Mainland China runs on seven statutory holidays, with Spring Festival and National Day expanded into week-long golden weeks by attaching adjacent weekends.

How people take the days

Those extensions are paid for with make-up working weekends announced annually by the State Council, so a Sunday before or after a golden week is a full working day.

If you're visiting

Spring Festival and the October golden week produce the largest human migrations on earth. Book rail and flights the moment they release, and expect major sites to be at capacity.

If you live here

The official annual holiday arrangement notice is the only reliable source; dates and make-up days change year to year and are published only weeks ahead.

Nearby countries

Neighbours of China — see their holidays, or compare the two calendars side by side.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.