Planning a trip in 2026? This guide summarizes China’s public holidays and adjusted working days. The remaining holidays in 2026 are the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25–27) and National Day (October 1–7). September 20 (Sunday) and October 10 (Saturday) are designated working days. Use the calendar below to plan the best time to travel and avoid the adjusted working days.
An Overview of Public Holidays in China
Here is the confirmed list of national holidays in Mainland China for 2026. Some include "weekend shifting" to create longer breaks—perfect for planning your next getaway!
Getaway | Dates | Catch-up Days |
Mid-Autumn Festival | September 25–27, 2026 | No make-up services available |
National Day | October 1–7, 2026 | September 20 & October 10, 2026 |
Note: China uses an adjusted working-day system for public holidays. This means that nearby working days may be swapped with weekends to create longer consecutive holiday periods around statutory holidays. The corresponding weekends are then designated as working days.
※ For 2026, we’ve highlighted the remaining approved holidays and adjusted working days. For 2027, we’ve marked the statutory holiday dates based on current laws and the official calendar; please note that exact long weekend periods and adjusted working days haven't been published yet. Months in 2027 without national holidays are not shown.
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips Malaysians transiting through China to a third country can usually apply for a 24-hour or 240-hour visa-free transit; in addition, a 30-day visa-free period has been implemented between China and Malaysia. Learn more about China Arrival Card to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
China Getaways 2027: Confirmed Dates
Getaway | Dates Determined by Current Laws and Calendars | Classic Holiday Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | January 1 | Often paired with the weekend to turn it into a perfect three-day getaway. |
Chinese New Year | February 5–8: Celebrating from New Year's Eve through the third day of the Lunar New Year | Typically calls for an 8-day getaway; in 2027, you might even stretch that to 9 days. |
Qingming Festival | April 5 | Often paired with the weekend to turn it into a perfect three-day getaway. |
Labor Day | May 1–2 | Often creates the perfect five-day getaway. |
Dragon Boat Festival | June 9 | Since the festival lands on a Wednesday, the usual schedule means only that day will be a holiday. |
Mid-Autumn Festival | September 15th | Since the festival lands on a Wednesday, the usual schedule means only that day will be a holiday. |
National Day "Golden Week" | October 1–3 | Often creates the perfect seven-day getaway. |
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China Getaways: Travel Essentials
✅ Get a local SIM card or a reliable eSIM data plan to stay connected in China!
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Where to Go for Your China Holiday: A Mainland China Travel Guide
Recommended city travel guide
China Getaways 2026 – New Year's Day (January 1)
New Year's Day is a special one-day holiday! While bustling metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai light up the night with vibrant countdown parties and dazzling fireworks, many travelers prefer to embrace the holiday with cozy, intimate gatherings or quick, refreshing getaways.
Travel Tip: Make your way to Harbin for the world-renowned Ice and Snow Festival—it's an absolute dream for winter enthusiasts!
Harbin Ice and Snow World, China
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Photo: Lewis Zhao/ Unsplash
Ring in the New Year at a countdown party, where you can soak up spectacular fireworks displays and live pop concerts!
China Getaways 2026 – Spring Festival (February 15 - February 23)
China’s most important holiday. Millions travel to reunite with their families. Traditions include:
- Enjoy a heartwarming reunion dinner featuring delicious dumplings or sweet tangyuan
- Red envelopes for the little ones
- Fireworks, temple fairs, and televised galas
Travel Tip: Most travelers head home, so if you stick around, you'll get to enjoy the city's parks and streets all to yourself!
Photo: Matthieu Joannon/ Unsplash
Making and enjoying dumplings is a beloved Spring Festival tradition in China!
China Getaways 2026 – Qingming Festival (April 4-6)
Known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, this is a time when people honor their ancestors and embrace the season with outdoor activities like hiking or flying kites.
Travel Tip: Make your way to Chengdu to soak up its laid-back atmosphere and indulge in world-class Sichuan cuisine.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
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Flights to Chengdu
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Photo: Jens Aber/ Unsplash
During the Qingming Festival, families gather to visit their ancestors’ tombs, where they present offerings and lovingly tidy up the gravesites.
China Getaways 2026 – Labor Day (May 1-5)
Labor Day, also known as May Day, is a time to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of workers to society. Established as a national holiday in 1949 by the People’s Republic of China, it’s a favorite time for many to connect with friends, catch a show, travel, or simply dive into the activities they love most. Why not seize the moment and set off on an adventure to explore new corners of China!
Travel Tip: Experience a slower pace of life in Suzhou’s enchanting water towns, where you can wander through serene gardens, drift along peaceful canals, and admire timeless, classic architecture.
Shantang Street
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Labor Day is all about celebrating the incredible hard work and contributions that keep our society thriving!
China Getaways 2026 – Dragon Boat Festival (June 19 - June 21)
Honors the ancient poet Qu Yuan. Celebrate with:
- Dragon boat races
- Sticky rice dumplings (zongzi)
- Cultural performances
Photo: Mae Mu/ Unsplash
Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, glutinous rice dumplings are an absolute must-try during the Dragon Boat Festival!
Recommended Travel Destinations for the Dragon Boat Festival:
#1 Yalong Bay: Escape to Sanya, Hainan Island for a sun-soaked getaway filled with beach resorts and incredible seafood feasts.
#2 Yuehe Historic District: Savor authentic Jiaxing fresh pork zongzi and stroll along the ancient streets.
#3 Li River: Soak in the misty river views from a bamboo raft, and join local villagers in Guilin to try your hand at folding Zongzi!
China Getaways - Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept 25 – Sept 27)
Traditions:
- Lantern displays
- The tradition of gifting mooncakes
- Family reunions under the full moon
Top Travel Destinations for the Mid-Autumn Festival
1. Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- Highlight: They say "West Lake on the 15th of October" simply can't compare to the magic of "West Lake on the Mid-Autumn Night." When you're out boating on the water, you'll be treated to the breathtaking beauty of the "Autumn Moon over Flat Lake" and the iconic "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon." With the moon glowing in the sky and reflecting perfectly on the water, the two create a scene of pure, artistic harmony that you have to see to believe.
- Mid-Autumn Festival activities: Beyond moon-gazing, treat yourself to the delights of West Lake lotus root starch and Longjing tea, and savor the seasonal lake crabs that define authentic Hangzhou cuisine.
2. Guilin, Guangxi
- Highlight: "The landscape of Guilin is the best under heaven." On a Mid-Autumn night, hop on a boat along the Li River to soak in the moonlight. Watching the glow settle over the karst peaks and dance on the river's ripples feels just like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink-wash painting.
- Mid-Autumn Festival activities: For a truly festive vibe, head to Xiangshan Park or the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area—these are the go-to spots for official moon-gazing events!
China Getaways 2026 – National Day (Oct 1- Oct 7)
This “Golden Week” is China’s longest public holiday, celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic!
To help you plan your perfect getaway, here’s our Golden Week travel guide to China’s top cities:
Golden Week in Shanghai: Must-See Sights & Festive Fun
Shanghai is fast-paced, flashy, and full of contrast. From soaring skyscrapers to old-world charm, this is where you’ll discover some of China’s best Golden Week photo ops, street eats, and scenic strolls—all in one unforgettable trip.
Bund Sightseeing: Huangpu River Cruise
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- 3-Day Shanghai Adventure: From Disney Magic to Ancient Dynasties
- 6-Day Shanghai Adventure: From Magical Skylines to Ancient Water Towns
Golden Week in Beijing: Must-See Sights & Festive Fun
If you’re looking to walk right into the heart of China’s imperial past, there’s simply no place like Beijing. It’s a city where ancient palaces, towering gates, and stone-paved courtyards stand in stunning contrast against a sleek, modern skyline.
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- 3-Day Beijing Adventure: From Imperial Palaces to Theme Park Thrills
- 6-Day Beijing Adventure: From Imperial Wonders to Modern Marvels
Golden Week in Xi'an: Must-See Sights & Festive Fun
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities, and during Golden Week, it truly comes alive—think dazzling light displays on the ancient city wall, vibrant performances in the old town, and bustling food markets that keep the energy going late into the night.
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- 2-Day Xi'an Adventure: From Emperors to City Walls
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Golden Week in Chengdu: Must-See Sights & Festive Fun
Chengdu brings together everything travelers love about southwest China: adorable pandas, historic temples, slow mornings, and streets brimming with tea and tradition. Golden Week here feels festive, yet never rushed.
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- 3-Day Chengdu Adventure: From Pandas to Ancient Wonders
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Photo: Alexander Schimmeck/ Unsplash
The National Day Holiday is a week-long celebration that kicks off during the first week of October every year!
Other China Getaways 2026
Lantern Festival (Mar 3)
Qixi Festival (August 19)
Double Ninth Festival (October 29)
Photo: Yang Yu/ Unsplash
Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival with a toast of chrysanthemum liquor!
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Just click this link and download the Trip.com App, after successfully registering as a member, use it when you place an order!
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FAQs about China Holiday 2026
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