China has announced a seven-day holiday for the celebrations of its National Day, which started on October 1 and will last till October 7, 2026.
The holiday was formally announced by China’s State Council as part of the country’s 2026 holiday calendar.
The seven-day break runs from Thursday, 1 October, through Wednesday, 7 October, with working days scheduled on 20 September and 10 October to compensate for the extended break.
National Day is one of China’s biggest holiday periods and is often referred to as “Golden Week”.
Government offices, businesses and educational institutions generally operate on holiday schedules during the break, although essential services, transport, hospitals, tourism facilities and other sectors continue operating.
It would therefore be inaccurate to suggest that every public institution closes for all seven days.
China’s National Day commemorates the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949.
On that day, Mao Zedong formally proclaimed the People’s Republic of China at a ceremony in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
The date was subsequently designated as China’s National Day.
What do people do during National Day?
The seven-day period is not simply a political commemoration. For many families, it is also a major opportunity for travel, recreation and spending time together.
Activities during the holiday can include:
· Domestic tourism and visits to major landmarks
· Family reunions and outings
· Cultural exhibitions and performances
· Food and traditional cultural events
· Shopping and consumer promotions
· Visits to museums and historical sites
· Autumn sightseeing and outdoor activities
· Special programmes linked to China’s history and culture
What happens across the seven days?
There is not a single nationwide ceremony held every day from 1 to 7 October. Instead, the week consists of a mixture of official activities and locally organised cultural, tourism and entertainment events.
1 October: National Day begins, with national celebrations and flag displays across the country.
2–3 October: Travel and tourism activity typically intensifies, with families visiting attractions, museums and relatives.
4–6 October: Cultural events, performances, sightseeing, shopping and local tourism programmes continue across different regions.
7 October: The final day of the official holiday period, with many travellers beginning their return journeys before normal working schedules resume.
This year’s government-backed tourism campaign is running from late September through the end of October, with events spanning culture, tourism, food, entertainment and traditional activities.
