Chinese Public Holidays 2026

In 2026, China will observe several important public holidays, which are celebrated either nationwide or in specific regions. Below is a comprehensive list of all the public holidays in China, including the dates, days of the week, holiday names, and regions where they are observed.

Public Holidays for 2026

Detailed Overview of Public Holidays

New Year’s Day

• Dates: January 1 – January 3, 2026 (Thursday – Saturday)
• Holiday Duration: 3 days
• Introduction: New Year’s Day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. In China, people celebrate it with parties, fireworks, and family gatherings. Although it is a nationwide public holiday, it is less significant than traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

Chinese New Year

• Dates: February 15 – February 23, 2026 (Sunday – Monday)
• Holiday Duration: 9 days
• Introduction: The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with family reunions, red couplets, fireworks, dumplings, and red envelopes. In 2026, the Eve of the Spring Festival falls on February 16, and the New Year Day on February 17. This week-long Golden Week is celebrated nationwide with vibrant traditions and festivities.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

Qingming Festival

• Dates: April 4 – April 6, 2026 (Saturday – Monday)
• Holiday Duration: 3 days
• Introduction: Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional occasion for paying tribute to ancestors. Families visit gravesites, present food, flowers, and incense, and participate in outdoor spring activities. In 2026, Qingming Day falls on April 5, and the holiday will last three days nationwide.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

Labor Day

• Dates: May 1 – May 5, 2026 (Friday – Tuesday)
• Holiday Duration: 5 days
• Introduction: Labour Day celebrates the achievements and rights of workers. Many cities host parades, cultural events, and concerts during this period. The five-day break provides one of the best opportunities for domestic travel in China, making it one of the most popular holiday seasons of the year.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

Dragon Boat Festival

• Dates: June 19 – June 21, 2026 (Friday – Sunday)
• Holiday Duration: 3 days
• Introduction: The Dragon Boat Festival honors the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. People celebrate it by racing dragon boats and eating zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). In 2026, it falls on June 19 and is a three-day nationwide holiday that highlights traditional Chinese culture and family unity.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

Mid-Autumn Festival

• Dates: September 25 – September 27, 2026 (Friday – Sunday)
• Holiday Duration: 3 days
• Introduction: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the harvest and family reunion. Families gather to admire the full moon, share mooncakes, and enjoy lantern shows. In 2026, it will fall on September 25 and be celebrated nationwide.

National Day

• Dates: October 1 – October 7, 2026 (Thursday – Wednesday)
• Holiday Duration: 7 days
• Introduction: National Day commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. The holiday lasts for a full week and is known as the “Golden Week.” Festivities include fireworks, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and large-scale cultural events. It is also one of the busiest travel periods in China as people take advantage of the long holiday for domestic and international trips.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

School Summer Vacation

• Dates: Typically starts in early July and ends in late August. The exact dates can vary depending on the region and level of education.
• Holiday Duration: Generally 6 to 8 weeks.
• Introduction: Summer Vacation in China is a long break for students from all levels of educational institutions. This period allows families to plan vacations, often to cooler regions or abroad, to escape the hot summer temperatures. Cultural and educational activities, such as summer camps and workshops, are also popular among students during this time.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View

School Winter Vacation

• Dates: Usually begins in late January or early February, coinciding with the Chinese New Year. The vacation typically lasts about 4 weeks.
• Holiday Duration: Around 4 weeks.
• Introduction: Winter Vacation is closely tied to the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, making it a significant time for family reunions and cultural festivities. The holiday provides a break for students, who typically spend time with family, enjoy traditional foods, and participate in various New Year events. Travel peaks during this period as people return to their hometowns for the celebrations.
• Detailed Festival Introduction: Click to View