Pro Tips
Planning Your China Trip? Avoid those Chinese Public Holidays (Rest of 2025 - December 2026)
2 Jul 2025
Planning Your China Trip? Avoid those Chinese Public Holidays (Rest of 2025 - December 2026)
Are you dreaming of exploring the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of China? We're thrilled you're considering it! As your trusted travel partner, we want to equip you with the best advice for an unforgettable journey. One key piece of wisdom we always share is: try your absolute best to avoid Chinese public holidays!
While these holidays are a fantastic opportunity for locals to travel, celebrate, and reunite with family, for international visitors, they often translate into:
Massive Crowds: Imagine navigating Hongya Cave in Chongqing or the Great Wall near Beijing with what feels like a million other people – it can definitely detract from the magic and the photo opportunities!
Inflated Prices: Flights, trains, and accommodation often see significant price hikes during these peak travel periods.
Incredibly Long Lines: Expect extended waits at popular attractions, transportation hubs, and even some popular restaurants.
To help you plan your ideal trip, here's a tentative list of upcoming statutory holidays in China. Mark these dates on your calendar when you're booking your adventure:
2025 Remaining Holidays:
National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival: October 1 (Wednesday) to October 8 (Wednesday), 2025 – 8 days (This is a big one for domestic travel – expect peak crowds and prices!)
2026 National Statutory Holidays (Tentative, based on current regulations):
New Year's Day: January 1 (Thursday), 2026 – 1 day
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Expected Dates: February 17 (Tuesday, Lunar New Year's Eve) to February 24 (Tuesday), 2026 – 8 days (The biggest travel period of the entire year! Many businesses will be closed, and transport will be at its most crowded.)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day): April 4 (Saturday) to April 6 (Monday), 2026 – 3 days
Labor Day: May 1 (Friday) to May 5 (Tuesday), 2026 – 5 days
Dragon Boat Festival: June 19 (Friday) to June 21 (Sunday), 2026 – 3 days
Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25 (Friday) to September 27 (Sunday), 2026 – 3 days
National Day: October 1 (Thursday) to October 7 (Wednesday), 2026 – 7 days
Chinese School Vacations (Something Else to Consider):
While not statutory holidays, it's worth noting that Chinese school vacations also see a surge in domestic travel, especially for families. This can impact ticket availability for popular routes.
Summer Vacation: Approximately July 1st - August 30th.
Winter Vacation: Dates change based on Chinese New Year. Generally, it starts about one week before CNY and ends one week after.
Can't Avoid a Holiday? Don't Despair!
Sometimes, your travel dates might inevitably overlap with these periods, and that's perfectly fine! You can still have an amazing and authentic trip with a little strategic planning. As a native of Chongqing, I'll use my city as an example to show you how to make the most of it:
1. Seek Out Less Crowded Places: Instead of hitting the absolute top-tier tourist spots during the holiday rush, consider exploring some of China's lesser-known gems. While Chongqing's Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town will be packed, the city (and the country!) has so much more to offer:
Dazu Rock Carvings: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing incredible Buddhist sculptures. While popular, it's often a more manageable crowd than city-center attractions due to its location outside the immediate urban core.
E'ling Second Factory: This former printing factory has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and creative park. It's a fantastic blend of industrial heritage and modern art, with unique shops and cafes, and generally less overrun by the typical tourist throngs.
Wulong Karst National Geological Park: While this area (featuring the Three Natural Bridges) can get busy, its vastness often allows for a more spread-out experience than dense urban attractions. Consider an early morning visit or hiring a private transfer to get there before the tour buses.
2. Immerse Yourself in Local Life: One of the best ways to experience the true essence of China is to step away from the main tourist circuits and delve into everyday local life. During holidays, this can be particularly rewarding, as you'll see how locals truly relax and celebrate.
Explore Residential Neighborhoods: In Chongqing, wander through areas like Liyuchi or Guanyinqiao in the Jiangbei District. These older, more authentic neighborhoods with their winding alleys and staircases offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's unique multi-layered architecture and the daily routines of residents. You'll see locals going about their daily lives, perhaps playing mahjong or just enjoying the afternoon.
Visit Local Markets: Experience the vibrant energy of a farmer's market or morning food stalls. It's a feast for the senses, a photographer's dream, and a fantastic way to observe daily routines and local commerce.
Enjoy Local Parks: Chinese parks are often bustling hubs of activity. In Chongqing, E'Ling Park (beyond just the Second Factory area) or other community parks are fantastic places to see a more authentic side of the culture, with people practicing tai chi, dancing, singing, or simply socializing.
Discover Hidden Cafes and Restaurants: Skip the chain restaurants and seek out small, family-run eateries where locals dine. It's often where you'll find the most delicious and authentic Chongqing hotpot and other local dishes, and a chance to interact (even with a language barrier!) with residents. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone and try new flavors – just prepare your stomach for many kinds of deliciousness!
By being mindful of these holidays and adjusting your itinerary accordingly, you can still have an incredibly rich, authentic, and memorable adventure in China, even during peak times. We're here to help you navigate these planning nuances to create your perfect journey.
Happy travels from the Explore Chongqing with Li team!