China is a country where history and tradition live side by side with modern skylines. Beyond landmarks and landscapes, its holidays and festivals reveal the very soul of Chinese culture.
Whether it’s the spectacular fireworks of the Spring Festival, the boat races during Dragon Boat Festival, or the poetic moon-viewing of Mid-Autumn Festival, each holiday carries its own charm.
For international travelers, timing your trip with China’s traditional holidays means more than sightseeing—it’s about joining locals in cultural celebrations.
The Jiangsu–Zhejiang–Shanghai region is especially vibrant during these times: Shanghai’s urban charm, Hangzhou’s West Lake, Suzhou’s classical gardens, Nanjing’s historic streets, Wuzhen’s water-town traditions, and Huangshan’s majestic peaks all offer unique holiday experiences.
This guide introduces China’s major holidays and festivals in 2025–2026, along with travel tips, cultural insights, and recommended experiences in the Jiangsu–Zhejiang–Shanghai region, one of China’s most historically rich and traveler-friendly areas.
Public Holidays in China–What Travelers Should Know
China Holiday Calendar 2025
China officially observes seven major public holidays each year. These are recognized nationwide and often create peak travel seasons:
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Understanding Chinese Public Holidays (including Golden Week)
Chinese public holidays often involve 1-3 days of official leave. However, a unique system allows weekends to be swapped to create longer vacation periods, known as "Golden Weeks"
In addition, there are commemorative days like Women’s Day, Youth Day, and Army Day. For travelers, the two Golden Weeks—Chinese New Year and National Day—are the busiest, while festivals like Mid-Autumn or Dragon Boat are ideal for cultural immersion without overwhelming crowds.
Best Time to Visit China During Holidays
- For Culture: Visiting during major traditional festivals like Spring Festival or Mid-Autumn offers the most authentic cultural immersion, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
- For Comfort: Shoulder seasons like late spring (April-May, excluding Labor Day) or early autumn (September, before National Day) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while still allowing you to experience some festivals.
- Avoiding Crowds: If you must travel during a Golden Week, book everything (flights, trains, hotels) far in advance. Consider exploring lesser-known cities instead of mega-destinations like Beijing and Shanghai.
For a first-time visitor guide, check out our blog: Things to Know for First-Time Travelers to China
Major Traditional Festivals in China
1.Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
| The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China. Streets glow with red lanterns, families gather for reunion dinners, and fireworks fill the skies. |
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Where to experience:
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Join our Shanghai Festival Tour or Hangzhou Cultural Experience Tour to combine iconic landmarks with local holiday traditions.
2.Qingming Festival
Qingming, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time to honor ancestors and enjoy spring outings. Families visit graves, fly kites, and eat seasonal snacks like qingtuan (green dumplings).
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Qingming, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time to honor ancestors and enjoy spring outings. Families visit graves, fly kites, and eat seasonal snacks like qingtuan (green dumplings). |
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Best experiences:
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Our Hangzhou Spring Tour and Suzhou Garden Tour let travelers witness both nature’s beauty and holiday traditions.
3.Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated in June, the Dragon Boat Festival honors the poet Qu Yuan. People eat sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) and watch dragon boat races.
Highlights:
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- Hangzhou: Spectacular races on West Lake.
- Suzhou: Riverside competitions with local community spirit.
- Wuzhen: Dragon boat parades through the canals of this ancient water town.
Don’t miss our Hangzhou West Lake & Tea Village Tour and Wuzhen Water Town Day Trip to combine scenic beauty with holiday traditions.
4.Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn is all about family reunions and moon gazing. Lanterns light up the streets, and mooncakes are shared.
Best moon-viewing spots:
- Hangzhou: West Lake’s “Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake.”
- Huangshan: Breathtaking mountain views under a full moon.
- Nanjing: Lantern shows along the Qinhuai River.
| Lantern shows | moon gazing | mooncakes |
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Try our Hangzhou Moonlight Tour or Huangshan Mid-Autumn Tour for poetic holiday experiences.
5.National Day
National Day on October 1 marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It’s one of the longest public holidays, with parades, fireworks, and travel rush across the country.
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Top experiences in Jiangnan:
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Our Shanghai Night Tour and Hangzhou Golden Week Tour showcase the festive atmosphere.
6.Lantern Festival
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Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival. Families light colorful lanterns and eat sweet glutinous rice balls (tangyuan). |
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Best spots:
Our Shanghai Lantern Tour and Suzhou Festival Walk are ideal for this celebration. |
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7.Double Ninth Festival
The Double Ninth Festival is a day for hiking, admiring autumn scenery, and respecting elders.
Where to go:
- Huangshan: Autumn foliage and crisp mountain air.
- Hangzhou: Hiking trails around tea plantations.
- Suzhou: Scenic hills near Taihu Lake.
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Our Huangshan Autumn Tour and Hangzhou Hiking Tour perfectly match this tradition.
Modern Celebrations & National Holidays
China National Day & Golden Week
- Celebrations: Celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st. Major cities like Beijing see large-scale celebrations, flag-raising ceremonies, and decorations. It's a period of strong national pride.
- Travel Tips: This is arguably the busiest travel period in China. Expect extreme crowds at all tourist sites and on transportation.Book everything well in advance and consider alternative destinations.
Other Popular Events & Local Festivals
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (January-February): A stunning display of massive ice and snow sculptures.
- Shanghai International Film Festival (June): A major event for cinema lovers.
- Local Temple Fairs ( throughout the year, especially during Spring Festival): Found in many cities, offering traditional snacks, performances, and handicrafts.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Chinese Festivals
Best Time to Visit China During FestivalsAim for the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) to enjoy good weather and potentially experience festivals like Qingming, Labor Day (be cautious), Dragon Boat, or Mid-Autumn Festival with slightly milder crowds than the major Golden Weeks. How to Plan Your Trip Around Public Holidays
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Best Time to Visit China During Festivals
Aim for the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) to enjoy good weather and potentially experience festivals like Qingming, Labor Day (be cautious), Dragon Boat, or Mid-Autumn Festival with slightly milder crowds than the major Golden Weeks.
How to Plan Your Trip Around Public Holidays
- Always check the exact dates of movable holidays (Spring Festival, Dragon Boat, etc.) for your specific year of travel.
- Book flights, trains, and hotels at least 2-3 months in advance for major holidays, even earlier for Golden Weeks.
- Be aware that travel and services may be disrupted immediately before, during, and after the holiday.
Dos and Don’ts During Festivals
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DO try the special festival foods (tangyuan, zongzi, mooncakes) |
DON'T be surprised if many shops and restaurants are closed, especially during Spring Festival. |
| DO learn a few basic greetings in Chinese (e.g., "Xīnnián hǎo" for Happy New Year). | DON'T underestimate travel times during holiday periods. |
| DO expect crowds and practice patience. |
Family-Friendly Festival Tours
Festivals like Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, with their visual spectacles and sweet treats, are particularly engaging for families with children.
Look for tours that include hands-on activities like lantern making or mooncake decorating.
Recommended China Festival Tours
To truly immerse yourself without the stress of planning during these busy periods, consider a curated tour package. At TravelTidesChina, we specialize in creating personalized cultural experiences that align with China's festive calendar.
We offer customized itineraries that take you to the heart of the celebrations:
- Shanghai Lantern Festival Tour: Experience the magical glow of Yuyuan Garden's lantern displays and savor authentic tangyuan.
- Hangzhou Dragon Boat Festival Tour: Feel the excitement of the dragon boat races on West Lake and learn to make zongzi.
- Mid-Autumn Festival at West Lake: Enjoy a peaceful evening cruise to admire the moon reflected on the lake, complemented by traditional mooncakes.
Let our travel experts handle the logistics while you focus on the celebration.Customize your trip with TravelTidesChina for authentic Jiangnan holiday experiences.
Conclusion
China's holidays and festivals provide the ultimate window into the soul of its culture. They are a time of joy, reflection, family, and incredible visual and culinary spectacle. While navigating the crowds during peak periods requires planning, the reward is an authentic and unforgettable travel experience.
We encourage you to plan your China itinerary around these vibrant events. Embrace the energy, savor the flavors, and become part of the celebration.
Ready to experience the magic of China's festivals? Contact TravelTides China to customize your perfect holiday tour today!