China's public holiday schedule for 2025 has been made public. There are now two more public holidays for all citizens than there were in 2024, specifically for May 2nd and Lunar New Year's Eve.

Learn more: China Calendar 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates and Celebrations

2025 China Official Calendar - Two More Public Holidays, 27 Days in Total
China Official Public Holidays in 2025

How many official public holidays are there in China in 2025?

In 2025, China will have a total of 27 official public holiday days, including the extended Spring Festival and Labor Day.

These holidays are distributed across seven major celebrations: New Year’s Day, Spring Festival (7 days), Qingming Festival, Labor Day (2 days), Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day (7 days).

This includes both the statutory holidays and the compensated days off from "holiday swaps." The extension of Spring Festival and Labor Day reflects a move to allow more time for family reunions and relaxation.

These holidays are significant for cultural, historical, and societal reasons, providing opportunities for citizens to engage in traditional customs or modern leisure activities. Businesses, government offices, and schools typically close during these periods, with some adjustments for specific industries, especially in retail and tourism. Understanding these days is crucial for planning both personal and professional activities in China.

China public holiday 2025 schedule: Official calendar

Below is a comprehensive overview of the public holidays in China for 2025, detailing their dates, significance, customary activities, and the operational status of schools, government offices, supermarkets, and the stock market during these periods.

1. New Year's Day

(one rest day)

  • Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
  • Activities: Celebrations include fireworks, parties, and public events.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets may operate on reduced hours.

2. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

(eight rest days in total)

  • Dates: January 28 to February 3, 2025 (Tuesday to Monday)
  • Significance: The most important traditional festival, celebrating the lunar new year.
  • Activities: Family reunions, feasting, giving red envelopes, and setting off fireworks.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Many businesses, including supermarkets, may close or operate on limited hours.

Note: Starting in 2025, the Spring Festival holiday has been extended to include Chinese New Year's Eve, making it a four-day official holiday.

3. Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)

(three rest days in total, in connection with two weekend day)

  • Date: April 4, 2025 (Friday)
  • Significance: A day to honor ancestors by visiting and cleaning their graves.
  • Activities: Tomb sweeping, offering food and incense, and spring outings.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets typically remain open.

4. Labor Day (May Day)

(five rest days in total)

  • Dates: May 1 to May 2, 2025 (Thursday to Friday)
  • Significance: Celebrates the contributions of workers.
  • Activities: Parades, cultural performances, and travel.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets may operate on regular or reduced hours.

Note: The Labor Day holiday has been extended to two days, with May 2 added as an official holiday starting in 2025.

5. Dragon Boat Festival

(three rest days in total, in connection with the weekend)

  • Dates: May 31 to June 2, 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
  • Significance: Commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan.
  • Activities: Dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets generally remain open.

6. Mid-Autumn Festival

  • Date: October 1 to October 7, 2025 (Monday)
  • Significance: Celebrates the harvest and the full moon.
  • Activities: Family gatherings, moon gazing, and eating mooncakes.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets typically remain open.

7. National Day

  • Dates: October 1 to October 7, 2025 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
  • Significance: Marks the founding of the People's Republic of China.
  • Activities: Parades, fireworks, and travel.
  • Operational Status: Schools, government offices, and the stock market are closed. Supermarkets may operate on regular or reduced hours.

Note: Eight rest days for Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day

Summary of Operational Status During Public Holidays

2025 China Official Calendar - Two More Public Holidays, 27 Days in Total
Summary of Operational Status During Public Holidays

Additional Notes:

Weekend Adjustments: To create longer holiday periods, the Chinese government often adjusts weekends to compensate for weekdays taken off during holidays. This practice, known as "holiday swaps," may result in consecutive working days before or after the holiday period.

Travel Considerations: The Spring Festival and National Day holidays are known as "Golden Weeks," during which domestic travel peaks. It's advisable to plan travel and accommodations well in advance during these periods

Conclusion

China's public holiday schedule in 2025 offers a blend of traditional and modern celebrations, reflecting the nation's rich cultural heritage and evolving societal priorities. The addition of two more public holidays—the extended Spring Festival and Labor Day—underscores the government’s effort to provide citizens with more time to rest, reconnect with family, and celebrate. These holidays significantly influence travel, business operations, and public services, making it essential to plan activities around these dates.

Whether you're a traveler, an expatriate, or a business professional, understanding the operational changes during these holidays will help you navigate the bustling holiday seasons effectively. From family reunions during the Spring Festival to outdoor fun during the Dragon Boat Festival, these holidays provide unique opportunities to experience the culture and traditions of China.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the two new public holidays added in 2025?

  • In 2025, China extended:

    • Spring Festival to include Chinese New Year's Eve (now 4 days officially).

    • Labor Day by adding May 2 as a second official holiday.

2. Do schools operate during public holidays in China?

  • Schools are closed during public holidays. However, adjustments to the academic calendar (e.g., makeup classes) may occur around holidays due to "holiday swaps."

3. Are supermarkets open during public holidays?

  • Most supermarkets operate during public holidays, though hours may be reduced during major celebrations like the Spring Festival.

4. Does the stock market operate during public holidays?

  • No, the stock market remains closed during all public holidays, aligning with government office closures.

5. What are "Golden Weeks," and why are they significant?

  • The Spring Festival and National Day holidays are called "Golden Weeks," marked by peak travel and consumer activity. They are the busiest travel periods of the year in China.

6. What is the "holiday swap" system?

  • The "holiday swap" system adjusts weekends to extend holiday periods. For example, you may work extra days before or after a holiday to create a longer break.

7. Are all businesses closed during public holidays?

  • While schools, government offices, and stock markets are closed, many businesses, especially those in retail, tourism, and hospitality, continue operations, albeit with adjusted schedules.

8. What are the busiest holidays for travel in China?

  • The Spring Festival and National Day Golden Weeks are the busiest, with significant domestic and international travel demand. Planning ahead is crucial during these times.

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