Chinese holidays are increasingly searched in the United Kingdom by travellers, students, business professionals and cultural researchers. Whether you are planning a trip to China, doing business with Chinese partners, or simply wanting to understand key cultural events, knowing the structure and significance of Chinese holidays is essential.
This guide explains the major public holidays in China, their cultural meaning, how they affect travel and business, and what UK travellers should consider when planning around them.
Contents
Understanding Chinese Holidays
Chinese holidays include both official public holidays and traditional festivals based on the lunar calendar. Search intent around “Chinese holidays” typically falls into three categories:
- Travel planning to China during major festivals
- Business planning and factory closures
- Cultural education and academic research
Unlike the UK calendar, several major Chinese holidays follow the lunar calendar, meaning their dates change each year.
Major Public Holidays in China
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China. It usually falls between late January and mid-February.
This festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year and triggers the largest annual human migration in the world, as millions travel home to reunite with family.
Impact on UK travellers:
- Flights to and from China become expensive
- Hotels fill quickly
- Many businesses close for 1–2 weeks
- Tourist attractions may be crowded
If travelling from the United Kingdom during this period, advance booking is essential.
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Observed in early April, Qingming is a time when families honour ancestors by visiting graves and making offerings.
It is a shorter public holiday, but domestic travel within China increases during this period.
Labour Day (May Day)
Labour Day in China takes place on 1 May, often combined with additional days off. It is one of the country’s busiest domestic travel periods.
Tourist destinations such as and experience significant visitor numbers.
Dragon Boat Festival
Held in June, this festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan. It is marked by dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi, a traditional rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves.
For UK travellers, it offers a culturally rich but manageable travel period compared to Chinese New Year.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls in September or October. Families gather to appreciate the full moon and share mooncakes.
This holiday sometimes combines with National Day, creating extended travel peaks.
National Day Golden Week
China’s National Day is celebrated on 1 October and typically creates a week-long public holiday known as Golden Week.
Golden Week considerations:
- Extremely high domestic travel volumes
- Hotel prices increase significantly
- Major attractions become crowded
- Transport systems operate at full capacity
For UK travellers seeking a quieter cultural experience, this period may not be ideal unless booked carefully.
Chinese Holidays and Business Planning
For UK companies importing goods from China or working with Chinese suppliers, understanding holiday shutdowns is critical.
During Chinese New Year especially:
- Factories often close for up to three weeks
- Production backlogs occur before and after the holiday
- Shipping delays are common
Advance production scheduling is strongly recommended.
Best Time for UK Travellers to Visit China
Spring (April to May)
This period offers mild weather and avoids peak holiday congestion, except during Labour Day week.
Autumn (September)
Early autumn provides comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists if travel does not coincide with Golden Week.
Periods to Approach Carefully
- Chinese New Year
- National Day Golden Week
- Peak summer school holidays
Popular Destinations During Chinese Holidays
Beijing
As the capital city, Beijing offers historic attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. However, public holidays significantly increase visitor numbers.
Shanghai
Shanghai blends modern business districts with traditional heritage sites. It remains a top domestic tourism destination during holiday periods.
Xi’an
Home to the Terracotta Army, Xi’an is popular year-round but becomes crowded during national holiday weeks.
Travel Requirements for UK Citizens
UK passport holders travelling to China must check current visa requirements and passport validity rules before booking. Visa policies may change, and official government guidance should always be reviewed prior to departure.
Travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip disruption is strongly recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons when cancellations and delays are more common.
Cultural Etiquette During Chinese Festivals
Understanding cultural expectations enhances the travel experience:
- Respect family gatherings during major festivals
- Observe local customs at temples and heritage sites
- Be patient during peak travel congestion
- Participate respectfully in public celebrations
Chinese holidays are deeply family-oriented. Visitors should be mindful that many people travel long distances to reunite with relatives.
Are Chinese Holidays a Good Time to Visit?
The answer depends on your travel objectives.
Visit during major festivals if you want:
- Vibrant cultural celebrations
- Traditional performances
- Festival-specific cuisine
Avoid peak periods if you prefer:
- Lower accommodation prices
- Less crowded attractions
- More relaxed transport conditions
Final Thoughts
Chinese holidays play a central role in national culture, travel behaviour and business operations. For UK travellers and organisations, understanding the timing and impact of these holidays is essential for successful planning.
Whether you are visiting for tourism, education or commercial purposes, aligning your travel dates carefully with China’s holiday calendar can help you avoid disruption and maximise your experience.
Careful preparation, early booking and cultural awareness remain the key principles when navigating Chinese holidays from a UK perspective.