Chinese public holidays calendar 2026 – check China’s holidays

Traveling to China has never been more accessible — especially with the Thailand-China visa exemption that has everyone eager to go check in at the Great Wall or dig into a steaming bowl of mala hotpot in Chengdu.

But before you fly off to the Land of the Dragon, one thing that both first-timers and seasoned travelers absolutely cannot overlook is checking the Chinese holiday calendar. Because if you accidentally book your trip during a major Golden Week or key national festival, your dream vacation could quickly turn into an endurance test in the middle of an enormous crowd.

In this article, we've put together everything you need to know about China's public holidays in 2026 — which dates to mark, which periods are worth visiting, and which ones are best to avoid altogether. Read on, and set yourself up for the smoothest trip booking experience possible.

1. New Year's Day (January 1, 2026)

A single-day break, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to kick off the new year with travel without dealing with extreme crowds. Major cities like Shanghai and Beijing typically host impressive countdown celebrations, and since the holiday is short, crowd levels are far more manageable than other long holiday periods.

2. Chinese New Year (January 17–23, 2026)

If experiencing the authentic atmosphere of China at its most traditional is on your bucket list, this is genuinely a wonderful time to visit. That said, it comes with trade-offs: flights spike significantly in price, many well-known restaurants close so staff can return home for the holiday, and booking public transportation becomes considerably more difficult than usual. Plan ahead and secure both your accommodation and train tickets at least 1–2 months in advance.

3. Qingming Festival (April 4–6, 2026)

This is one of China's most pleasant travel windows weather-wise — comfortably past the winter chill but not yet tipping into summer heat — and flowers are blooming across the country. Nature-forward destinations like Guilin and Hangzhou are especially rewarding at this time of year. For something truly memorable, take a boat cruise along the Li River on a lightly misty morning — the scenery looks so ethereal it could have been lifted straight from an ancient Chinese painting.

4. Labor Day (May 1–5, 2026)

This is another popular long holiday period that sees large numbers of Chinese travelers hitting the road. Major destinations like Shanghai and Beijing will be noticeably crowded, but if you opt for second-tier cities or less mainstream destinations, you can still enjoy a comfortable trip. As with all Golden Week-style holidays, book your accommodation and tickets well in advance.

5. Dragon Boat Festival (June 19–21, 2026)

One of China's most vibrant and culturally rich festivals, this period brings cities to life with dragon boat races and a variety of traditional activities. Do be prepared for hot and humid weather across many regions, particularly in southern China. If you're drawn to authentic festival atmosphere, cities like Quzhou or Yueyang are well worth considering.

6. Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25–27, 2026)

The weather begins to turn pleasantly cool, skies tend to be clear, and the mood is unmistakably romantic — perfect for sitting out under a full moon. Cities celebrated for their nighttime beauty, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, are particularly enchanting during this period. And since this is only a 3-day holiday, crowds are far more manageable than during Golden Week, making it one of the best times of year to visit China overall.

7. National Day — Golden Week (October 1–7, 2026)

This is the period when over a billion Chinese citizens all decide to travel at the same time. If packed crowds and potentially 5-hour queues at Disneyland aren't your idea of a good time, our honest recommendation is to shift your trip to mid-October instead. You'll enjoy a far more relaxed experience, and as a bonus, the autumn foliage will be putting on a spectacular show.

1. Shanghai — The City That Never Sleeps

China's most cosmopolitan metropolis, Shanghai is an ideal destination for shorter holiday windows like New Year's Day or Labor Day. Getting around is effortless thanks to an extensive high-speed rail network and a subway system that connects every major point of interest across the city. Whether you're here for the skyline, the shopping, or the world-class dining, Shanghai delivers on every front.

• Highlights & what to expect: A seamlessly connected public transport system, high-end accommodation with stunning views of The Bund, modern attractions including Shanghai Disneyland and internationally acclaimed art museums, and the stylish Xintiandi district — a go-to hub of chic restaurants and cafés for lifestyle-focused travelers.
• Recommended activities: Stroll along The Bund, head up to the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views, and make sure Shanghai Disneyland is firmly on the list.

2. Chengdu — Slow Life, Bold Flavors

The birthplace of the giant panda and the undisputed capital of mala hotpot, Chengdu is best experienced during the autumn months of September to October — particularly around the Mid-Autumn Festival period, when the air turns pleasantly cool and the pandas are out in full adorable force.

• Highlights & what to expect: The world's largest and most advanced Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, the bustling Chunxi Road pedestrian strip lined with both local finds and international brands, and the unmissable Sichuan Opera face-changing show that never fails to impress.
• Recommended activities: Head to the Panda Research Base early in the morning to beat the crowds, then wind down the afternoon with a richly spiced mala hotpot meal along Chunxi Road.

3. Beijing — Walk Through 3,000 Years of History

An ancient capital renowned for more than three millennia of history, Beijing's standout experience is undoubtedly the Great Wall. The Qingming Festival period is one of the finest times to visit — trees are bursting into fresh green, a gentle breeze fills the air, and the weather is perfectly comfortable for a full day of sightseeing without the summer heat.

• Highlights & what to expect: An unmatched concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, accommodation options ranging from traditional courtyard stays in the hutong alleyways to five-star luxury hotels, and a food scene anchored by iconic Peking Duck alongside the lively street food stalls of Wangfujing.
• Recommended activities: Explore the historic district and key landmarks, with the Forbidden City being the centerpiece — book your tickets well in advance as many sites sell out quickly.

Another essential ingredient for any China trip is the China High-Speed Railway (HSR) — the fastest and most cost-effective way to travel between cities, and in many cases quicker than flying, since train stations are typically located far closer to city centers than airports.

If you're not sure how to go about booking, here are the two most recommended options for Thai travelers.

• Booking through the Gother app is the most hassle-free choice : the interface is fully in Thai, payments can be made with Thai credit or debit cards, and the system takes care of passport registration from start to finish without any extra effort on your part.
• Alternatively, the Railway 12306 app — China's official booking platform : is the most budget-friendly route since there are no added service fees. It now comes with an English-language menu as well, making it considerably more straightforward to navigate than it used to be.

For those planning a journey to the Middle Kingdom, here is an estimated budget for a 5-day, 4-night trip (per person). Please note that actual costs may vary depending on public holidays, peak seasons, and current exchange rates. We recommend double-checking the Chinese holiday calendar before finalizing your booking.

Estimated Expenses (Per Person):

• Round-trip Flights: 7,000 - 12,000 THB (Book in advance via Gother for the best deals)
• Accommodation: 4,000 - 8,000 THB (Avg. 1,000 - 2,000 THB per night for 3-4 star hotels)
• Local Transportation: 2,000 - 4,000 THB (Includes High-speed rail and Metro)
• Food & Shopping: 5,000 - 10,000 THB (Depending on your lifestyle)
• Estimated Total Budget: 18,000 - 34,000 THB

Now that you've got China's holiday calendar fully mapped out, it's time to start planning your trip to the Land of the Dragon with confidence. And while having a solid plan is half the battle, finding the right deals and traveling with genuine peace of mind is what will make the whole journey truly seamless.

If you're looking for a travel companion that takes care of all the details for you, let Gother be your guide — from comparing flight prices to China across every major airline in one place, to booking train tickets and activities in advance without having to navigate a single Chinese-language website, to finding the accommodation in China that fits your travel style and budget perfectly.

When you're ready, check your China holiday calendar one more time, pack your bags, and let's create some unforgettable memories in the Land of the Dragon together — with Gother by your side.