China Public Holidays Calendar for 2025
China embraces a series of public holidays each year, with seven primary holidays that are celebrated across the country. These include New Year, the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day. Of these, the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, holds the title as China's grandest and most cherished festival.
| 2025 Date | Holiday Name | Days Off | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1 | New Year's Day | 1 day | Start of the New Year |
| Jan. 29 | Spring Festival | Jan. 28 – Feb 3 | Extensive celebrations for the Lunar New Year |
| Apr. 4 | Qingming Festival | 3 days | Commemoration and tomb-sweeping activities |
| May 1 | Labor Day | 5 days | Time off for leisure, known as one of the 'golden weeks' |
| May. 31 | Dragon Boat Festival | 3 days | Cultural festivities including boat races and rice dumplings |
| Oct. 1 | National Day | 7 days | Celebration of the foundation of the People's Republic of China |
| Oct. 6 | Mid-Autumn Festival | 1 day | Family reunions and mooncake delight |
Insights into 7 Major Chinese Holidays
New Year's Day
While not traditionally celebrated in China like in the West, New Year's Day marks a national holiday with 3-day breaks, and a chance for shopping experiences and promotions.
The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
Regarded as the most significant holiday, the Spring Festival marks the lunar new year with family reunions and various traditional activities, and normally a 7-day national holiday.
The Qingming Festival
Qingming Festival is known for honoring ancestors with swept tombs and cherished rituals amidst the blossoming spring scenery.
Labor Day
May Day, or Labor Day, provides a longer holiday period encouraging travel and tourism across China.
The Dragon Boat Festival
Famous for captivating dragon boat races and the wrapping of zongzi, this festival is a vibrant display of Chinese cultural heritage.
The Mid-Autumn Festival
Celebrated with mooncakes and moon-gazing, this festival is second in significance only to the Chinese New Year, emphasizing the importance of family.
National Day
The first week of October marks a 7-day holiday known as 'golden week', filled with nationwide exuberance and heightened travel activity.
Lesser-Known Festivals and Observances in 2025
Apart from the main holidays, there are numerous other traditional and modern festivities that add color to the Chinese calendar, such as the Lantern Festival, Women's Day, and the Double Ninth Festival, which provide opportunities for diverse cultural expressions and holiday experiences.
Travel Tips for the 'Golden Weeks' in China
The 'golden weeks' of China National Day, Spring Festival, and Labor Day are considered peak periods for travel in China. Prices may peak, and popular spots can become crowded, so advance planning and aiming for off-the-beaten-path destinations is recommended.
Commonly Asked Questions About Holidays in China
What's the length of public holidays in China?
The mainland grants a total of 13 statutory public holidays. These can be 3-day, 5-day, or 7-day breaks, often paired with weekends to form more extended periods off work. Noteworthy is the requirement for Chinese employees to sometimes work on weekends to compensate for these extended holidays.
Experience China During Your Holidays
Whether you're looking to partake in traditional Chinese festivals or escape the bustle of holiday crowds, China offers a vast array of experiences. Customized tours can be tailored to fit your interests and schedule. Choosing a suitable itinerary can enhance your holiday experience, providing a balance of adventure and relaxation in the Land of the Red Dragon.
