China Public Holidays in the Year of the Horse 2026: Complete Calendar, Dates, Customs & Travel Tips

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From September 25 (Friday) to September 27 (Sunday), there will be a 3-day holiday. This is an ideal time for family gatherings, moon viewing, and tea appreciation, or for heading out to the countryside to enjoy the beauty of an autumn evening. Don’t miss the chance to try a variety of mooncakes and soak up the festive atmosphere of reunion and harvest.

From October 1 (Thursday) to October 7 (Wednesday), there will be a 7-day holiday. September 20 (Sunday) and October 10 (Saturday) are make-up workdays. This is the longest holiday period of the year, making it perfect for extended travel. You can opt for an in-depth trip within China or take the opportunity to travel abroad and explore somewhere farther afield.

From January 1 (Thursday) to January 3 (Saturday), there will be a 3-day holiday, with January 4 (Sunday) observed as a make-up workday. Although it is only a short break, it works well for a quick getaway or for joining New Year celebrations in the city. If you take three days off from December 29 to December 31, you can enjoy an 8-day break, which is ideal for a short domestic trip or an overseas holiday.

From February 15 (the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, Sunday) to February 23 (the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, Monday), there will be a 9-day holiday. February 14 (Saturday) and February 28 (Saturday) are make-up workdays. As the longest holiday of the year, it is a prime time for family reunions or long-distance travel. Domestic trips and overseas holidays are both popular choices, but it’s best to plan ahead and book flights and accommodation early.

From April 4 (Saturday) to April 6 (Monday), there will be a 3-day holiday. As it falls at the start of spring, it is a wonderful time for outings and short trips. You may want to visit scenic natural areas and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the season.

From May 1 (Friday) to May 5 (Tuesday), there will be a 5-day holiday with adjusted days off, and May 9 (Saturday) will be a make-up workday. This is another holiday well suited to longer trips. You can choose an in-depth journey within China or travel abroad to experience different cultures and scenery.

From June 19 (Friday) to June 21 (Sunday), there will be a 3-day holiday. It’s a great time for cultural exploration, whether that means visiting historic landmarks or taking part in traditional activities such as dragon boat races.

One of the most distinctive features of China’s public holiday system is the use of make-up workdays, which often catches expats and first-time visitors off guard. To create longer holiday periods, the Chinese government extends certain breaks by rearranging nearby weekends, then designates other weekend days as working days to make up for the time off. For example, in 2026, the Spring Festival holiday runs from February 15 to February 23, with make-up workdays on February 14 and February 28.

This system helps create longer breaks during major holidays such as Spring Festival, Labour Day, and National Day, giving people more time for family gatherings or travel. At the same time, it can feel unusual to those unfamiliar with it, especially if a Saturday or Sunday becomes a regular working day. In 2026, for instance, the Labour Day holiday runs from May 1 to May 5, with May 9 designated as a make-up workday.

For travelers, make-up workdays can affect business schedules and travel patterns, so it is worth checking official holiday dates in advance. Expats should also confirm company-specific arrangements with their employers, as some workplaces may handle schedules differently in practice. For tourists, these periods can shape when attractions, transport hubs, and city centers are busiest, especially around major holidays such as Spring Festival and National Day.

China’s 2026 public holidays offer a vibrant mix of ancient traditions, modern celebrations, and travel opportunities. Below, we dive into each of the seven official holidays, exploring their origins, customs, regional variations, and tips for experiencing them in the Year of the Horse.

January 1

New Year’s Day aligns with global celebrations on January 1, marking a fresh start with fireworks, parties, and urban festivities. Unlike China’s lunar-based holidays, this one follows the Gregorian calendar, making it the first public holiday of 2026.

Cities like Shanghai and Beijing often light up with countdown events and seasonal displays, while clubs and restaurants host New Year celebrations. It is a relatively low-key holiday compared with Spring Festival, but major urban centers still feel festive.

In southern cities such as Guangzhou, you can expect lively nightlife and city celebrations. In smaller towns and rural areas, the atmosphere is usually more subdued, with many families already looking ahead to the upcoming Spring Festival season.

Travel Tips: New Year’s Day is a good time to explore major city landmarks and enjoy seasonal events in urban areas. As the holiday lasts from January 1 to January 3, with January 4 designated as a make-up workday, it is worth checking transport and business schedules in advance.

February 15–23

Spring Festival, which marks the Lunar New Year, is China’s most important traditional holiday. In 2026, the holiday runs from February 15 to February 23, making it the longest official public holiday period of the year. It is a time centered on renewal, family reunions, and hopes for prosperity in the year ahead.

Families gather for reunion dinners featuring festive dishes such as dumplings, fish, and nian gao. Red envelopes, or hongbao, are exchanged as a symbol of good luck, while fireworks, lanterns, and lion dances add to the celebratory atmosphere in many places.

Beijing is known for its temple fairs, while Guangdong is famous for its vibrant flower markets. In many rural areas, ancestral traditions and family rituals remain an important part of the holiday.

Travel Tips: Spring Festival is one of the busiest travel periods in China, so flights, trains, and hotels should be booked as early as possible. The official holiday runs from February 15 to February 23, with February 14 and February 28 observed as make-up workdays, so transport demand can build before and after the main break.

April 4-6

Held in early April, Qingming is a traditional festival for honoring ancestors through tomb-sweeping and remembrance. At the same time, it is also associated with spring outings, making it a holiday that blends reflection with the seasonal pleasures of the outdoors.

Families visit ancestral graves, clean tombstones, and make offerings. Many people also spend time outdoors by flying kites, enjoying picnics, or visiting parks and scenic areas as the weather warms up.

In some parts of Jiangsu, qingtuan, or green glutinous rice balls, are a seasonal favorite. Customs vary by region, but the holiday is widely associated with both remembrance and springtime renewal.

Travel Tips: Qingming is generally less crowded than Spring Festival or National Day, making it a pleasant time for short trips and cultural visits. In 2026, the holiday runs from April 4 to April 6, with no make-up workday scheduled.

May 1-5

Labour Day marks International Workers’ Day and has become one of China’s major travel holidays. In 2026, the holiday lasts from May 1 to May 5, creating a popular spring break for leisure trips and family travel.

While some local governments and organizations hold events related to workers and public service, most people treat the holiday as a chance to relax, travel, and enjoy time outdoors. Parks, shopping districts, and scenic areas are usually especially busy.

Large cities may host exhibitions or themed events, while resort destinations and nature spots often see a strong rise in visitor numbers.

Travel Tips: Expect heavy crowds at popular attractions during the Labour Day holiday. Book transport and accommodation early, and note that May 9 is an official make-up workday in 2026.

June 19–21

Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Dragon Boat Festival is one of China’s best-known traditional festivals. It is widely associated with Qu Yuan, the poet and patriot whose memory is honored through customs that have been passed down for centuries.

Dragon boat races are the festival’s signature event, with teams paddling decorated boats to the beat of drums. Zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are the classic festive food. In some places, people also hang mugwort and calamus as part of long-standing seasonal traditions.

Cities and regions with strong dragon boat traditions, including parts of Guangdong, Hunan, and Zhejiang, often host especially lively celebrations.

Travel Tips: In 2026, the Dragon Boat Festival holiday runs from June 19 to June 21. It is a good time to experience traditional culture without the same level of nationwide travel pressure seen during Spring Festival or National Day.

September 25–27

Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the Mid-Autumn Festival centers on the full moon and themes of reunion, abundance, and gratitude. It is one of China’s most beloved traditional festivals and is closely associated with family gatherings and mooncakes.

Families come together to share mooncakes, admire the moon, and enjoy tea, fruit, and seasonal treats. Lanterns, moon-viewing, and stories about Chang’e, the moon goddess, all play a part in the atmosphere of the festival.

Regional customs vary. Some places emphasize lantern displays, while others are known for special local pastries, performances, or family traditions.

Travel Tips: In 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday runs from September 25 to September 27. As it falls shortly before National Day, some travelers may begin holiday trips early, so it is wise to book ahead if you plan to travel around late September.

October 1–7

National Day commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is one of the country’s biggest travel periods. In 2026, the holiday runs from October 1 to October 7, creating the well-known National Day Golden Week.

Across China, streets, landmarks, and public spaces are often decorated with red flags and festive displays. In Beijing, Tiananmen Square remains one of the most symbolic places during this period, while cities nationwide host a wide range of public celebrations and holiday activities.

For many travelers, the holiday is a prime time for domestic tourism, family visits, and longer journeys across the country.

Travel Tips: National Day is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so major attractions, airports, and railway stations can be extremely crowded. In 2026, September 20 and October 10 are make-up workdays, so it is worth checking transport demand and business hours carefully when planning a trip.

Although the official 2027 holiday schedule for Mainland China has not yet been announced, major holidays such as Spring Festival, Labour Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day are still important periods to keep in mind when planning ahead. These holidays often shape travel demand, hotel prices, and crowd levels across the country, so early preparation can make your trip much smoother.

Plan Early for Major Holiday Periods: Spring Festival and National Day are typically among the busiest travel seasons in China. Trains, flights, and hotels can book up quickly, while major attractions such as Beijing’s Forbidden City and Shanghai’s Bund often see very large crowds. If you plan to visit China around these peak periods, booking transport and accommodation well in advance is usually the safest approach.

Consider Shorter Holiday Getaways: Holidays such as Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are also popular times for domestic travel. Depending on the final 2027 holiday arrangement, these periods may be well suited to shorter city breaks, cultural experiences, or scenic trips.

Watch for the Official Holiday Notice: In Mainland China, the final holiday calendar may include adjusted days off and make-up workdays, which can affect transport demand, business hours, and attraction opening times. If you are planning a trip around a public holiday, it is worth checking the official schedule once it is released.

With Trip.com, you can explore destinations through Local Guides and compare flights, hotels, and attractions in advance, making it easier to plan around China’s busiest holiday seasons.