National Day of China (2026)

One of the longest National Day celebrations worldwide takes place in China. Officially the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China celebrates what it calls the “Golden Week” of holidays. While the official holiday is only three days, the celebrations are usually extended by bridge holidays compensated by working on weekends, especially in consideration of the days of the week on which the holidays fall. Thus, the National Day celebration is the second longest holiday period in China, next to the Chinese New Year. As such, the Golden Week contributes billions of dollars in tourism revenue due to the arrival of local and international tourists who participate in the festivities. Moreover, the Golden Week falls in the autumn season in China, so the weather and temperature are ideal for a day out.

Starting on the 1st of October each year, the National Day is celebrated throughout the People’s Republic of China, including Macau (two days) and Hong Kong (one day). October 1st is a significant date for the PRC because it marks its foundation day. On October 1, 1949, the Central People’s Government was formed through a ceremony that took place in Tiananmen Square.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day in China.

Table of Contents

• Is National Day in China a public holiday?
• History of the National Day in China
• China National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of National Day in China

Is National Day in China a public holiday?

National Day in China is a public holiday. The legal holiday for its celebration is three days in mainland China, two days in Macau, and one day in Hong Kong. In China, the holiday extends up to 7 or 8 days, especially if the weekend is counted and if the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the same date. In2019, the Chinese National Holiday is scheduled  from October 1 (Tuesday) to October 7 (Monday). Within this period, government offices, Chinese embassies, and schools usually remain closed. Some companies, factories, and restaurants also close for at least a day or two.

History of the National Day in China

The People’s Republic of China was granted independence on September 21, 1949. However, the official and grand ceremony of its founding was held on October 1st at Tiananmen Square. On that day, the Central People’s Government was formed, symbolizing the creation of a brand new country. It was also on this fateful day that the famous Chinese leader, Mao Zedong, raised the first Communist flag of China. After which, the Resolution on the National Day of the People’s Republic of China was passed to mark October 1 as the official National Day holiday in China.

In 1950, the Chinese held their first ever National Day grand celebrations. Until 1969, grand rallies and military parades were held. However, in 1960, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council announced that celebrations must be consistent with the principle of country-building, which are based on hard work and frugality. Thus, from 1960 to 1970, military parades were not part of the National Day celebrations. In 1971, mass rallies and military parades were replaced by activities such as visits to a park. Mass rallies and military parades were only held in 1984 and 1999 to commemorate the 35th and the 50th anniversary of the 1949 National Day.

China National Day Activities and Celebrations

Celebrations for the National Day and Golden Week in China have changed throughout time, although it still does not change the fact that the Chinese look forward to the 1st of October. Before, mass rallies and grand military parades were held to commemorate the founding of the PRC. Today, the military review and parade are still conducted but not as grand as they were before. A large scale military parade takes place every 5 or 10 years to mark milestone anniversaries of China’s National Day. Aside from the military parade, the people of the PRC also join in flag-raising activities, the biggest of which take place in the Tiananmen Square. Usually, fireworks light up the night sky too. Several groups initiate the organization of dance and musical concerts and art exhibits. Malls also join in the celebration through offering big and special discounts throughout the holiday.

Families from the cities travel to the countryside to enjoy nature and some peace. The Golden Week is definitely a time for families to visit relatives from the farther sides of the country. Most Chinese families take this opportunity to bond together and take a restful week. The local tourism is at its peak during the National Day holidays as people travel from city to city to join in community celebrations.

Past and Future Observances of National Day in China

Below are past and future observances of the National Day in China: