China has seven nationwide public holiday periods covering 33 scheduled calendar days in 2026. The official schedule includes Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Qingming Festival, Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and New Year's Day.
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The General Office of the State Council confirmed the 2026 holiday arrangements on November 4, 2025. The calendar combines statutory holidays, ordinary weekends and adjusted rest days. Some Saturdays and Sundays are designated as working days to accommodate longer holiday breaks.
This guide explains China's official public holiday schedule for 2026, how adjusted working weekends operate, the difference between statutory holidays and extended leave periods, and what residents, employees and visitors should know when planning around national holidays.
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Public Holidays in China 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| January 2, 2026 | Friday | New Year's Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| January 3, 2026 | Saturday | New Year's Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) | Confirmed |
| February 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 19, 2026 | Thursday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 20, 2026 | Friday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 21, 2026 | Saturday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| February 23, 2026 | Monday | Spring Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | Qingming Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) | Confirmed |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Qingming Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 2, 2026 | Saturday | Labour Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| May 3, 2026 | Sunday | Labour Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| May 4, 2026 | Monday | Labour Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Labour Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Dragon Boat Festival | Confirmed |
| June 20, 2026 | Saturday | Dragon Boat Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Dragon Boat Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| September 25, 2026 | Friday | Mid-Autumn Festival | Confirmed |
| September 26, 2026 | Saturday | Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| September 27, 2026 | Sunday | Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 1, 2026 | Thursday | National Day | Confirmed |
| October 2, 2026 | Friday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 3, 2026 | Saturday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 4, 2026 | Sunday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 5, 2026 | Monday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 6, 2026 | Tuesday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
| October 7, 2026 | Wednesday | National Day Holiday | Confirmed |
China's seven nationwide holiday periods cover 33 calendar days in 2026. These dates were announced in the General Office of the State Council's Notice on Arrangements for Several Public Holidays in 2026, issued November 4, 2025.
The 33-day figure represents the combined length of the officially scheduled holiday periods. It includes ordinary weekends and adjusted days off, so it should not be interpreted as 33 additional statutory paid holidays.
The official State Council holiday notice provides the nationwide schedule, including the dates of required weekend workday adjustments.
How China's Public Holiday System Works
China uses a national public holiday system established through regulations issued by the State Council. The calendar combines statutory holidays with adjustments to regular working days, allowing certain celebrations to be observed over longer consecutive periods.
China's seven nationwide public holidays are New Year's Day, Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.
Some holidays follow fixed Gregorian calendar dates, while others are determined by the traditional Chinese calendar. The State Council publishes the annual arrangements to specify the actual holiday periods and any weekend working-day adjustments.
Statutory Holidays Versus Scheduled Holiday Periods
China's statutory holiday entitlement is different from the number of calendar days contained in its annual holiday schedule.
Under the revised national holiday regulations effective from January 2025, China provides 13 statutory public holiday days each year. These statutory days are distributed among the seven nationwide holidays.
The annual holiday schedule may create longer breaks by combining statutory holidays with ordinary weekends and adjusted rest days.
For example, the Spring Festival holiday period lasts nine consecutive days in 2026. This includes statutory holiday entitlements alongside regular and adjusted rest days.
Understanding this distinction is important when interpreting public holiday entitlements, employee compensation and the official calendar.
Chinese New Year and Spring Festival 2026
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chunjie, is one of China's most significant annual celebrations. The festival marks the beginning of a new year in the traditional Chinese calendar and is widely associated with family reunions, festive meals and cultural traditions.
In 2026, the officially scheduled Spring Festival break runs from February 15 through February 23, providing nine consecutive calendar days off.
Chinese New Year's Day falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
To accommodate the extended break, Saturday, February 14, and Saturday, February 28, are designated as working days under the official State Council arrangements.
Why Is Spring Festival Important in China?
Spring Festival is a major family and cultural celebration. Many people travel to their hometowns to reunite with relatives, while traditional activities include reunion dinners, decorations, visits to family members and giving red envelopes.
The holiday is also associated with Chunyun, China's annual Spring Festival travel period, when large numbers of passengers use the country's railway, aviation and road networks.
Travelers planning journeys around Spring Festival should check transport schedules and reservation availability because demand can be substantially different from ordinary working weeks.
Qingming Festival 2026
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is observed as a nationwide public holiday in China. It is traditionally associated with honouring ancestors, cleaning family graves and making commemorative offerings.
In 2026, the official Qingming holiday period runs from April 4 through April 6, creating a three-day break.
The festival itself falls on April 5. The official schedule includes the surrounding weekend and Monday, April 6, without requiring an additional adjusted weekend working day.
Labour Day Holiday in China 2026
Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is observed on May 1 in China. The holiday recognizes workers and forms part of the national statutory public holiday calendar.
In 2026, the official Labour Day holiday period runs from May 1 through May 5, providing five consecutive calendar days off.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, is designated as an adjusted working day to accommodate the extended holiday period.
Labour Day is also an important domestic travel period. Tourist attractions, hotels and transport services may experience increased demand during the five-day break.
Dragon Boat Festival 2026
The Dragon Boat Festival, known in Chinese as Duanwu Jie, is a traditional festival observed on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The celebration is widely associated with dragon boat racing, traditional customs and eating zongzi, a food made from glutinous rice wrapped in leaves.
In 2026, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 19. The official nationwide holiday period extends from June 19 through June 21.
The three-day break falls from Friday to Sunday and does not require an additional adjusted weekend working day.
Mid-Autumn Festival 2026
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Zhongqiu Jie, is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the traditional Chinese calendar.
The festival is associated with family reunions, appreciating the full moon and sharing mooncakes.
In 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Friday, September 25. The official holiday period continues through Sunday, September 27, creating a three-day break.
No additional weekend working-day adjustment is required specifically for the Mid-Autumn Festival break.
National Day and Golden Week in China 2026
China celebrates National Day on October 1 each year. The holiday commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
National Day is associated with official celebrations, patriotic displays and one of China's longest annual public holiday periods, commonly known as Golden Week.
In 2026, the National Day holiday runs from October 1 through October 7, providing seven consecutive calendar days off.
To accommodate the extended break, Sunday, September 20, and Saturday, October 10, are designated as working days.
Golden Week is a major domestic tourism period. Travelers should check transport schedules, accommodation availability and attraction operating arrangements before making plans.
Adjusted Working Days in China in 2026
China's annual public holiday arrangements sometimes designate ordinary weekend days as working days. These adjustments are known as tiaoxiu and help create longer consecutive holiday periods.
The State Council designated six adjusted working days in 2026:
- Sunday, January 4, 2026 – adjusted working day following the New Year's holiday.
- Saturday, February 14, 2026 – adjusted working day associated with Spring Festival.
- Saturday, February 28, 2026 – adjusted working day associated with Spring Festival.
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 – adjusted working day associated with Labour Day.
- Sunday, September 20, 2026 – adjusted working day associated with National Day.
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 – adjusted working day following National Day.
These six dates are not public holidays. They are designated working days under the national holiday arrangements.
The adjustments are especially relevant for government offices, schools, administrative services and businesses that follow the standard national working calendar.
Why Does China Have Working Weekends?
Working weekends allow the official holiday calendar to combine several days of rest into longer continuous breaks.
For example, the nine-day Spring Festival break in 2026 is supported by designated Saturday working days before and after the holiday period.
This arrangement differs from countries where holidays simply move to the next weekday without a corresponding weekend workday adjustment.
Employees should check their organization's working calendar because operational schedules may vary between employers and industries.
Are Public Holidays Paid in China?
Yes. Employees covered by China's applicable labour laws are entitled to statutory holiday protections, including paid leave on designated statutory public holidays.
China's statutory holiday system provides 13 statutory public holiday days annually under the revised national regulations effective from 2025.
When employees are required to work on statutory holidays, applicable labour law may require additional compensation. The legal treatment of work performed on a statutory holiday differs from work performed on an ordinary rest day or an adjusted working day.
The broader 33-day holiday schedule includes weekends and adjusted rest days, so compensation should not be calculated by treating every scheduled day off as a separate statutory holiday.
Are Banks and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays in China?
Many government departments, administrative offices and conventional bank branches suspend or modify normal services during nationwide public holiday periods.
However, operating arrangements vary by institution. Some banking branches may provide limited services, while ATMs, mobile banking and selected digital services can remain available.
Public institutions may also arrange essential staffing during holiday periods.
People planning government appointments, business registrations, banking transactions or official document submissions should check the relevant institution's operating schedule before visiting.
Are Shops, Restaurants and Tourist Attractions Open?
Many shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions remain open during China's public holiday periods. Some businesses may extend their operating hours to serve holiday visitors.
Other establishments, particularly smaller family-operated businesses, may reduce services or close temporarily during major celebrations such as Spring Festival.
Holiday periods can also affect delivery services, logistics, transportation and appointment availability.
Travelers and residents should verify opening hours and reservations directly with the relevant service provider rather than assuming all businesses follow the same schedule.
Regional Holidays and Special Observances in China
China's seven nationwide public holidays apply across mainland China under the national statutory framework.
Additional holidays and observances may apply to specific regions or groups of citizens. These are distinct from the nationwide holiday periods announced by the State Council.
Regional and Ethnic Minority Holidays
China's national holiday regulations allow relevant local governments in areas inhabited by ethnic minority communities to establish holidays according to local customs.
These observances may apply only within designated regions and should not be treated as nationwide public holidays.
Special-Group Holidays
China also recognizes certain holidays for specific groups, including Women's Day, Youth Day, Children's Day and Army Day.
These observances can carry specific leave entitlements for eligible groups but do not operate as general nationwide days off for the entire population.
They are therefore excluded from the primary nationwide public holiday database.
Do Hong Kong and Macau Follow the Same Holiday Calendar?
No. Hong Kong and Macau have separate legal and administrative public holiday arrangements.
The mainland China holiday schedule should not automatically be applied to either special administrative region.
Residents and visitors should consult the relevant Hong Kong or Macau government holiday calendar when planning business activities, travel or official appointments.
Planning Around China's Long Holiday Breaks
China's 2026 public holiday schedule offers several extended breaks, including the nine-day Spring Festival holiday, five-day Labour Day holiday and seven-day National Day Golden Week.
These periods are particularly relevant for travel planning, family visits and business scheduling.
The State Council encourages organizations and individuals to coordinate paid annual leave with national holidays where appropriate, helping distribute travel demand more evenly.
Employees may be able to extend existing holiday periods by using approved annual leave. Such arrangements are separate from statutory public holidays and depend on employer approval and applicable leave entitlements.
Businesses working with mainland China should also account for the six adjusted working weekends when scheduling deliveries, meetings and administrative deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in China?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in China section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is China's country code?
China uses CN as its ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code. This code is used in international identification systems and structured holiday databases.
How many public holidays are there in China in 2026?
China has seven nationwide public holiday periods covering 33 scheduled calendar days in 2026. These include ordinary weekends and adjusted rest days. The separate statutory holiday entitlement consists of 13 days annually.
When is Chinese New Year in 2026?
Chinese New Year's Day falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The official Spring Festival holiday period runs from February 15 through February 23, providing nine consecutive calendar days off.
What is the longest public holiday in China in 2026?
Spring Festival is the longest officially scheduled nationwide holiday period in China in 2026, lasting nine consecutive days from February 15 through February 23.
When is China's National Day holiday in 2026?
China's National Day falls on October 1, 2026. The official National Day holiday period continues through October 7, providing a seven-day break commonly known as Golden Week.
Why are some Saturdays and Sundays working days in China?
China uses adjusted working days, known as tiaoxiu, to create longer consecutive holiday periods. Selected weekend days become working days to balance the national holiday schedule.
How many adjusted working days are there in China in 2026?
China has six officially designated adjusted weekend working days in 2026: January 4, February 14, February 28, May 9, September 20 and October 10.
Are public holidays paid in China?
Yes. Employees covered by applicable Chinese labour laws receive statutory holiday protections. Work performed on statutory holidays may qualify for additional compensation under the relevant legal provisions.
Are public holidays the same in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau?
No. Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau maintain separate public holiday arrangements. The State Council's nationwide schedule applies to mainland China and should not be treated as the official calendar for the two special administrative regions.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in China
The following government sources establish China's statutory public holiday framework and confirm the official 2026 holiday periods and adjusted working days.
- General Office of the State Council – Notice on Arrangements for Several Public Holidays in 2026: The official notice, issued November 4, 2025, confirms all seven nationwide holiday periods and six adjusted working days.
- Government of China – China's Public Holidays for 2026: Provides the central government's English-language publication of the annual holiday calendar.
- Beijing Haidian Government – English Translation of the State Council Holiday Notice: Provides the official holiday dates and adjusted working-day arrangements in English.
- Beijing Municipal Government – Public Holidays: Provides information about nationwide public holiday periods and working-day adjustments.
- Ministry of Justice – National Holidays and Memorial Days Regulations: Establishes the nationwide statutory holiday categories and provisions for special-group and regional observances.
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