China’s calendar of public holidays is a fascinating blend of millennia-old cultural traditions and modern legal statutes. For anyone seeking to explore Chinese culture, plan a trip, do business, or simply understand the rhythms of daily life in one of the world’s oldest civilizations, it is essential to become familiar with these holidays. In 2025, China’s official holiday schedule features a variety of festivities, each with deep historical roots and unique celebratory customs.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to China’s 2025 public holidays, discussing their historical origins, cultural significance, and practical implications. We will also include the Chinese names (in both characters and pinyin) for each holiday, so that learners of the Chinese language can practice identifying and pronouncing these terms. In addition, we will offer insights on how businesses and travelers can best navigate closures and travel peaks during these festive periods. Finally, if you are interested in improving your Chinese language skills so that you can experience China’s holidays on a deeper level, consider registering for our flexible Chinese classes by visiting this link: https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/.
Let’s begin by outlining the key public holidays for 2025 and then taking a deep dive into each one.
Overview of Major 2025 Public Holidays in China
Below is a concise list of the major official holidays observed in Mainland China in 2025. The specific dates may be modified slightly based on governmental announcements—usually released in the final quarter of the preceding year—but the approximate periods remain consistent with traditional practice:
- New Year’s Day (元旦, Yuándàn)
- Dates: January 1–3, 2025 (Wednesday to Friday)
- Duration: 3 days (often followed by a weekend adjustment)
- Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié)
- Dates: Likely January 28–February 3, 2025
- Chinese New Year’s Day: January 29, 2025
- Duration: 7 days (with possible weekend adjustments)
- Dates: Likely January 28–February 3, 2025
- Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节, Qīngmíng Jié)
- Date: April 5, 2025 (Saturday)
- Duration: Typically 1–3 days, depending on weekend bridge days
- Labor Day (劳动节, Láodòng Jié)
- Date: May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
- Duration: Usually a 3–5 day break, depending on official regulations
- Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duānwǔ Jié)
- Date: May 31, 2025 (Saturday, 5th day of the 5th lunar month)
- Duration: Usually 3 days (with possible weekend adjustments)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhōngqiū Jié)
- Date: October 6, 2025 (Monday, 15th day of the 8th lunar month)
- Duration: Usually 3 days (can be combined with National Day if the dates are close)
- National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié)
- Dates: October 1–7, 2025 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
- Duration: 7 days (the “Golden Week”)
Please note that the exact holiday dates and compensatory workdays will be confirmed by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, typically in late 2024. Nonetheless, this outline reflects the standard practice of recent years, allowing travelers, businesses, and students of Chinese language to anticipate and plan ahead.
Below, we delve into each of these holidays in detail, exploring their cultural significance, historical backgrounds, and best practices for making the most of them—whether you’re living, traveling, or working in China.
1. New Year’s Day (元旦, Yuándàn)
Cultural Background
Although New Year’s Day (元旦, Yuándàn) on January 1 is recognized and celebrated worldwide, in China it holds a particular significance as part of the post-1949 adoption of the Gregorian calendar. Historically, the more traditional and culturally significant “new year” in China is the Spring Festival based on the lunar calendar. Nonetheless, since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, January 1 has been observed as an official holiday as well.
Traditions
Celebrations for Yuándàn in China are relatively subdued compared to the extravagant festivities of the Lunar New Year. Many people take advantage of this three-day break (often combined with a weekend) to do short domestic trips, host family gatherings, or participate in festive sales events. In larger cities, you may see countdown parties on New Year’s Eve (December 31), fireworks displays (though these are often restricted), and gatherings among friends or colleagues to usher in the Western new year.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: Expect mild spikes in travel, mostly domestic and shorter in duration than the Spring Festival rush.
- Business: Most offices and banks are closed during the official 3-day period. Some might open on the weekend before or after for compensatory workdays.
2. Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié)
Cultural Background
The Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié) is the grandest, most important holiday in China. It marks the Lunar New Year, the beginning of the first month in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. In 2025, Lunar New Year’s Day falls on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake (according to the Chinese zodiac).
Chūnjié has been celebrated for more than 4,000 years and is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. According to mythological tradition, it originated as a way to scare off a mythical beast called “Nian” (年) with loud noises, bright colors, and fireworks. Over millennia, it evolved into a time of family reunions, ceremonial offerings to ancestors, and expressions of hope for good fortune in the year ahead.
Traditions
- Reunion Dinner (年夜饭, niányèfàn): On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather for a lavish feast, often featuring fish (鱼, yú) for abundance, dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) in Northern China, and other regional specialties.
- Red Envelopes (红包, hóngbāo): Gifts of money are given in red envelopes to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
- Decorations: Door couplets (春联, chūnlián), paper-cuts (剪纸, jiǎnzhǐ), and red lanterns (红灯笼, hóng dēnglóng) adorn houses and streets.
- Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful, dynamic performances to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year.
- Visiting Relatives (拜年, bàinián): Extended families come together over the course of the holiday, exchanging gifts and well-wishes.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: This is the world’s largest human migration event, known as Chunyun (春运). If you plan to travel during Spring Festival, book tickets well in advance and be prepared for large crowds.
- Business: The entire country effectively slows down for at least a week. Many factories close for a fortnight or longer, and supply chains can experience significant delays.
If you want to make the most of the Spring Festival, learning even a few cultural nuances or the basics of spoken Mandarin can transform your experience. To get started, or to further hone your language skills, we invite you to visit our registration page: https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/.
3. Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节, Qīngmíng Jié)
Cultural Background
Also called Qingming Festival, it usually occurs on or around April 4 or April 5 each year. In 2025, Qingming (清明, qīngmíng) falls on April 5 (Saturday). The holiday dates back over 2,500 years to the Zhou Dynasty and is a time to honor ancestors and departed loved ones. The term “清明” means “clear and bright,” referencing both the climatic shift in early April and the spiritual clarity of paying respects to one’s lineage.
Traditions
- Tomb Sweeping: Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and tidy up the tombstones, offer flowers or food, and burn joss paper (纸钱, zhǐqián) as a symbolic gesture of providing for loved ones in the afterlife.
- Spring Outings: Since Qingming coincides with the rise of spring temperatures, many people take advantage of the pleasant weather to go on excursions to the countryside or public parks.
- Eating Sweet Green Rice Balls (青团, qīngtuán): A seasonal snack made from glutinous rice mixed with green plant juice (often mugwort or barley grass) and filled with sweet bean paste.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: Expect moderate traffic as many Chinese take short trips or visit family gravesites.
- Business: Most offices and schools are closed for at least one day. The holiday may extend to three days if weekend bridging is applied.
4. Labor Day (劳动节, Láodòng Jié)
Cultural Background
Labor Day (May 1), known as 劳动节 (Láodòng Jié) in Chinese, has been observed since the early 20th century as a celebration of workers and their contributions. In China, it became an official holiday after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Typically falling on May 1, it sometimes results in a multiple-day break called the “May Day Golden Week,” though the exact length can vary from year to year depending on governmental announcements.
Traditions
- Travel and Leisure: Many people take advantage of the holiday break to travel domestically, visiting tourist attractions, natural parks, or home provinces.
- Shopping Festivals: Retailers frequently offer sales promotions, which can be significant as consumers tend to have more free time to spend shopping during this holiday.
- Cultural Performances: Some cities organize parades, shows, or exhibitions celebrating the value of labor and production.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: Travel volume can be quite high, though not as intense as during Spring Festival or National Day. Popular tourist sites often see large crowds.
- Business: Offices and factories typically close for the main holiday day. Additional days off vary from year to year.
5. Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duānwǔ Jié)
Cultural Background
Falling on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duānwǔ Jié) in 2025 will be celebrated on May 31 (Saturday). The most popular origin story revolves around Qu Yuan (屈原, Qū Yuán), an ancient poet and statesman of the Kingdom of Chu during the Warring States period (around 300 BCE). After Qu Yuan’s political exile and eventual suicide in the Miluo River, locals raced out in boats to save him (or retrieve his body) and dropped sticky rice dumplings into the river to prevent fish from consuming him.
Traditions
- Dragon Boat Racing (龙舟竞渡, lóngzhōu jìngdù): Teams compete in long canoe-like boats adorned with dragon heads. Spectators cheer from riverbanks, making it a festive community event.
- Eating Zongzi (粽子, zòngzi): These sticky rice dumplings, wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, are a signature food associated with the festival. Fillings vary regionally, ranging from sweet bean paste to savory pork or salted egg yolk.
- Hanging Wormwood and Calamus: Traditionally, people hang fragrant plants (艾草, àicǎo and 菖蒲, chāngpú) on their doors for protection against disease and evil spirits.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: The Dragon Boat Festival break lasts about three days. While some individuals stay home to celebrate locally, others may take the opportunity for short getaways.
- Business: Public institutions and many private businesses close for the three-day holiday period.
6. Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhōngqiū Jié)
Cultural Background
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhōngqiū Jié) is one of the most romantic and visually stunning Chinese holidays. In 2025, it falls on October 6 (Monday). The festival dates back at least 3,000 years to moon-worshipping and harvest-celebration traditions. It is intimately connected to Chinese folklore, most notably the legend of Chang’e (嫦娥), the goddess who lives on the moon.
Traditions
- Appreciating the Full Moon (赏月, shǎng yuè): Families and friends gather outdoors or on balconies to view the brightest full moon of the year.
- Eating Mooncakes (月饼, yuèbǐng): These round pastries symbolize unity and are often given as gifts. Fillings can range from lotus seed paste to mixed nuts, salted egg yolk, or even modern, innovative flavors like matcha or ice cream.
- Lanterns and Gatherings: Some communities hold lantern fairs or release floating sky lanterns. Children might carry paper lanterns shaped like animals or cartoon characters.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: The Mid-Autumn Festival often merges into a long weekend, making it a popular time for family reunions and tourism.
- Business: Offices shut down for the official holiday period. In 2025, because the festival is close to National Day (October 1), some years see an overlap creating an extended holiday, but in 2025, they are a few days apart (October 6 for Mid-Autumn, continuing the overlap with National Day Golden Week).
7. National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié)
Cultural Background
October 1, 1949, marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Since then, National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié) has been an official holiday, culminating in one of the two major “Golden Weeks.” In 2025, National Day falls on a Wednesday, and the official holiday typically extends from October 1 to October 7.
Traditions
- Flag-Raising Ceremonies: In Beijing, huge crowds gather at Tiananmen Square for the dawn flag-raising ceremony. This event is televised nationwide.
- Patriotic Displays: Cities and towns are festooned with red national flags, banners, and floral arrangements. Government-organized galas, concerts, and fireworks are common, particularly in major urban centers.
- Family Travel and Leisure: Many people seize the opportunity to take a full week off, traveling domestically or internationally if feasible. The holiday is famously crowded, with tourist attractions hosting throngs of visitors.
Travel and Business Implications
- Travel: National Day Golden Week is one of the busiest travel seasons. Book flights and accommodations months in advance if you plan to move around during this period.
- Business: Almost all government offices, schools, and many private companies close for a full week, with possible compensatory workdays on weekends before or after.
Planning Your 2025: Tips for Travelers, Businesses, and Language Learners
1. Travel Strategy
- Book Early: China’s train and airline tickets often get snapped up quickly during holidays, especially for Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week.
- Avoid Peak Times if Possible: If your schedule allows, travel before or after the main holiday rush to avoid overcrowded trains, planes, and scenic spots.
- Consider Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: If your goal is exploration and local immersion, avoid major tourist spots like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an during these peak times. Instead, explore lesser-known regions.
2. Business Strategy
- Supply Chain Management: Factor in holiday closures (especially around Spring Festival) in production schedules and shipping timelines.
- Public Relations and Marketing: Chinese consumers are generally more receptive to promotions during festive periods. Explore culturally relevant campaign ideas around each holiday.
- Communication with Partners: Schedule important meetings or deadlines outside major holidays to ensure availability and quick responsiveness.
3. Cultural Appreciation and Language Learning
- Basic Holiday Greetings:
- New Year’s Day: “Happy New Year!” (新年快乐, xīn nián kuài lè)
- Spring Festival: “Happy Spring Festival!” (春节快乐, chūn jiē kuài lè) or “Happy New Year!” (新年快乐, xīn nián kuài lè)
- Dragon Boat Festival: “端午安康, duān wǔ ān kāng” (a wish for good health during Duānwǔ)
- Mid-Autumn Festival: “中秋快乐, zhōng qiū kuài lè” or “团圆快乐, tuányuán kuài lè” (happy reunion)
- National Day: “国庆快乐, guó qìng kuài lè”
- Learn the Stories: Understanding the legends behind holidays like Qu Yuan’s devotion or Chang’e’s flight to the moon enriches the experience.
- Enroll in a Language Program: Whether you want to read Chinese couplets, talk with locals about holiday customs, or simply gain a richer perspective on Chinese history, formal study can be a game-changer. Check out our flexible Chinese classes: https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/.
Conclusion
China’s 2025 official holiday schedule reflects a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern observances. From the culturally profound Spring Festival to the lively Dragon Boat races, from family reunions under the full moon at Mid-Autumn to patriotic displays during National Day Golden Week, these holidays showcase the depth and diversity of Chinese culture. For travelers, they offer dynamic windows into regional customs; for businesses, they demand strategic planning; and for language learners, they present vibrant contexts in which to apply one’s growing proficiency.
By mapping out the key dates, understanding the cultural background, and planning around the busiest travel periods, you can make the most of China’s remarkable festive landscape in 2025. Whether your goal is to deepen cultural connections, expand business ventures, or simply enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, having a clear grasp of the holiday calendar is indispensable.
And if you’re eager to enhance your Mandarin skills to greet acquaintances with a well-timed “xīn nián kuài lè,” or to appreciate the subtle flavors of zòngzi while discussing Qu Yuan’s heroism, we encourage you to explore our Chinese language programs. With flexible schedules and culturally rich curricula, you will be well-prepared to immerse yourself in all the celebrations China has to offer.
Have a wonderful 2025, and may your journey through China’s public holidays be both enlightening and unforgettable!
