China Public Holidays 2024

Need to know when Chinese public holidays are in 2024 and start making plans? Here is a list of the public holidays, their official days off, and make-up workdays for 2024 in China.

Chinese Public Holidays 2024

Notes:
*International Women’s Day is observed for a half-day by women only.
**Youth Day is observed for a half-day by individuals between 14 to 28 years old.
***Children’s Day is observed by children under 14.
****Army Day is observed for a half-day by in-service military personnel.

As you will notice, the Chinese New Year's Eve, which will fall on February 9, 2024, is not a holiday day. However, the official announcement released by the State Council encourages employers to offer their workers paid leave on that day.

In addition to the Chinese public holidays mentioned above, China also observes several traditional holidays despite businesses remaining open and workers not receiving days off. Such holidays include the Hungry Ghost Festival, the Lantern Festival, and the Double Ninth Festival.

What are "Golden Weeks" in China?

"Golden Week" refers to the two longest Chinese public holidays: the Chinese National Day and the Spring Festival. During these weeks, people enjoy 7 consecutive days away from work. Not only do Golden Weeks allow those working outside their hometown to travel back and visit their families, but they also encourage domestic tourism and consumer spending, which has a significant impact on the economy.

Be aware that demand for travel-related services, including hotel bookings, and train and plane tickets, typically surges during the Chinese National Day and Chinese New Year holidays. It's strongly advised to plan your travel well in advance. Train tickets are generally available 40 days before the travel date, while accommodations and plane tickets can be booked months ahead.

One last tip: Most major tourist attractions are known to be highly congested during Golden Weeks, so do consider visiting some lesser-known travel spots, such as Beijing's off-the-beaten-path destinations instead.

Why are make-up workdays a thing in China?

In 1997, China introduced make-up working days in response to economic challenges arising from the Southeast Asian financial crisis. These workdays provided an extended seven-day holiday, enabling family reunions, especially for those working away from their hometowns. However, in exchange, individuals had to work the weekend before and/or after the holidays to compensate for two days. This approach aimed to stimulate domestic spending and economic growth.

While some employees appreciate the opportunity to visit family and travel, others are dissatisfied with weekend work. Nevertheless, make-up working days have become a permanent fixture in China's holiday system, despite undergoing several adjustments since their inception.