Discover China's Public Holidays in 2024
China's yearly calendar features 7 official public holidays that bring festive joy to its citizens: New Year, the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), Qingming Festival, Labor Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day. Among these, the Spring Festival is the grandest and most celebrated holiday nationwide.
Mark your calendars as the next public holiday in China is the New Year's Day, ushering in 2024 with a 3-day holiday combined with the weekend. Planning to explore China during this vibrant time? Get ready for a remarkable experience!
2024 China Public Holidays Calendar
| 2024 Date | Holiday Name | Holiday Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1 | New Year's Day | Jan. 1 | |
| Feb. 10 | Spring Festival | Feb. 10 –16 | China's biggest festival signals the start of the lunar new year. |
| Apr. 4 | Qingming Festival | Apr. 4–6 | A time for paying tribute to ancestors, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day. |
| May 1 | Labor Day | May 1–5 | One of the 'golden weeks' that sees a surge in national tourism. |
| Jun. 10 | Dragon Boat Festival | Jun. 8–10 | Lively dragon boat races and delicious sticky rice dumplings highlight this day. |
| Sep. 17 | Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep. 15–17 | The celebratory Mooncake Festival. |
| Oct. 1 | National Day | Oct. 1–7 | The second 'golden week' of China, marked with patriotism and leisure. |
7 Major Chinese Holidays in 2024
1. New Year's Day
The calendar year kicks off with New Year's Day, granting citizens a 3-day break. It's not traditionally Chinese but celebrated with festive sales and decorations.
2. The Spring Festival
The zenith of Chinese festivals, the Spring Festival welcomes the year of the Dragon on February 10, 2024. It’s an ideal time for cultural immersion despite being a low season for tourism.
3. The Qingming Festival
Also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, the Qingming Festival is a 3-day observance dedicated to honoring the departed. It's also a period to savor the onset of spring.
4. Labor Day
This 5-day holiday is among China's most bustling periods, with many using the time to travel.
5. The Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated with dragon boat races and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), the Dragon Boat Festival is a cherished cultural event.
6. The Mid-Autumn Festival
Second in importance only to the Spring Festival, this holiday promotes family bonding, mooncake indulgence, and moon appreciation.
7. National Day
During the National Day's golden week, people often travel, making it another peak time for tourism.
Other Noteworthy Festivals and Holidays in 2024
| 2024 Date | Holiday | Customs and Observances |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 24 | Lantern Festival | The end of Chinese New Year celebrations with lanterns and sweet treats. |
| Mar. 8 | Women's Day | Women enjoy half a day off to celebrate this international occasion. |
| May 4 | Youth Day | Youths receive a half-day break to commemorate their vitality and spirit. |
| Jun. 1 | Children's Day | A day dedicated to the joy and rights of children. |
| Aug. 1 | Army Day | Nation's military is honored with various observances. |
Maximizing Your Holiday Experience in China
Longer holidays like the 'golden weeks' significantly boost China's tourism, leading to higher travel costs and crowded attractions. For a memorable Chinese holiday, consider off-peak travel times or less-visited locales to make the most of your journey.
