A traveller’s guide to China’s public holidays and festivals in 2026 

Holidays and festivals are a window into a nation's soul, echoing its history, values and ways of life. China is steeped in thousands of years of tradition, and these occasions have drawn people together for countless generations, even as they continue to evolve. 

Timing your visit around these festivals can offer an opportunity to experience Chinese culture in all its rich, colourful and multifaceted glory. That said, knowing what to expect and planning mindfully are key, especially if your trip coincides with peak travel times when crowds surge and bookings fill up quickly. 

With all that in mind, here's your guide to the major holidays and observances celebrated in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao in 2026.   

New Year’s Day 

Date: 1 January  

Ringing in the new year is a truly global tradition, and one that’s embraced with equal vigour across China. While New Year’s Day may not rival the cultural weight of its lunar counterpart, it comes with its fair share of lively urban festivities. Celebrate the new year in style with countdown parties, or marvel at fireworks lighting up the sky at the stroke of midnight. 

Chinese New Year 

Date: 17 February   

No holiday symbolises festive energy quite like Chinese New Year, a 15-day extravaganza beginning on the first day of the lunar calendar. Streets erupt in a blaze of red and gold as the rhythmic beats of lion dances fill the air. Families return home for cherished reunions, while sumptuous feasts and money-filled red envelopes are also part and parcel of the holiday – the latter a blessing typically given by elders to children and unmarried adults. Bear in mind that many shops and businesses close during the first few days.   

Qingming Festival 

Date: 5 April  

Falling in early spring, Qingming Festival embodies a marriage of solemn remembrance and vibrant renewal. Traditionally, it’s a festival set aside for families to commemorate their ancestors by tending to their graves. But the day also recognises the promise of new beginnings. Typically coinciding with the arrival of warmer weather, people head outdoors with loved ones for recreational activities like picnics, flying kites and hiking.   

Labour Day 

Date: 1 May  

What began as a day honouring the contributions of the nation’s workforce has since evolved into an extended five-day holiday synonymous with tourism and retail splurges. China’s Labour Day “golden week” sparks an annual boom in domestic and international travel. Travellers visiting China should plan ahead and be prepared for bustling transport hubs and packed tourist spots.    

Dragon Boat Festival 

Date: 19 June  

Behind the spirited and boisterous festivities, the Dragon Boat Festival traces its origins to the story of the revered patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river for his ideals. To this day, communities gather every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month to hold dragon boat races and feast on zongzi dumplings to commemorate the legacy of Qu Yuan.   

Hungry Ghost Festival 

Date: 27 August  

The Hungry Ghost Festival is not for the faint of heart. The eerily named festival is based around the Chinese belief that the gates of the afterlife open in the seventh month of the lunar year, and are most active on the night of the 15th day, allowing restless spirits to roam free on earth. Those observing the festival make offerings of incense, joss paper and food to appease the “hungry” ghosts, while avoiding a slew of taboos that could attract unwanted attention from wandering spirits.   

Mid-Autumn Festival 

Date: 25 September  

Like many Chinese holidays, reunion and completeness are stitched into the fabric of Mid-Autumn Festival – themes symbolised by the full moon, which puts on its brightest, most luminous show of the year. The festival is traditionally a time for loved ones to gather and express gratitude for the year’s harvest. Along with family reunions, long-held traditions of savouring mooncakes, solving lantern riddles and moon gazing define this heartfelt festival.   

National Day 

Date: 1 October  

Commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China, National Day is marked by fireworks displays, parades, flag-raising ceremonies and patriotic events held nationwide. It also kickstarts another “golden week” holiday that sees much of the country on the move. For visitors, it’s an ideal opportunity to witness the country in full bloom with vibrant activity. Expect large crowds at popular destinations.   

Chongyang Festival 

Date: 18 October  

Also known as the Double Ninth Festival, as it falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, Chongyang Festival is a quieter and more introspective occasion centred around the pursuit of longevity and paying respect to elders. As families celebrate the enduring bonds that span generations, it’s customary to visit and tend to ancestral graves, as well as climb mountains and sip on chrysanthemum wine to dispel bad luck.