Labour Day in China
View the global Labour Day guide
Labour Day (劳动节, Láodòng Jié) is a nationwide holiday in China. Since the amended holiday regulation took effect in 2025, statutory leave covers 1 and 2 May. The State Council's annual schedule can add weekends and adjusted rest days, producing a longer practical break.
Labour Day
Holiday
China
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
May
01
May 1, 2026
Labour Day Date in China
Date
May 1, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Labour Day Dates in China
Labour Day 2026
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
Labour Day 2027
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
Labour Day 2028
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
History of Labour Day
International Workers' Day has been observed in the People's Republic of China since its early years. A seven-day Labour Day Golden Week operated from 2000 before reforms shortened the arrangement in 2008. The 2024 amendment increased the underlying statutory entitlement from one day to two, effective in 2025.
Importance of Labour Day
The holiday recognizes workers and also drives a major spring travel and consumer period. Readers should distinguish the two legal leave dates from the longer annual arrangement and from compensatory weekends on which offices, schools and businesses may return to work.
How Labour Day Is Celebrated in China
Many people use the break for tourism, shopping, family visits and outdoor recreation. Attractions and commercial districts can be busy, while official media and organizations may highlight workers and labour achievements. Local events are not uniform nationwide.
Office Impact
For 2026, the State Council announced 1–5 May as the holiday period and Saturday 9 May as a working day. The database's additional 2027–2028 dates are estimates beyond the fixed 1–2 May entitlement and are not official annual schedules.
Bank Impact
Banks generally align staffing with the announced calendar, though some branches may offer limited holiday service. Digital payments and ATMs continue; customers needing counter, corporate or settlement services should verify the institution's adjusted timetable.
School Impact
Schools normally incorporate both the holiday interval and any compensatory attendance day into local calendars. Parents should check the education authority or institution notice because Saturday classes may replace a weekday break.
Travel Information
The May break is one of China's busiest domestic travel periods. Rail and flight tickets, accommodation and popular attractions can sell out. Plans should use the official yearly notice, not projected extension dates, and should allow for crowd-control measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Labour Day in China?
The statutory dates are 1 and 2 May.
What is the official 2026 holiday period?
It runs from 1–5 May, with 9 May designated as a working Saturday.
Why are there compensatory working weekends?
The annual schedule rearranges rest days to create a longer continuous break.
Are the 2027 and 2028 extensions confirmed?
No. Dates beyond the statutory entitlement remain projected until annual notices are issued.