & red foliage, comfortable weather perfect for hiking/exploration, scenic beauty, and harvest festivals. Here are the top highlights:
Stunning Foliage:
- Beijing: Iconic golden/red views at the Forbidden City & Great Wall.
- Harbin: Streets transformed by brilliant red maple leaves (Sept-Oct).
- Jiuzhaigou (Sichuan): Dreamlike turquoise lakes & waterfalls amid colorful mountains.
- Phoenix Ancient Town (Hunan): Ancient architecture framed by autumn reds & golds.
Cultural & Food Festivals:
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Taste mooncakes, see lantern displays (Sept/early Oct).
- Turpan Grape Festival (Xinjiang): Sample famous fruits, enjoy Uyghur performances.
Where to go for China Holidays in Winter?
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What's the weather like in winter in China? Which month is suitable for winter travel?
Winter in China usually lasts from November to February of the following year. Compared with other seasons, this period offers a completely different and unique travel experience. The northern region is the coldest, with temperatures dropping below -20°C and frequent snowfall. The climate in the central and southern regions is relatively mild, with an average temperature ranging from 0°C to 20°C. Despite the cold weather, the magnificent scene of nature interwoven with the white snow will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. This is also the reason why many tourists especially choose to visit China in December.
What are the fun things to do in winter in China?
The cold climate makes winter the best time to participate in winter sports, experience traditional culture and taste hot and delicious food.
Here are the activities you mustn't miss when traveling in China during winter:
- Skiing: China has numerous modern ski resorts, such as Yabuli in Heilongjiang Province, Beidahu in Beijing, and Nanshan in Hubei Province. These resorts are well-equipped and suitable for both beginners and professional skiers.
- Participating in winter festivals: Winter festivals are among the most important traditional celebrations in China, with the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival being the most representative. In addition, you can also experience soaking in outdoor hot springs.
- Visiting historical sites: China is home to numerous famous historical sites, especially ancient palaces and sacred temples. Winter is an ideal time to visit these scenic spots and take stunning photos.
- Tasting delicious food: Chinese culinary culture is rich and diverse. Winter is the best time to enjoy steaming hot dishes such as Sichuan hot pot, xiaolongbao, and noodles.
Visiting China in winter, you can also enjoy the magnificent scenery of the northern snowy country. For instance, Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, holds an ice and snow festival from the end of December to the end of February every year. The entire city is transformed into a magical winter fairy tale world.
