National Day & Golden Week
Also called: Golden Week, China National Day
What is National Day & Golden Week?
National Day on 1 October starts Golden Week (黄金周), a seven-day national holiday in mainland China. It is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year: trains, tourist sites and hotels are packed.
National Day & Golden Week dates 2026–2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 |
Where it comes from
The People's Republic of China was founded on 1 October 1949. The week-long holiday began in 1999 to encourage travel and spending.
How people celebrate
- Travel at home or abroad (expect huge crowds)
- Watch the flag-raising in Tiananmen Square
- See flag displays and light shows in cities
Words and greetings
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 国庆节快乐 | PinyinGuóqìngjié kuàilè | EnglishHappy National Day |
| 黄金周 | Pinyinhuángjīnzhōu | EnglishGolden Week |
| 放假 | Pinyinfàngjià | Englishto have a holiday |
| 人山人海 | Pinyinrénshān-rénhǎi | Englishhuge crowds (lit. mountains and seas of people) |
| 调休 | Pinyintiáoxiū | Englishswapped working days |
国庆节快乐 is the greeting, mostly in messages and at work.
Is it a public holiday?
A public holiday in mainland China and Macau (1 October, with about a week off in the mainland); Hong Kong has 1 October off. Taiwan's National Day is a different date (10 October).
Frequently asked questions
How long is Golden Week?
Usually seven days, 1–7 October. Some weekend days before or after are made into working days to make up for it (调休).
Is it a good time to visit China?
Only if you like crowds. Prices go up and famous sites are packed; many travellers avoid this week.
When is National Day in 2027?
Friday 1 October 2027.