Navigating the China bank holidays schedule is key for anyone living in or doing business with China. The official China holiday calendar features seven core public holidays, including the massive Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), National Day, and China Golden Week.
Public Holidays in China: Schedule and Dates
Here is the official China bank holidays schedule, the official calendar for 2025, and the 2026 forecast to help you plan.
China Bank Holidays for 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 28 – Feb 4 | Tuesday – Tuesday | Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) |
| Apr 4 | Friday | Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) |
| May 1 – 5 | Thursday – Monday | Labor Day (May Day) |
| May 31 – Jun 2 | Saturday – Monday | Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) |
| Oct 1 – 8 | Wednesday – Wednesday | National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival |
China Bank Holidays for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Feb 16 – 23 | Monday – Monday | Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) |
| Apr 4 – 6 | Saturday – Monday | Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) |
| May 1 – 5 | Friday – Tuesday | Labor Day (May Day) |
| Jun 19 – 21 | Friday – Sunday | Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) |
| Sep 25 – 27 | Friday – Sunday | Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) |
| Oct 1 – 7 | Thursday – Wednesday | National Day |
Read More: England Bank Holidays
2026 Holiday Schedule in Detail
Let’s take a closer look at the key China Bank Holidays for 2026.
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New Year’s Day 2026:Â A straightforward one-day holiday on January 1st, marking the start of the new year.
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Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) 2026: This is the most important holiday in China! In 2026, the Spring Festival Golden Week holiday dates are from February 16th to 23rd. It’s a time for an intense family reunion, feasting, and traditional customs.
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Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) 2026: Falling on April 4th-6th, this day is dedicated to Ancestor Worship, where families clean the tombs of their ancestors and pay their respects.
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Labor Day (May Day) 2026: A five-day break from May 1st to 5th, this holiday is one of China’s three major Golden Week Holidays and a peak period for domestic travel.
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Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) 2026: From June 19th to 21st, this festival honors the poet Qu Yuan. The key festival traditions include eating Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and watching dragon boat races.
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Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day 2026: In 2026, these two holidays are separate. The Mooncake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival) is from September 25th to 27th, while National Day runs from October 1st to 7th, creating another extended travel season.
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China’s “Golden Weeks” Explained: Spring Festival & National Day
The term “Golden Week” refers to the two longest holidays in China: the Spring Festival and National Day. Each offers a full week off, creating the biggest tourism peak of the year.
Our top China National Day Golden Week travel tips are:
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Book everything far in advance, as flights and hotels get expensive and sell out.
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Expect massive crowds at all major tourist attractions.
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For a smoother experience, consider the best time to travel to China during holidays, which is generally outside of these Golden Weeks, like in late spring or early autumn.
Other Chinese Observances and Half-Day Holidays
Beyond the seven major bank holidays in China, there are several observances and half-day holidays. On these days, certain groups may get a half-day off work.
These include:
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International Women’s Day (March 8)—Women often get a half-day.
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Youth Day (May 4)—Youths aged 14-28 get a half-day.
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Children’s Day (June 1)—Children under 14 get a half-day.
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Army Day (August 1)—Military personnel may get a half-day.
There are also many cultural observances with no time off, such as the Lantern Festival, Arbor Day, Teachers’ Day, and Double Ninth Festival.
Official Links: For the most authoritative confirmation, always refer to the State Council’s official announcements (typically in Chinese).
Also Read: Canada Bank Holidays
FAQs
Q1. Are banks closed on public holidays in China?
Yes. Banks are closed on public holidays in China. The Government Offices Closed rule applies to all financial institutions on the official China Bank Holidays.
Q2. What is the longest holiday in China?
The Spring Festival and National Day holidays are the longest, each typically lasting 7-8 days. These are the two main Golden Week holidays.
Q3. When is the best time to avoid crowds during Chinese holidays?
The best time to avoid crowds is during the shorter holidays like the Qingming Festival or Dragon Boat Festival, or outside of the national holiday periods entirely.
Q4. What are the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Key Mid-Autumn Festival traditions include family reunions, admiring the full moon, and eating mooncakes, which is why it’s also called the Mooncake Festival.
Understanding the Chinese bank holiday schedule is more than just knowing the dates; it’s about understanding the cultural significance and logistical planning required around these periods. We hope this guide to the China Bank Holidays has been invaluable.
For more global calendar insights, like Turkey bank holidays or Australia bank holidays, explore the rest of Calendar Times UK!
