Public Holidays in China 2024
China celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and social significance. These holidays provide opportunities for people to come together, celebrate, and reflect on various aspects of Chinese culture and history. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in China for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in China marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with various festivities and traditions. While not traditionally observed as a public holiday in China, many people still celebrate the occasion with parties, fireworks, and family gatherings.
Days off: New Year’s Day is not officially recognized as a public holiday in China.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – January 25 to February 8, 2024
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. The festival is celebrated with fireworks, dragon and lion dances, red lanterns, and the exchange of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money for good luck.
Days off: Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China, typically observed for seven days, including the three days of the Spring Festival holiday and the surrounding weekends. Many businesses and schools may close for up to two weeks to allow people to travel and spend time with their families.
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) – April 4 or 5, 2024
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday for honoring ancestors and paying respects to the deceased. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and sweep the tombs, offer prayers, and make offerings of food and incense. It is also a time for outdoor activities such as flying kites and enjoying the spring scenery.
Days off: Qingming Festival is a public holiday in China, providing a day off for people to observe traditional customs and pay respects to their ancestors.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated worldwide to honor the contributions of workers to society. In China, it is a day of rest and relaxation, with many people taking the opportunity to travel, spend time with family, or participate in leisure activities.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in China, observed nationwide, providing a day off for workers in various sectors.
Dragon Boat Festival – June 7 or 8, 2024
Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, commemorates the death of the poet and statesman Qu Yuan during the Warring States period. It is celebrated with dragon boat races, eating traditional rice dumplings (zongzi), and hanging aromatic herbs to ward off evil spirits. The festival is also associated with promoting health and warding off diseases.
Days off: Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in China, providing a day off for people to participate in traditional activities and enjoy festive foods.
Mid-Autumn Festival – September 2, 2024
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Mooncake Festival, is a traditional harvest festival celebrated with family gatherings, moon-viewing parties, and the consumption of mooncakes. The festival is also associated with reunion and gratitude, as families come together to appreciate the full moon and enjoy delicious food.
Days off: Mid-Autumn Festival is not officially recognized as a public holiday in China, but it is widely celebrated, and many businesses and schools may close for the day.
National Day (Golden Week) – October 1 to 7, 2024
National Day, also known as Golden Week, commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. It is one of the busiest travel periods in China, with millions of people traveling domestically and internationally to visit tourist attractions, spend time with family, and enjoy leisure activities.
Days off: National Day is a public holiday in China, observed for seven days, including the three days of the National Day holiday and the surrounding weekends. Many businesses and schools may close for the entire week to accommodate the extended holiday period.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in China 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Lunar New Year celebration | Nationwide |
| Qingming Festival | Apr 4 or 5 | Tomb-Sweeping Day, honoring ancestors | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | International Workers’ Day | Nationwide |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Jun 7 or 8 | Commemorates Qu Yuan’s death with dragon boat races | Nationwide |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep 2 | Harvest festival with family gatherings and mooncakes | Nationwide |
| National Day (Golden Week) | Oct 1 – 7 | Celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China | Nationwide |