China Public Holidays 2026: Dates & Travel Tips

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. 

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

In addition to national public holidays, China also observes a range of regional and local holidays. Many of China’s regional holidays are linked to ethnic minority cultures, particularly in the southwest.

Water-Splashing Festival (Yunnan)

Celebrated by the Dai people, mainly in Xishuangbanna and parts of Dehong, this festival usually takes place in April. It marks the local New Year and is known for its joyful atmosphere, traditional performances and water-splashing rituals. For travellers, it is an immersive cultural experience, though accommodation should be booked well in advance.

Torch Festival (Yunnan & Sichuan)

Observed by the Yi ethnic group, the Torch Festival typically falls in late summer. Large bonfires, music and dancing take place in cities such as Lijiang, Dali and Liangshan. It offers a vivid insight into minority traditions and is particularly appealing to culturally curious travellers.

Shoton Festival (Tibet / Lhasa)

Usually held in late summer, the Shoton Festival features traditional Tibetan opera and large religious gatherings. While culturally significant, travellers should be aware that access and accommodation in Lhasa may be limited during this period.

Sanyuesan Festival (Guangxi)

Sanyuesan, also known as the Third Day of the Third Lunar Month, is an important regional holiday in Guangxi, particularly among the Zhuang ethnic group. The festival usually falls in late March or early April and is officially recognised as a public holiday within the region.

School Holidays in China - Winter and Summer Vacation

School holidays in China are divided into two main periods: winter vacation and summer vacation. These breaks have a significant impact on domestic travel, particularly for families, as they offer the longest and most flexible opportunities for holidays throughout the year.

Winter Vacation (January to February)

Winter vacation typically lasts three to four weeks, usually from mid-January to mid-February, and often overlaps with Chinese New Year. This is one of the busiest travel periods of the year

For travellers, winter vacation is well suited to:

• Warm-weather escapes, such as Hainan Island, where beach resorts and family-friendly facilities are in high demand
• Winter experiences, including snow landscapes and seasonal activities in Harbin and parts of Northeast China
• City stays, where cultural attractions, museums and indoor activities provide flexibility for families travelling with children

Summer Vacation (July to August)

Summer vacation is the longest school break in China, lasting six to eight weeks, and is the peak travel season for domestic tourism. Families often take extended trips during this period.

Popular summer travel styles include:

• Mountain and highland destinations such as Yunnan, Guizhou and Zhangjiajie, which offer cooler temperatures
• Coastal and island holidays, including Qingdao, Xiamen and Hainan, where seaside activities appeal to all ages
• Cultural exploration, with cities like Beijing, Xi’an and Nanjing providing educational and engaging experiences for children

Travel Inspiration Within China for Public Holidays 2026

China’s public holidays in 2026 offer ideal moments to rediscover the diversity of destinations within the country. Below are destination ideas within China, grouped by holiday length and travel style.

Short Breaks & City Escapes (3–4 Days)

Shanghai is perfect for travellers seeking a sophisticated urban escape. Art galleries, fine dining and heritage architecture sit alongside cutting-edge design and luxury shopping, making it ideal for a refined city break.

Hangzhou is ideal for those seeking elegance and tranquillity. West Lake, tea plantations and classical gardens create a poetic setting, particularly in spring and early autumn.

Chengdu appeals to travellers who enjoy a slower pace paired with rich culture. Known for its teahouses, cuisine and panda conservation centres, the city is well suited to a relaxed yet characterful short stay.

Cultural & Scenic Getaways (5–7 Days)

Beijing offers a more historical experience. Beyond iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, travellers can explore hutong neighbourhoods, contemporary art districts and high-end dining scenes.

Xi’an is a natural choice for history enthusiasts. The Terracotta Army, ancient city walls and emerging boutique hotels make it suitable for a culturally immersive holiday without feeling rushed.

Zhangjiajie is perfect for travellers drawn to dramatic scenery. Its towering sandstone formations and national parks suit longer stays that focus on hiking, photography and immersive nature experiences.

Guilin and Yangshuo offer dramatic natural scenery, with limestone peaks, rivers and countryside ideal for cycling, photography and river cruises.

Nature, Wellness & Resort Escapes (7–10+ Days)

Yunnan stands out for its ethnic diversity and varied landscapes. Cities such as Lijiang and Shangri-La provide access to mountains, old towns and spiritual heritage, appealing to travellers seeking depth and authenticity.

Hainan Island is China’s premier tropical resort destination. Sanya and its surrounding areas offer high-end beach resorts, wellness retreats and water activities.

Travel Tips 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.