China National Day
China’s National Day is observed on October 1, the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It is a public holiday for all citizens, with the law setting October 1–3 as the statutory holiday and allowing the government to arrange a longer break.[1][2]
A date tied to the founding of the PRC
On October 1, 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded at a ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. On December 2 that year, the Central People’s Government adopted a resolution designating October 1 as National Day, linking the annual observance to the new state’s founding.[2]
The holiday is a national commemoration of the establishment of the People’s Republic. Official accounts describe National Day celebrations as a way to mark the country’s identity and express national unity. The scale and form of ceremonies have changed over time, so a military parade should not be assumed every year.[2]
A nationwide statutory holiday
China’s Measures for National Holidays and Memorial Days classifies National Day among holidays for all citizens and sets October 1, 2 and 3 as the statutory days off. The Labor Law also requires employers to arrange holidays for workers during National Day.[1][3]
Government offices close for the statutory holiday, while many workplaces follow the annual holiday schedule. Transport and other public-facing services may continue operating with adjusted arrangements. The national holiday rules set the statutory days and permit longer breaks, but do not specify that every bank, shop or service must close; check individual providers for their hours.[1][3][5]
Ceremonies and public observance
Public observances can include flag-raising ceremonies. A ceremony was held at Tiananmen Square on National Day in 2024. Official histories also record different forms of celebration in Beijing across past decades, including rallies, public processions and garden events; large parades took place in selected anniversary years rather than every year.[2][4]
Public places such as Tiananmen Square are decorated for National Day.[2]
Travel and services
The extended break can bring heavy demand for transport. Government reporting on a National Day holiday has described a travel peak and high passenger volumes on railways, roads, waterways and flights. Travelers should check ticket availability, operating hours and local arrangements before setting out.[5]
Government offices and many workplaces may follow the annual holiday schedule, while transport and other public-facing services may continue operating with adjusted arrangements. The national holiday rules set the statutory days and permit longer breaks, but do not specify that every bank, shop or service must close; check individual providers for their hours.[1][3][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is China’s National Day?
It is observed every year on October 1, the date the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949.[2]
Is National Day a day off for workers?
Is the holiday always seven days long?
No. The statutory National Day holiday is October 1–3. Authorities may arrange a longer break by adjusting rest days and workdays, so check the official schedule for the relevant year.[1]
Do offices, banks and shops close?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
Does public transport stop during the holiday?
Government reporting documents rail, road, water and air passenger services operating during National Day travel peaks. Check your operator for routes, tickets and schedules.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Day in China:
- 国务院关于修改《全国年节及纪念日放假办法》的决定- State Council, published by Beijing Municipal Government
- National Day- The State Council of the People’s Republic of China
- Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China- Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office
- Flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on National Day- The State Council of the People’s Republic of China
- 假期首日 交通部门多举措保障旅客有序出行- CCTV, published on the Chinese Government website