Chinese Holidays 2025: A Complete Guide for Travelers and Expats

If you’re planning to visit China in 2025 or already living as an expat, knowing the key holidays and festivals is crucial. Not only do these events shape the cultural landscape, but they also affect travel schedules, business operations, and general daily life.

Whether you want to celebrate alongside locals or avoid the holiday rush, understanding these dates is essential for making the most of your time in China. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Chinese holidays in 2025!

Overview of Chinese Holidays in 2025

China is a country rich in traditions and history, and its holidays reflect that. From the New Year celebrations to the iconic Dragon Boat Festival, there’s something special about each occasion. The year 2025 will see several major public holidays, most of which are based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. This means the dates of these holidays can shift slightly each year, but they always mark significant moments in Chinese culture.

For expats and travelers, understanding the holiday calendar helps in planning your trip, avoiding crowded travel periods, and even participating in cultural celebrations. Let’s dive into the major Chinese holidays in 2025.

1. Chinese New Year (春节) – February 17, 2025

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival (春节), is the most important holiday in China. Celebrated by millions across the country, it marks the beginning of the lunar new year. For 2025, the holiday falls on February 17, with festivities typically lasting for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.

• What to Expect: Expect an atmosphere full of excitement, family gatherings, and fireworks. Most businesses, government offices, and schools shut down for the week-long public holiday, which means travel might be a bit tricky if you’re planning to explore the country. Hotels and train tickets can get very expensive and booked up well in advance.
• Travel Tips: While large cities like Beijing and Shanghai might be quieter, smaller cities and rural areas will come alive with local celebrations. If you’re visiting China during this time, be prepared for crowded public transport and make bookings well ahead of time.

2. Qingming Festival (清明节) – April 4, 2025

Qingming, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is observed to honor ancestors. Families typically visit the graves of their loved ones to clean the tombstones, offer food, and burn incense.

• What to Expect: It’s a more solemn occasion compared to the lively celebrations of Chinese New Year. While it’s not a major holiday for travel or tourism, many people use the time for a short break.
• Travel Tips: Major tourist attractions may be less crowded during this time, making it a great opportunity to explore China in peace. However, avoid the rush on public transport as people often travel home for the holiday.

3. Labor Day (劳动节) – May 1-3, 2025

Labor Day in China celebrates workers and is similar to International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1st. In 2025, the holiday is a three-day affair, from May 1 to 3.

• What to Expect: This is a busy holiday with many Chinese citizens taking short trips or attending events. While cities like Beijing and Shanghai can get crowded, it’s also a good time for local festivals and outdoor activities.
• Travel Tips: Avoid travel on the peak days of Labor Day, as it can be difficult to get train tickets or accommodation in popular tourist spots. Plan ahead if you want to visit any famous destinations.

4. Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) – June 22, 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated with dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and various other traditions. It falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar, which in 2025 is on June 22.

• What to Expect: This is a lively and colorful festival with a strong connection to traditional Chinese folklore. Cities along rivers, especially in southern China, host large dragon boat races.
• Travel Tips: If you’re in China during this time, don’t miss the chance to watch a dragon boat race, particularly in cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Guangzhou. It’s also an excellent time to sample zongzi.

5. Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) – September 8, 2025

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest moon and family reunions. People typically gather to enjoy mooncakes, a pastry filled with various ingredients, and admire the moon’s beauty.

• What to Expect: Families reunite during this festival, and the cities are often less crowded than other holidays. Expect plenty of mooncakes and evening gatherings under the full moon.
• Travel Tips: It’s an excellent time to visit China if you want a more relaxed, cultural experience. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai celebrate with lanterns, mooncake fairs, and special cultural events.

6. National Day (国庆节) – October 1-7, 2025

National Day, which commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the longest public holidays in the country. In 2025, the holiday lasts from October 1 to 7.

• What to Expect: This is a week-long holiday with large-scale celebrations, parades, and events across the country. The grand military parade in Beijing is a highlight, but expect crowds everywhere during this period.
• Travel Tips: It’s the peak travel season, so be prepared for massive crowds, especially in tourist hotspots. Hotels and transport will be fully booked, and prices may skyrocket. If you’re not keen on big crowds, consider staying in less-touristy regions.

7. Winter Solstice (冬至) – December 22, 2025

The Winter Solstice, though not a public holiday, is an important traditional festival in China. Families often gather to eat dumplings or tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) to mark the longest night of the year.

• What to Expect: It’s more of a family-oriented holiday than a public celebration, so you won’t see major events in the streets, but it’s a lovely occasion to experience local traditions.
• Travel Tips: If you’re in China during this time, it’s a great chance to experience a quieter, intimate side of Chinese culture. Food lovers will appreciate the special dishes prepared for the occasion.

Tips for Navigating Holidays in China

As an expat or traveler in China, navigating these holidays can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Here are some key tips to ensure your travels go smoothly:

• Plan Early: During major holidays like Chinese New Year or National Day, public transport, hotels, and tourist attractions can get very crowded. Book your tickets and accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Understand Local Customs: Participating in local traditions like eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival or mooncakes during Mid-Autumn can be a fun and enriching experience. Take the opportunity to dive into the cultural aspects of each holiday.
• Avoid Peak Travel Periods: If you’re not keen on crowds, it’s a good idea to avoid traveling during the Golden Week (National Day) or Chinese New Year. These are times when most locals are on the move, and tourist attractions can be packed.

Final Thoughts

The Chinese holiday calendar is filled with celebrations that offer insight into the country’s rich culture and traditions. As a traveler or expat, embracing these holidays is a great way to experience China beyond its tourist attractions. Whether you’re marveling at the dragon boat races, enjoying a quiet day during the Winter Solstice, or navigating the hustle and bustle of Chinese New Year, each holiday provides an opportunity to connect with China in a meaningful way.

So, plan your trip, immerse yourself in the celebrations, and make the most of the vibrant cultural landscape that China offers in 2025!