Children’s Day in China
Children’s Day in China falls on June 1 and gives children under 14 a full day off under national rules. It is a holiday for a defined group, rather than a day off for the adult workforce, and local schools and communities mark it in different ways.[1][2]
A June 1 holiday with an international link
China’s June 1 observance is linked to International Children’s Day. In 1949, the International Democratic Women’s Federation decided on June 1 as a day for children, with the stated aims of remembering children killed in war and promoting children’s rights. The Chinese government adopted June 1 as the country’s Children’s Day in December 1949, replacing the earlier April 4 observance.[2]
Who gets the day off
The national holiday rules classify Children’s Day among the holidays for only part of the population. They provide one day off on June 1 for children under 14; they do not give all adults a statutory day off. The rules also say that a holiday for only part of the population is not moved to a working day when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Children’s Day does not by itself close offices, banks, shops or transport services nationwide. The day off applies to children under 14, not the general workforce. Check local school and venue arrangements, which may differ.[1]
School and community celebrations
Celebrations can vary by place and school. The Ministry of Education has reported examples including children’s outings and activity days in Beijing, a dance performance in Anhui, and a school art festival in Jiangxi. These examples show the range of events; they are not a fixed national programme.[3]
Families and visitors should check with a child’s school or local venue for its plans, admission arrangements and opening hours.
Children’s Day in China: FAQs
When is Children’s Day in China?
It is observed on June 1 each year.[1]
Who gets the day off?
Children under 14 are entitled to one day off under the national holiday rules. The provision does not give adults a general day off.[1]
Is there a substitute day if June 1 falls on a weekend?
No. The rules state that holidays for only part of the population are not moved to a working day when they fall on a Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Are offices, banks and shops closed?
Children’s Day does not give adult workers a general day off. Check local opening times for individual offices, banks and shops.[1]
What might children do on the holiday?
Activities vary. Education Ministry reporting has documented local examples such as outings, activity days, performances and school art events.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Children's Day in China:
- 全国年节及纪念日放假办法- 中华人民共和国司法部法规数据库
- 背景资料:“六·一”国际儿童节的由来- 新华网
- 各地举行丰富多彩的活动欢庆“六一”- 中华人民共和国教育部