Planning a trip to China in 2026? Whether you’re visiting family, exploring the Great Wall, or scheduling business meetings, understanding China’s public holidays can make a huge difference. The country’s festive rhythm is unique — full of ancient traditions, massive travel waves, and a few “make-up workdays” you’ll want to know about. Here’s everything Malaysians should know before booking tickets or setting appointments.
China Public Holidays 2026 Overview
China currently has seven official public holidays, but in 2026, some of these breaks are arranged to give longer weekends, covering everything from New Year’s Day to National Day Golden Week. These holidays shape the nation’s travel and business calendar — trains sell out, cities empty as families return home, and tourist attractions can be either lively or surprisingly quiet depending on timing.
If you’re Malaysian planning travel, study, or business with Chinese partners, aligning your plans with this holiday calendar will help you avoid surprises (and crowds!).
Public Holiday | Date | Day Off | Day | Duration |
New Year's Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan | Thursday | 1 |
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | 17 Feb | 16-23 Feb | Monday to Monday | 8 |
Qingming Festival | 5 Apr | 4-6 Apr | Saturday-Monday | 3 |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1-5 May | Friday-Tuesday | 5 |
Dragon Boat Festival | 19 Jun | 19-21 Jun | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
Mid-Autumn Festival | 25 Sep | 25-27 Sep | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
National Day | 1 Oct | 1-7 Oct | Thursday to Wednesday | 7 |
Understanding Chinese Holiday Rules
China’s holiday system is a bit different from Malaysia’s:
- “Golden Weeks” — The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and National Day holidays usually stretch to a full week. These are peak travel seasons when most factories, schools, and offices close.
- Make-Up Workdays — To create these long breaks, China often swaps weekends and weekdays. So, after a holiday week, people might work on a Saturday or Sunday.
- Official Announcements — The State Council officially confirms the following year’s holiday schedule near the end of the previous year (usually in December).
- Cultural Significance — Many holidays, like Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival, are rooted in family reunion, remembrance, and gratitude — similar in spirit to how Malaysians observe Hari Raya or Chinese New Year at home.
China Public Holidays 2026 Calendar (Tentative)
Stay organised and plan your travels with our China Public Holidays 2026 calendar. This easy-to-read guide shows all the key dates at a glance, helping you book trips in advance and make the most of your holidays.
China Festivals & Holidays in 2026
New Year’s Day
International New Year celebrations, light trips.
Notice: Mild crowds; good time for short city visits/meetings.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
Biggest family holiday; week-long break; many factories/offices close.
Notice: Peak travel of the year—book early; expect supplier shutdowns 1–2 weeks.
Lantern Festival
Closes CNY season; lantern shows, night markets.
Notice: Evening crowd spikes; great for culture, limited business activity at night.
Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Ancestor remembrance; spring outings.
Notice: Moderate travel; some small shops/family businesses may close.
Labour Day (May Day)
Leisure travel and shopping promos; often extended by work-day swaps.
Notice: Busy domestic travel window—trains/hotels go fast; confirm any weekend make-up work.
Dragon Boat Festival
Races and zongzi (rice dumplings).
Notice: Regional event crowds near rivers/lakes; normal business otherwise.
Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day)
Romantic observance; not a national day off.
Notice: Restaurant/retail promos; business as usual.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Family reunion, mooncakes, evening lanterns.
Notice: Evening crowds in parks/waterfronts; some companies close for the day.
National Day Golden Week
Week-long holiday; massive domestic tourism.
Notice: Second peak of the year—expect sold-out trains/hotels; most factories/offices closed.
Chongyang (Double Ninth)
Respect for elders; hiking, chrysanthemum viewing.
Notice: Light travel; minimal business disruption.
Quick tips: For travel, avoid CNY and Golden Week if you want fewer crowds. For business, build buffers around CNY and National Day, confirm work-day swaps, and lock logistics (rail/air/hotels) early.
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Tips for Holidays in China
✅Book early during Chinese New Year and National Day weeks — train and flight tickets sell out fast.
✅Entry Requirements & Visa: Malaysia and China now have mutual visa-free travel for short stays. Always check the latest stay length and conditions before you book (rules can update). Start with your nearest Chinese mission’s notices or recent government updates
✅ Transport Matters: Holiday train tickets sell out fast. Use Trip.com to book early; be flexible with departure stations and times. For in-city rides, Didi works in most big cities.
✅Avoid factory shutdowns if you’re sourcing products or doing business; many operations pause for up to two weeks during Spring Festival.
✅Travel smart — visit major attractions just before or after holidays to enjoy smaller crowds.
✅ Stay Connected: A China SIM/eSIM (or roaming eSIM) keeps maps, translations, and tickets handy. Foreign eSIMs generally work, while local tourist eSIM options are limited—roaming eSIMs can also help with access to blocked sites. If you plan to use a VPN, know it’s a legal gray area—use at your own risk.
✅Pack for the season — China’s weather varies widely; February in northern China can be freezing, while southern cities like Guangzhou stay mild.
✅Embrace the culture — join in the festive atmosphere! Malaysians will find familiar values of family, food, and togetherness throughout Chinese celebrations.
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FAQs about China Public Holidays 2026
When will China’s official 2026 holiday notice be released?
Usually in December 2025 by the State Council. Treat all advance calendars as tentative until then.Which are the biggest peak periods?
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7). These are the year’s two mega-peaks for travel and closures.Will Mid-Autumn overlap with National Day in 2026?
No. Mid-Autumn is Sep 25, 2026; National Day week starts Oct 1.What are “make-up workdays”?
To create long breaks, China often swaps weekends with weekdays. You might work on a Saturday/Sunday before/after a holiday week. Confirm schedules with partners.How far in advance should I book trains/flights?
For CNY and National Day, book as early as possible (when sales open). Trains sell out quickly; flights and hotels surge in price.Best way to buy train tickets?
Use the Trip.com app/site (English available). Foreigners book with passport and can use e-tickets in most stations.Are shops, restaurants, and attractions open during holidays?
Tourist spots usually stay open (often crowded); office/industry closures are common on major holidays. Small, family-run shops may close for Qingming and Mid-Autumn.