China Holidays
China Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in China? All public holidays in China are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the China employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to China and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
China, a country steeped in tradition and history, celebrates a wide range of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural heritage. These holidays are deeply connected to Chinese history, traditional festivals, and national pride, offering insight into the customs and values that define Chinese society. Public holidays in China can be divided into national holidays, traditional festivals, and other commemorative days.
National Public Holidays
National holidays in China are established by the government to commemorate key historical events, celebrate national achievements, and foster unity. These holidays are observed throughout the country, with businesses, schools, and government offices closing for the day.
New Year’s Day (1st January)
New Year’s Day is a global celebration marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In China, this holiday is a relatively quiet affair compared to other major holidays, though it is still a public holiday where many enjoy time off work or school.
Traditions:
- Family Time: Many people use the day to relax at home or visit friends and family.
- Events and Celebrations: Cities like Beijing and Shanghai may host fireworks displays or special concerts to mark the new year.
- Retail Sales: New Year’s Day is also an opportunity for shopping, as many stores offer holiday discounts.
Chinese National Day (1st October)
According to clothingexpress.org, Chinese National Day celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on the 1st of October, 1949. It is one of the most important national holidays, marked by grand celebrations across the country.
Key Events:
- Military Parades: In Beijing, the day is often celebrated with a massive military parade in Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s military strength and achievements.
- Fireworks: Fireworks displays light up the skies in cities across China.
- Golden Week: The first week of October is known as “Golden Week,” a seven-day holiday period where millions of Chinese travel to tourist destinations or visit family.
Labor Day (1st May)
Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday observed on the 1st of May to honor workers and their contributions to society. In China, it is celebrated as a nationwide holiday.
Traditions:
- Travel and Tourism: Many people take advantage of the time off to travel, with popular tourist spots experiencing a surge in visitors.
- Shopping and Entertainment: Malls, theaters, and restaurants offer special discounts and events to attract holiday-goers.
- Labor Recognition: Government events may honor exemplary workers, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the country’s development.
Traditional Festivals
China’s traditional festivals are rooted in its ancient culture and often revolve around the lunar calendar. These festivals are celebrated with distinct customs, rituals, and foods that have been passed down through generations.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, which usually falls between late January and mid-February.
Key Traditions:
- Reunion Dinner: On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year.
- Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried relatives, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
- Fireworks: Fireworks are set off at midnight to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the new year.
- Decorations: Homes are decorated with red banners, lanterns, and paper cuttings to usher in good fortune.
- Lion and Dragon Dances: Public celebrations often include lion and dragon dances, accompanied by drumming and firecrackers.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, falling on the 15th day of the lunar new year. It is a time for families to gather and celebrate with colorful lanterns and traditional foods.
Traditions:
- Lantern Displays: Streets, parks, and temples are adorned with vibrant lanterns of all shapes and sizes, many of which are decorated with riddles for people to solve.
- Yuanxiao (Tangyuan): A key part of the festival is eating tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste or red bean, symbolizing family unity and happiness.
- Dragon Dances: In some areas, dragon and lion dances continue as part of the festivities.
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors. It typically falls on the 4th or 5th of April and is a solemn occasion for paying respects to deceased family members.
Key Observances:
- Tomb Sweeping: Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, offer food and flowers, and burn joss paper as a way of showing respect.
- Spring Outings: After paying respects, many families take advantage of the spring weather to enjoy outdoor activities like kite flying and nature walks.
- Offerings: Food, tea, and incense are placed at the gravesites, symbolizing the continuation of care for deceased loved ones.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June), commemorates the death of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself to protest against corruption. It is a festival that combines sports, food, and cultural heritage.
Traditions:
- Dragon Boat Races: In many parts of China, teams compete in dragon boat races, rowing long, colorful boats shaped like dragons to the beat of drums.
- Zongzi: People prepare and eat zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, to commemorate the villagers who threw rice into the river to feed Qu Yuan’s spirit.
- Herbal Protection: It is traditional to hang wormwood or calamus leaves on doorways to ward off evil spirits and disease during the festival.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October). It is a time for family reunions, moon gazing, and giving thanks for the harvest.
Key Traditions:
- Mooncakes: The most iconic food of the Mid-Autumn Festival is mooncakes, round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. These symbolize reunion and are often exchanged as gifts.
- Moon Gazing: Families gather to appreciate the beauty of the full moon, which is believed to be at its brightest and fullest on this night.
- Lanterns: Children often carry colorful paper lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival)
The Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, is a traditional festival honoring the elderly and paying respects to ancestors. It is also associated with climbing mountains and appreciating the beauty of autumn.
Traditions:
- Climbing Mountains: It is customary to climb a hill or mountain to enjoy the autumn scenery, a practice believed to bring good health and ward off misfortune.
- Chrysanthemum Flowers: Chrysanthemums are closely associated with the festival, and people often drink chrysanthemum tea or wine during this time.
- Respect for Elders: The festival emphasizes the importance of filial piety, with families spending time with elderly relatives and showing their appreciation.
Other Commemorative Days
In addition to national holidays and traditional festivals, China observes other commemorative days that reflect its modern history and social values.
Youth Day (4th May)
Youth Day, celebrated on the 4th of May, commemorates the May Fourth Movement, a student-led protest in 1919 that called for modernization, nationalism, and reform in China. The movement played a significant role in shaping modern Chinese thought.
Observances:
- Student Activities: Schools and universities often organize discussions, performances, and exhibitions to educate students about the movement’s historical significance.
- Patriotic Themes: Youth Day promotes themes of patriotism, education, and the importance of youth in nation-building.
Children’s Day (1st June)
Children’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of June to honor the well-being of children and their rights. It is a fun-filled day for children across China, with activities centered on their enjoyment and happiness.
Celebrations:
- School Activities: Schools organize special performances, games, and activities for children to enjoy.
- Gifts and Outings: Parents often buy gifts for their children or take them on special outings to parks, zoos, or amusement centers.
Army Day (1st August)
Army Day, observed on the 1st of August, honors the establishment of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in 1927. It is a day to recognize the military’s contributions to the country and to foster respect for the armed forces.
Observances:
- Military Ceremonies: Parades, award ceremonies, and other military events are held to celebrate the PLA’s role in national defense.
- Public Displays: In some cities, there are exhibitions and demonstrations showcasing the capabilities and achievements of the military.
Observance of Public Holidays
Public holidays in China are an essential part of life, providing time for family reunions, relaxation, and participation in cultural traditions. While some holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day are celebrated on a grand scale, others, such as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Double Ninth Festival, offer a quieter, more reflective experience.
Work and Holiday Practices
- Official Holidays: During national holidays, government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close, although essential services remain operational.
- Golden Weeks: China’s two “Golden Week” holidays—Chinese New Year and National Day—are especially important for travel and tourism, as millions of people use the extended time off to visit family or take vacations.
- Holiday Shifts: In some cases, holidays are shifted to create long weekends, with workers required to make up the time on nearby weekends.
