Written by Veronica |
China National Day is one of two the most important Chinese holidays alongside Chinese New Year. It falls on October 1st of each year and is made into a 7-day long public holiday to celebrate its historical significance. The holiday is now famous for being the Golden Week Holiday with lots of celebrations and busy travel schemes nationwide.
There are pros and cons and definitely lots to know about if you would like to travel to China during this time of year. This article will be your ultimate guide for China Golden Week travel with information on its history, celebrations, and essential travel tips.
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- What Is China National Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
- How Did the Holiday Become “Golden Week?”
- Dates and Schedule of China’s Golden Week in 2026
- How China Celebrates National Day
- Travel During China’s Golden Week
- Top Destinations for Golden Week 2026
- What Do People Eat on National Day in China?
- FAQs about China National Day
- Plan Your National Day Holiday Tour with Us
What Is China National Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
October 1st of every year is the national day of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It celebrates the founding of PRC on October 1, 1949. The official victory ceremony took place on that day on Beijing Tiananmen Square. Chairman Mao Zedong raised the Communist national flag of China for the first time. Raising the flag has since then become an important tradition of China National Day. This day is the equivalence of China’s Independence Day.
How Did the Holiday Become “Golden Week?”
The holiday is called Golden Week due to the high volume of tourism traffic which is only second to that around Chinese New Year. Plus, the month of October is the high time of fall. Clear weather, comfortable temperatures, and golden autumn sceneries make it an ideal time of travel in China.
The holiday was originally extended from 1 day to encourage people to travel, to boost the tourism industry and economy. The Golden Week is now one of the longest public holidays in China. The Mid-Autumn Festival also tends to fall around the same time of year, allowing travel plans to be more flexible.
Dates and Schedule of China’s Golden Week in 2026
The official policy for China’s National Holiday is that the public gets 3 days off, plus the weekend, plus 2 more adjusted off days. And usually, the 7 days last from October 1-7. The 2 adjusted days will be made up for during the weekend before or after the Golden Week, which means two weekend days will be made into working days by law. It is a practice called “tiaoxiu” to maximize the holiday.
Most industries will still provide services during the National Day holiday. Workers will receive extra compensation for working on the off days. So you don’t have to worry about stores or restaurants being closed when you travel to China in October.
Official Holiday Timeline and Work Schedule Adjustments in October 2026
The Golden Week will be October 1-7 in 2026. October 10 is made into a working day because of the adjustment policy.
How China Celebrates National Day
There are lots of celebrations, parades, and cultural events across the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau on this significant holiday. Beijing will have the biggest celebration scene. You can witness the main events live-streamed online or in person if you visit China during this time.
The Grand Military Parade and Ceremonies
The biggest national celebration is the military parade that takes place on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing. However, it is not held annually, nor can it be attended in person by casual visitors. It is held on a small scale every 5 years and on a large scale every 10 years. You can watch the ceremony live online.
The Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square
At around 6am, the troops march out to begin the flag-raising ceremony on Tiananmen Square on October 1st. The square will be decorated with flags and portraits. The moment will be filled with confetti, cheering, and joy. Although anyone can reserve and witness the ceremony in person on the square, it will be extremely crowded. But you can still watch it online.
Nationwide Festivities
Aside from those major events in Beijing. Many cities will also have firework and light shows. You will see flags and flowers everywhere. In the evening, you can watch the China National Day Evening Gala on television with lots of cultural performances and celebrity appearances.
Special Celebrations in Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong and Macau will also have lots of National Day celebrations including performances, drone shows, light shows. There might be discounts for tourism activities or sales in malls.
Recommended China Golden Week Tours:
- 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour
- 2 Days Hong Kong and Macau Highlights Tour
- 8 Days Hong Kong Xian Beijing Highlights Tour
Travel During China’s Golden Week
Challenges of Traveling During Golden Week
Because of the heavy traffic of domestic tourists during China National Day holiday, it is not a particularly recommended time for international visitors.
One major challenge is that the attractions will be overcrowded. You may not have the best travel experience. Options of accommodation, attractions, and transportation will also be limited, as pretty much everything will be fully booked. Another main challenge is that there will most likely be a surge in hotel and flight prices. Your travel expenses will be a lot higher than usual.
Travel Tips for China Golden Week 2026
If you’re planning your China tour during the National Day holiday, here are some important travel tips to keep in mind.
- Book everything early: book your flights and accommodations at least months ahead of time to ensure relatively reasonable price and have enough options. The top attractions of China usually require reservations. You should do so online at least weeks in advance. If you’re flying or taking a train within China, you should book these days or weeks ahead of time as well.
- Avoid peak travel days: within the Golden Week, there’re peak travel days you should probably avoid. They are usually Oct 1, 2, and 7.
- Avoid the hottest attractions and destinations: usually the most famous attractions and destinations will be the most crowded. Your travel experience will be better in somewhat less crowded places like Qinghai, western Sichuan, parts Yunnan, and Tibet.
- Respect flag ceremonies and local customs: finally, it’s crucial to respect local celebrations and events during China’s National Day holiday. It’s an important festival for Chinese people with historical and culture significance.
Top Destinations for Golden Week 2026
Here are the top destinations to visit during China’s Golden Week in 2026. The recommendations below include places to experience the holiday spirits, the most beautiful places to visit in China in autumn, and destinations to escape the crowds.
Beijing: The Center of the Celebration Scene
Beijing is definitely on the list of must-visit destinations for first-time visitors. It is the best place to experience the China National Day festivities, particularly the celebration scene on Tiananmen Square. You can learn about the ancient history of China by touring the imperial palace, the Forbidden City. Of course, you should also go on a Great Wall tour. However, Beijing will be extremely crowded during the Golden Week.
Hong Kong: Festivities in the Metropolis
You can travel to Hong Kong to feel the holiday vibes as well. The busy streets of Wanchai will be decorated with flags and flowers. Join the vibrant shopping scene during the Golden Week. Many venues may have enticing discounts and seasonal products on sale. To see a different side of Hong Kong, you can ascend to the top of the Victoria Peak or visit the ancient fishing villages around the city.
Guilin: Unique Karst Landforms
Guilin is often known as one of the most beautiful places in China. Its most signature scenery is the stunning karst landforms. Thousands of strangely shaped pinnacles and hills rise out of the Li River which winds its way around Guilin city into the quiet countrysides. There are also natural caves with rock formations to explore. Just outside the city you can find one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, Longji Rice Terraces.
Dunhuang: Trace the Ancient Silk Road
Dunhuang is an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. The city is most famous for the ancient grottoes of Mogao Caves and the desert landscapes. The Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake are wonderful sights to see. You will also experience a distinct culture of Northwest China that is different from that of major cities. Autumn is a great time to travel to Dunhuang.
Tibet: Ethnic Life on the Plateau
Thanks to its location on the elevated plateau, traveling to Tibet will allow you to escape the crowds of the Golden Week. It is home to the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest. The plateau landscapes, holy mountains and lakes, make it a paradise for outdoor adventurers. You can also learn about Tibetan Buddhism at many sacred religious sites, most famously the Potala Palace.
Inner Mongolia: Nomadic Life on Golden Grasslands
Inner Mongolia showcase another different aspect of Chinese culture. With some of the greatest grasslands on earth, the region is home to the Mongolian ethnic culture. During the fall, the vast grasslands turn into a sea of gold rustling in the wind. You can experience the nomadic life on horseback and in yurts, tasting traditional foods, and watching Mongolian performances.
Recommended China Autumn Tours:
- 5 Days Inner Mongolia Tour
- 7 Days Silk Road Tour from Xian to Dunhuang by High-speed Train
- 8 Days Tibet Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
- 10 Days China Family Tour to Beijing Guilin Hong Kong
What Do People Eat on National Day in China?
Different from other Chinese festivals, there are no specific culinary traditions associated with China National Day since it’s a day of historical significance. However, since it falls during the high time of autumn and around Mid-Autumn Festival, there are many seasonal delicacies you can experience on your China tour.
For example, the most famous among Mid-Autumn Festival Foods is mooncakes. There are different styles to try across the country. Chinese Hairy Crabs is a seasonal favorite of locals. You’re likely to find it in Shanghai and nearby Jiangnan area. Other autumn foods in China include taro and river snails.
FAQs about China National Day
Is it celebrated in Hong Kong and Macau?
Yes, China National Day is equally celebrated in Hong Kong and Macau. The cities go all out in decorations. There are usually special events and performances in honor of this significant day in history.
Should foreigners travel during China Golden Week?
International travelers can but are usually not recommended to visit China during the Golden Week. The tourism traffic is at its peak with domestic travelers going on holidays. Destinations and attractions will be overcrowded. Travel expenses will be higher than usual. You might not have the best travel experience.
How many Golden Weeks are there each year in China?
There are two Golden Weeks in China each year, one being the National Day holiday, the other being the Chinese New Year holiday. These are the two most important festivals in China and also the two longest holidays.
Plan Your National Day Holiday Tour with Us
If you’re going on a trip to China during the National Day holiday, let us help you with your planning. Our professional travel advisors can help you maximize your trip with knowledge on how to avoid the crowds and lower your travel expenses. We can work together to customize the perfect itinerary for you, and we will take care of all the logistics like tour guides and private transfers on our end.
