If you’re planning a trip to China in 2026, knowing public holidays is key to making the most of your visit. In 2026, China public holidays include a mix of traditional festivals, national celebrations, and long breaks. With a clear holiday calendar for 2026, you can plan your flights, accommodations, and sightseeing smoothly while catching the best of what China has to offer.
China Public Holidays 2026 Overview
China currently has seven official public holidays, but in 2026, some of these breaks are arranged to give longer weekends.
Public Holiday | Date | Day Off | Day | Duration |
New Year's Day | 1 Jan | 1-3 Jan | Thursday to Saturday | 3 |
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | 15 Feb | 15-23 Feb | Sunday to Monday | 9 |
Qingming Festival | 5 Apr | 4-6 Apr | Saturday-Monday | 3 |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1-5 May | Friday-Tuesday | 5 |
Dragon Boat Festival | 19 Jun | 19-21 Jun | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
Mid-Autumn Festival | 25 Sep | 25-27 Sep | Friday-Sunday | 3 |
National Day | 1 Oct | 1-7 Oct | Thursday to Wednesday | 7 |
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.
Understanding Chinese Holiday Rules
China’s public holiday system can be a bit different from what Singaporeans might be used to. Some holidays involve “working weekends”, where a weekend day is swapped for a weekday to create a longer continuous break.
For example, if a holiday falls midweek, the government may designate the preceding or following weekend as a working day to extend the holiday period.
China Public Holidays 2026 Calendar
Stay organised and plan your travels with our China Public Holidays 2026 calendar. This easy-to-read guide shows all the key dates at a glance, helping you book trips in advance and make the most of your holidays.
Tip: You can also take a look at the China Public Holidays 2025 to compare schedules and see how the holiday calendar has evolved. This way, you’ll know what to expect whether you’re travelling this year or next.
China Festivals & Holidays in 2026
China Public Holiday - New Year's Day
China joins the world in celebrating the start of the new year. It’s usually a quieter holiday compared to Chinese New Year, but many cities often host countdown parties, light shows, and shopping discounts.
China Public Holiday - Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
The biggest holiday of the year in China, is very similar to how Singaporeans celebrate Lunar New Year. Families reunite, red lanterns light up the streets, and fireworks mark the arrival of the new zodiac year. Expect peak travel, as it’s the busiest time on China’s transport network.
China Public Holiday - Qingming Festival
Also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, this holiday is about honouring ancestors. Families visit cemeteries, clean tombs, and make offerings. It’s also a time to enjoy spring weather with outings to parks and the countryside.
China Public Holiday - Labour Day
What used to be a single day has become a popular “Golden Week” break. Locals take short trips, and tourist spots can get very crowded. For Singaporean travellers, it’s good to book early if visiting during this period.
China Public Holiday - Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan. Expect colourful dragon boat races on rivers and lakes, plus zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), which you’ll also find in Singapore.
China Public Holiday - Mid-Autumn Festival
A family-oriented festival centred on moon worship and reunion dinners. Streets and parks glow with lanterns, and mooncakes—whether traditional or modern flavours—are a must. It’s a lovely time to see Chinese cities lit up at night.
China Public Holiday - National Day
Marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China, this kicks off the “Golden Week” holiday. Many locals travel domestically or abroad, so transport hubs and attractions can be very busy. For travellers from Singapore, it’s a vibrant time but best to plan ahead.
Other Regional Holidays in China
✅Entry Requirements & Visa: Singaporeans can enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to China, and other visa types can vary depending on your travel purpose. Make sure to check the latest China entry requirements and China visa guide before booking your trip.
✅Book Early: Flights and hotels sell out fast around peak holidays like Chinese New Year and Golden Week (Labour Day & National Day). It’s smart to book flights and hotels at least 2–3 months ahead. Prices surge closer to the dates.
✅Expect Crowds: Tourist attractions can be extremely busy, so plan to visit early in the day or explore lesser-known spots. Or travel just before or after the official holiday dates.
✅Transport Matters: Train tickets in China during holidays can be hard to get—use official apps like 12306 or book via Trip.com in advance. For convenience, you can use apps like Didi for taxi.
✅Stay Connected: Get a local China SIM card or China eSIM so you can use mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and navigate easily.
FAQ About China Public Holidays 2026
What is a “Golden Week” in China?
Golden Week refers to extended holiday periods, usually around National Day (October), when millions of locals travel.Do all regions in China follow the same holiday schedule?
The national holidays are the same across the country, but some regions also celebrate local festivals such as March 3rd Festival (Guangxi) or Kuban Festival (Xinjiang Uygur communities).Is it a good idea to travel in China during public holidays?
It depends—holidays bring festive events but also big crowds. For a smoother trip, plan carefully, book early, and consider visiting less crowded destinations.