China National Day is a major public holiday in the country, celebrated annually on October 1st to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This holiday not only holds great historical significance but is also part of China’s longest public holiday period. Due to the extended break, this time of year is also known as “Golden Week”, one of the busiest travel seasons in China. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of China National Day, holiday schedules, Golden Week travel tips, and past holiday dates.
China National Day marks the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is one of the country’s most important public holidays.
Key Events:
Before 1949, China did not have an official national day. In September 1949, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) designated October 1st as the country’s official national day. Since then, large-scale celebrations have taken place annually, especially on significant anniversaries like the 50th (1999), 60th (2009), and 70th (2019) anniversaries, which featured grand military parades and events.
China National Day is typically a 7-day public holiday (October 1st – October 7th). However, in some years, due to adjusted work schedules, the holiday extends to 8 days, such as in 2025:
Golden Week is the extended public holiday surrounding China National Day. It is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, during which tourist attractions, hotels, and transportation systems across the country experience surging crowds.
Due to the overwhelming number of travelers during Golden Week, proper planning is essential. Here are some key recommendations:
On October 1st at dawn, thousands of spectators gather at Tiananmen Square to witness the grand flag-raising ceremony.
Grand military parades take place during significant anniversaries, such as the 70th National Day in 2019, showcasing China’s military strength and national pride.
It commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China and fosters a sense of national pride and unity.
No, China does not have an “Independence Day.” China National Day celebrates the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, not independence from another country.
Learn dates, customs, and celebrations of major Chinese holidays to effectively plan your vacations and trips.
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