China is a country that is rich in history and culture, and this is reflected in its many public holidays and festivals. In this article, we will take a look at all the public holidays in China for 2023, as well as major festivals and celebrations that are an integral part of Chinese culture.
A Calendar of All China Public Holidays in 2023
Here is a calendar of all the public holidays in China for 2023:
| Public Holidays | 2023 Date | Holiday Days in 2023 | Holiday Duration |
| New Year’s Day | Jan. 1 | Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 | 3 days |
| Spring Festival | Jan. 22 | Jan. 21 – 27 | 7 days |
| Qingming Festival | Apr. 5 | Apr. 5 | 1 day |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Apr. 29 – May 3 | 5 days |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Jun. 22 | Jun. 22–24 | 3 days |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep. 29 | Sep. 29–Oct. 6 | together with National Day holiday |
| National Day | Oct. 1 | Sep. 29 – Oct. 6 | 8 days |
Major Chinese Public Holidays
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on January 1st every year. The holiday marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is a time for family gatherings, fireworks, and festivities. It is usually the time when you can see people exchange gifts and participate in various activities such as ice-skating and snowboarding.
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. The festival is a time for family reunions, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional Chinese food. It is also a time when people travel to visit their families, so transportation can be quite hectic during this period.
Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival, aka Tomb Sweeping Day, usually falls on April 4th or 5th. It is a time for families to pay their respects to their ancestors as they visit cemeteries to clean and decorate their loved ones’ graves. It is also a time for people to enjoy the outdoors and participate in traditional activities such as kite-flying and tree-planting.
Labor Day
Labor Day holiday is an important national celebration that recognizes the hard work and dedication of the country’s workforce. Celebrated annually on May 1st, the holiday is a time for workers to take a break from their daily routines and enjoy some leisure time with friends and family.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most colorful and exciting festivals in China, steeped in history and tradition. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually falls in June), and is marked by racing dragon boats, eating zongzi (a type of sticky rice dumpling), hanging calamus and wormwood on doors, and wearing perfume pouches… The festival is also the time to pay tribute to the legendary Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River over 2,000 years ago as a protest against corrupt rulers. People celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm throughout China. During the Dragon Boat Festival, families and friends usually come together, enjoy traditional foods, and participate in various activities, making it a great opportunity to get an insight into Chinese culture and tradition.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is the festival to celebrate the harvest season and the full moon, during which people will spend time with their families and loved ones, eat mooncakes, and admire the full moon.
National Day
National Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on October 1st every year. The holiday marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and is a time for patriotism and national pride. The holiday is marked by parades, fireworks, and various cultural performances.
Travel during Chinese Golden Week Holidays
The Chinese Golden Week holidays are the Spring Festival and National Day holidays, which both last for seven days. During these periods, many Chinese people use the opportunity to travel both domestically and abroad. This leads to an increase in the demand for flights, hotels, and tourist attractions, which can result in higher prices and long lines. It is important to plan your travels ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience.
Importance of Planning Ahead for Holidays
Before we delve into the different holidays and festivals, it is important to emphasize the need to plan ahead for your travels during these periods. Many Chinese people use the holidays as an opportunity to travel, so it is not uncommon for hotels, flights, and tourist attractions to be fully booked during these periods. Therefore, it is advisable to book your travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
FAQs about China Public Holidays
Are all Chinese public holidays observed nationwide?
Yes, all Chinese public holidays are observed nationwide.
Are businesses closed during public holidays?
Most businesses are closed during public holidays, although some essential services such as hospitals and restaurants may remain open.
Do I need to book my travel and accommodation in advance during public holidays?
Yes, it is advisable to book your travel and accommodation well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Other Important China Festivals in 2023
Apart from the public holidays, there are many other festivals and celebrations in China that are worth experiencing. Here is a table of some of the most important festivals in 2023:
| Festival Name | Festival Date | Brief Introduction |
| Lantern Festival | February 9th | Celebrates the first full moon of the Chinese lunar year. |
| Water Splashing Festival | April 15th | Celebrated by the Dai minority group in Yunnan Province. |
| Qixi Festival | July 7th | Also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, a day for lovers to express their love. |