If you’re planning a trip to China — or you live here and want to keep track of long weekends — this guide to China public holidays 2026 covers everything you need to know. China has a unique system where some days off are “compensated” by making nearby weekends working days, so it’s worth planning ahead carefully.
China public holidays 2026 follow the same basic structure as previous years — a handful of traditional festivals plus National Day Golden Week in October. What catches people out is the make-up working day system, where the government shifts a nearby weekend day into a regular workday to keep the economy ticking. It sounds complicated, but once you know the dates, planning around them is straightforward.
Why China Public Holidays 2026 Matter for Travelers
China public holidays in 2026 can make or break your travel plans. Hotels, flights, and trains fill up incredibly fast, and prices spike significantly. Knowing the Chinese public holiday calendar in advance gives you a real advantage — whether you’re booking a trip to Shanghai Disneyland, heading up the Shanghai Tower, or just trying to avoid the crowds.
China Public Holidays in 2026: Full List
Here’s a full breakdown of every remaining Chinese national holiday in 2026:
Qing Ming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival — 4th to 6th April (3 days)
Qing Ming is one of China’s most important traditional festivals, when families visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. It falls right at the start of spring, and 2026 gives you a three-day break. Great timing if you fancy a short trip while the weather warms up.
Labour Day — 1st to 5th May (5 days) Make-up working day: Saturday 9th May
Labour Day has grown into one of the most popular travel holidays in recent years. You get a generous five-day break in 2026, though note that Saturday 9th May is a required working day to compensate. Book accommodation early — this one gets very busy.
Dragon Boat Festival — 19th to 21st June (3 days)
The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu, is a brilliant time to catch dragon boat races along rivers and canals across China. The three-day break in June is usually good weather-wise too, making it a popular mini-holiday.
Mid-Autumn Festival — 25th to 27th September (3 days)
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most atmospheric Chinese public holidays, with lanterns, mooncakes, and family gatherings everywhere you look. The three-day break in late September is perfect for a weekend escape as temperatures start to cool.
National Day — 1st to 7th October (7 days) Make-up working days: 20th September and 10th October
National Day — also known as Golden Week — is the biggest China public holiday of the year. A full seven days off means the whole country is on the move. If you’re planning to travel during National Day 2026, book as early as humanly possible. Note the two make-up working days on 20th September and 10th October.
China Public Holidays 2026: Travel Tips
Getting the most out of Chinese national holidays takes a bit of planning. Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- Book flights and hotels the moment dates are confirmed — prices double or triple during peak periods
- Check the Shanghai weather before you travel, as conditions vary enormously by season
- Consider travelling just before or after a holiday rather than during it to save money and avoid queues
- Keep an eye on make-up working days if you’re scheduling meetings or relying on local services
When Are 2027 China Public Holidays Announced?
China typically announces the following year’s public holiday schedule in November. I’ll update this page with the 2027 Chinese public holidays as soon as they’re released.