China Public Holiday 2025 Guide

Planning a trip to China in 2025? Knowing the public holiday schedule can help you make the most of your travels. Our China Public Holiday 2025 guide offers a complete list of holiday dates, their cultural significance, and travel tips.

If you’d like to participate in local festivities or avoid peak travel seasons, this guide will ensure a smooth China trip. Check it out!

China Public Holidays 2025 Overview

There are currently seven official public holidays in China. In 2025, China’s official public holidays will expand from 11 days to 13 days (one more day for Spring Festival holiday, and one more day for Labour Day holiday), giving residents and travellers more opportunities to enjoy extended breaks.

*Note That the State Council also provides public holidays for specific social groups:

• International Women’s Day (8 Mar) is observed for half day by women only.
• Youth Day (4 May) is observed for half day by youths between age 14 to 28.
• Children’s Day (1 Jun) is observed for a full day by children below age 14.
• Army Day (1 Aug) is observed for half day by military personnel in active service.

China Public Holidays 2025 Calendar

Stay organised and plan your travels with our China Public Holiday 2025 calendar. This handy visual guide highlights all the key holiday dates, making it easy to schedule vacations and avoid busy periods.

China Public Holiday - New Year's Day

1 Jan (Wednesday)

Source: Wikipedia

New Year's Day (元旦) falls on 1 January and marks the official start of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a one-day public holiday in China, and while it doesn't carry the same cultural weight as the Chinese Lunar New Year, it is still widely observed.

People often enjoy a short break by shopping, attending countdown events and spending time with families. Many cities may host festive decorations, light displays, and public celebrations. New Year's Day is a cheerful way to welcome the new year before the major festivities of the Spring Festival and an opportunity to take a short break

China Public Holiday - Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

28 Jan - 4 Feb (Tuesday to next Tuesday)

Source: Trip Moments

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year (春节), is the most important traditional holiday in China. Celebrated on the first day of the Lunar New Year, it marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle. In 2025, this day will fall on 29 January and last for 8 days, with many people taking extended breaks to visit family and friends.

Spring Festival is rich with customs and traditions, including family reunions, elaborate feasts, giving red envelopes (hongbao), setting off fireworks, and honouring ancestors. It’s a time for renewal, good fortune, and celebrating the year ahead. Not only China, but the world is celebrating this festival, making it an unforgettable cultural experience.

China Public Holiday - Ching Ming Festival (Qingming Festival)

4 Apr - 6 Apr (Friday to Sunday)

Source: Freepik

The Ching Ming Festival (清明节), also known as Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday dedicated to honouring ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. In 2025, it falls on 4 April.

During Ching Ming, families visit cemeteries to clean and maintain gravesites, make offerings of food and flowers, and burn incense or paper money as a sign of respect.

China Public Holiday - Labour Day

1 May - 5 May (Thursday to next Monday)

Labour Day (劳动节), also known as International Workers' Day, is celebrated on 1 May each year in China. It honours the contributions and achievements of workers nationwide. In 2025, it is a public holiday spanning 5 days (including surrounding weekends), providing a break for many people.

Labour Day holiday is a popular time for travel, shopping, and leisure activities. Many families take short trips to nearby cities. Parks, shopping malls, and cultural sites often see increased crowds, and many retailers offer special promotions. The holiday highlights the importance of work-life balance and the contributions of the labour force to society.

China Public Holiday - Dragon Boat Festival

31 May - 2 Jun (Saturday to next Monday)

Source: South China Morning Post

The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, which falls on 31 May 2025. This 3-day public holiday honours the ancient poet Qu Yuan and is rich with cultural significance.

Festivities include thrilling dragon boat races, where teams paddle in sync with the beat of drums, and the preparation of zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Families also hang mugwort and calamus to ward off evil spirits and promote health. It's a celebration of heritage, teamwork, and tradition.

China Public Holiday - National Day

Source: Trip Moments

1 Oct - 8 Oct (Wednesday to next Wednesday)

National Day (国庆节) is celebrated on 1 October and marks the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. It is one of the country’s major holidays. Typically a 7-day public holiday known as the “Golden Week”, 2025 is unique as the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) on 6 October extends the holiday to 8 days.

This extended break makes it a peak time for travel, shopping, and festivities. Cities across China come alive with grand parades, patriotic events, and flag-raising ceremonies. Public squares, streets, and landmarks are decorated with patriotic displays like the national flag.

Many people take the opportunity to visit historical sites, have a long-distance trip, or spend time with family. National Day symbolises unity, pride, and celebration.

China Public Holiday - Mid-Autumn Festival

6 Oct (Monday, included in National Day holiday)

Source: Trip Moments

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, falls on 6 October in 2025. It is dedicated to family reunions, moon appreciation, and the harvest season.

During the festival, families gather to share mooncakes, symbolising unity and completeness. Lanterns are often displayed, and many people admire the full moon, which is believed to be at its brightest and roundest. This holiday is not only a time for reflection and gratitude but also for celebrating family bonds and the beauty of nature.

Tips on Planning Your Trip to China

If you're planning to visit China, there are a few things you should know to make your trip as smooth as possible. Here are some key tips to consider:

• ✅Visa requirements: Travel to China from Singapore is easy. As of 2024, Singapore citizens no longer need a visa to visit China for tourism purposes. Singaporeans can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. Before travelling, make sure your passport is valid upon arrival in China.
• ✅Best time to visit: Avoid peak travel periods like Chinese New Year and National Day holidays, as local travel and accommodations can be more expensive and crowded.
• ✅Currency and payments: In China, the currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While credit cards are widely accepted in big cities, mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are incredibly popular, so it’s a good idea to set up these apps before your trip.
• ✅Transportation tips: For convenience, you can use apps like Didi for taxis. Singaporeans may find China's metro systems similar to Singapore's MRT. And do try China’s high-speed rail train, which will connect you to major cities.
• ✅Stay connected: Consider getting a local SIM card or a China eSIM for easy communication and internet access.