National Day in China
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China's National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié) is 1 October and commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Regulations provide statutory leave from 1–3 October; the annual State Council calendar may combine those dates with weekends and adjusted rest days to form a longer National Day holiday.
National Day
Holiday
China
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Oct
01
October 1, 2026
National Day Date in China
Date
October 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
National Day Dates in China
National Day 2026
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
National Day 2027
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
National Day 2028
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Confirmed
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
- Estimated — subject to official confirmation
History of National Day
Mao Zedong proclaimed the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on 1 October 1949. The date became National Day and developed into a major state commemoration. Later scheduling reforms created the extended travel period commonly called National Day Golden Week.
Importance of National Day
National Day is a central civic anniversary and one of China's largest annual travel periods. The three statutory dates and the longer administrative arrangement must be separated: October 1–3 are established by regulation, while additional days and compensatory working weekends depend on the annual notice.
How National Day Is Celebrated in China
National flags and themed displays appear in cities and public spaces. Beijing may host formal events, exhibitions and ceremonies, while residents use the longer break for domestic trips and family visits. The scale and programme of official events differ from year to year.
Office Impact
The official 2026 calendar schedules leave from 1–7 October, with 20 September and 10 October designated working days. Government offices and many companies follow that arrangement. Extension dates shown for 2027 or 2028 are projections until their respective notices are published.
Bank Impact
Many branches reduce or suspend staffed service during the announced holiday, sometimes maintaining selected outlets. Digital payments and self-service channels remain widely used, but corporate banking, settlement and counter services may resume according to the institution's calendar.
School Impact
School calendars generally follow the announced National Day arrangement and any compensatory attendance days. Local education authorities and institutions publish the operative timetable, which should be checked rather than inferred from the three statutory dates alone.
Travel Information
Golden Week produces exceptionally heavy demand for rail tickets, flights, highways, hotels and major attractions. Advance booking is important. Visitors should also account for compensatory workdays, capacity controls and crowd-management measures announced close to the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is China's National Day?
National Day is on 1 October.
How many statutory days are provided?
The national regulation provides 1–3 October.
Why can the practical holiday last a week?
The annual calendar combines statutory leave, weekends and adjusted rest days, sometimes with compensatory working weekends.
What is confirmed for 2026?
The official break is 1–7 October; 20 September and 10 October are working days.
Are later extended periods official?
Not until the State Council publishes the relevant annual schedule.