Are you planning a trip to China in 2024? If so, you’ll want to be aware of the upcoming Chinese holidays. These holidays can have a significant impact on travel plans, as many businesses and attractions are closed or have reduced hours during these times. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Chinese holidays in 2024, including the dates, names of the holidays, and what to expect during each holiday.

As you plan your trip to China in 2024, make sure you take these holidays into consideration to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans. With careful planning, you can still enjoy an amazing time in China during these holidays and experience the unique traditions and celebrations that make them so special.

Below, we’ll explore the most important Chinese holidays in 2024 in more detail, including their specific dates, traditions, and what to expect during each holiday.

Chinese Holiday 2024

Immerse in rich traditions and celebrations.

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• January 22: Chinese New Year
• April 5: Qingming Festival
• May 1: Labor Day
• June 6: Dragon Boat Festival
• September 10: Mid-Autumn Festival
• October 1: National Day
• October 4: Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday
• December 25: Christmas

Note: Dates may vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar.

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 1st marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar, and it is celebrated as New Year’s Day in China and many other countries around the world.

• Public holiday:

  New Year’s Day is a public holiday in China, which means that government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.

• Family gatherings:

  During New Year’s Day, it is common for Chinese families to gather together for a special meal and to exchange gifts.

• Fireworks and decorations:

  Many cities in China put on firework displays and decorate their streets with lanterns and other festive decorations to celebrate the New Year.

• Travel rush:

  The week leading up to New Year’s Day is known as the “Spring Festival Travel Rush” (春运), as millions of people travel across China to return to their hometowns for the holiday.

If you are visiting China during New Year’s Day, you can expect to see many festive decorations and activities. You may also experience some transportation delays due to the heavy travel volume. However, it is a great time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of China.

January 22: Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebrating the coming of spring.

• Public holiday:

  Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China, and most businesses and offices are closed for at least three days.

• Family reunions:

  The main focus of Chinese New Year is family reunions. Family members travel from all over China to gather together for a special feast on New Year’s Eve.

• Fireworks and decorations:

  Chinese New Year is a time of great celebration, and many cities and towns put on firework displays and decorate their streets with lanterns and other festive decorations.

• Spring Festival Gala:

  On New Year’s Eve, China Central Television (CCTV) broadcasts the Spring Festival Gala, a variety show that features music, dance, comedy, and other performances. It is one of the most-watched TV programs in the world.

If you are visiting China during Chinese New Year, you can expect to see many festive decorations and activities. You may also experience some transportation delays due to the heavy travel volume. However, it is a great time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of China.

April 5: Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday that honors the memory of deceased ancestors.

• Public holiday:

  Qingming Festival is a public holiday in China, and most businesses and offices are closed.

• Tomb-sweeping:

  On Qingming Festival, Chinese people visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and sweep them, and to offer food and flowers as a sign of respect.

• Kite flying:

  Kite flying is a popular activity during Qingming Festival. People of all ages fly kites in parks and other open areas.

• Eating Qingming cakes:

  Qingming cakes are a traditional food eaten during the festival. These cakes are made from glutinous rice flour and are often filled with sweet or savory fillings.

If you are visiting China during Qingming Festival, you may see people carrying bundles of paper money and other offerings to the graves of their ancestors. You may also see people flying kites in parks and other open areas. Qingming Festival is a time for families to come together and honor their deceased loved ones.

May 1: Labor Day

Labor Day is a public holiday in China that celebrates the contributions of workers and laborers to the country’s economy and society.

On Labor Day, many Chinese people participate in parades and other events to celebrate the holiday. These events often feature music, dancing, and speeches by government officials. Labor Day is also a popular time for people to travel and spend time with their families.

In addition to the parades and other events, Labor Day is also a time for Chinese people to reflect on the importance of workers’ rights and the need for fair and equitable treatment of all workers.

If you are visiting China during Labor Day, you may see people carrying signs and banners calling for better working conditions and higher wages. You may also see people participating in parades and other events to celebrate the holiday.

Labor Day is a significant holiday in China, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate the contributions of workers to the country’s economy and society.

June 6: Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the life and death of the poet Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE).

According to legend, Qu Yuan was a loyal minister who was unjustly exiled by his king. In despair, he drowned himself in the Miluo River. After his death, people began to race dragon boats in an attempt to save him. The Dragon Boat Festival is now held each year to remember Qu Yuan and his patriotism.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, people eat zongzi, a type of glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zongzi are often filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as meat, eggs, or vegetables.

Dragon boat races are also a popular tradition during the Dragon Boat Festival. These races are held on rivers and lakes throughout China. The boats are decorated with colorful flags and drums, and the paddlers wear colorful uniforms. The races are often very competitive, and they draw large crowds of spectators.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant and colorful holiday that is celebrated throughout China. It is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy traditional food, dragon boat races, and other festivities.

September 10: Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebrating the harvest.

• Public holiday:

  The Mid-Autumn Festival is a public holiday in China, and most businesses and offices are closed.

• Family reunions:

  The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. Family members travel from all over China to gather together for a special feast on the night of the festival.

• Mooncakes:

  Mooncakes are a traditional food eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These cakes are made from a sweet pastry and are often filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or duck eggs.

• Moon worship:

  On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people often gather outdoors to worship the moon. They may offer food and incense to the moon, and they may also light lanterns.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the harvest and the beauty of the moon. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of family and unity.

October 1: National Day

National Day, also known as the Founding Day of the People’s Republic of China, is a public holiday in China that commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

• Public holiday:

  National Day is a public holiday in China, and most businesses and offices are closed.

• Celebrations:

  National Day is celebrated with a variety of events and activities, including parades, fireworks displays, and concerts. The largest celebration is held in Beijing, where the Chinese government holds a grand parade showcasing the country’s military and cultural achievements.

• Travel:

  National Day is a popular time for Chinese people to travel. Many people take advantage of the holiday to visit tourist destinations or to return to their hometowns to visit family and friends.

• Patriotism:

  National Day is a time for Chinese people to celebrate their national pride and patriotism. People often display the Chinese flag and other national symbols, and they may also sing patriotic songs.

National Day is an important holiday in China, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate the founding of their country.

October 4: Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday

The Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday is a three-day public holiday in China that begins on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also known as the Moon Festival, and it is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebrating the harvest.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday, people often travel to their hometowns to visit family and friends. They also eat mooncakes, a traditional food associated with the festival. Mooncakes are made from a sweet pastry and are often filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or duck eggs.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people often gather outdoors to worship the moon. They may offer food and incense to the moon, and they may also light lanterns. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the harvest and the beauty of the moon. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of family and unity.

The Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday is a popular time for Chinese people to travel. Many people take advantage of the holiday to visit tourist destinations or to return to their hometowns to visit family and friends.

The Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday is a significant holiday in China, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate the harvest, the beauty of the moon, and the importance of family and unity.

December 25: Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th in many countries around the world, including China.

• Public holiday:

  Christmas is not a public holiday in China, but it is still celebrated by many Chinese people, especially those who are Christian.

• Christmas decorations:

  During the Christmas season, many shopping malls, hotels, and other businesses in China decorate their buildings with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive decorations.

• Gift-giving:

  It is common for Chinese people to exchange gifts with their family and friends on Christmas Day.

• Christmas meals:

  Some Chinese people celebrate Christmas by eating special meals with their family and friends. These meals may include dishes such as roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and Christmas cake.

Although Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, it has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. This is due in part to the growing influence of Western culture in China.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chinese holidays in 2024:

Question 1: When is Chinese New Year in 2024?
Answer 1: Chinese New Year will begin on January 22, 2024.

Question 2: How long is the Chinese New Year holiday in 2024?
Answer 2: The Chinese New Year holiday in 2024 will last for seven days, from January 21st to January 27th.

Question 3: What are some things to do during the Chinese New Year holiday?
Answer 3: Some popular activities during the Chinese New Year holiday include visiting family and friends, eating traditional foods, watching lion and dragon dances, and setting off fireworks.

Question 4: When is the Qingming Festival in 2024?
Answer 4: The Qingming Festival will be on April 5, 2024.

Question 5: What is the Dragon Boat Festival?
Answer 5: The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that commemorates the life and death of the poet Qu Yuan. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which will be June 6, 2024.

Question 6: When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2024?
Answer 6: The Mid-Autumn Festival will be on September 10, 2024.

Question 7: What is the National Day holiday in China?
Answer 7: The National Day holiday in China commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. It is a three-day holiday that begins on October 1st and ends on October 3rd.

Question 8: Is Christmas a public holiday in China?
Answer 8: Christmas is not a public holiday in China, but it is still celebrated by many Chinese people, especially those who are Christian.

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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Chinese holidays in 2024. For more information, please consult a reputable source such as the China National Tourism Administration website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for planning your trip to China during the holidays:

Tips

Here are a few tips for planning your trip to China during the holidays in 2024:

Tip 1: Book your flights and accommodation early.

The Chinese New Year holiday is one of the busiest travel times in China, so it is important to book your flights and accommodation well in advance. This is especially true if you are planning to travel to popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an.

Tip 2: Be prepared for crowds.

During the Chinese New Year holiday, many popular tourist attractions will be very crowded. Be prepared for long lines and large crowds of people. If possible, try to visit popular attractions during off-peak hours.

Tip 3: Carry cash.

Although credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in China, it is still a good idea to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and villages. This is especially true during the Chinese New Year holiday, when many businesses may be closed.

Tip 4: Learn some basic Mandarin phrases.

Although English is becoming more widely spoken in China, it is still helpful to learn some basic Mandarin phrases before your trip. This will help you to communicate with locals and get around more easily.

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By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your trip to China during the holidays in 2024 is a safe and enjoyable one.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, China is a fascinating country to visit at any time of year. However, the holidays are a particularly special time to visit, as you will have the opportunity to experience the unique traditions and festivities that make China such a special place.

Conclusion

The Chinese holidays in 2024 offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and traditions of China. From the春节(Chūnjié) or Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, to the中秋节(Zhōngqiūjié) or Mid-Autumn Festival, each holiday has its own unique traditions and celebrations.

If you are planning a trip to China in 2024, be sure to take some time to learn about the different holidays and festivals that will be taking place. This will help you to make the most of your trip and to experience the true spirit of China.

Whether you are interested in experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year celebrations or the peaceful beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival, there is sure to be a Chinese holiday in 2024 that is perfect for you.

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So start planning your trip to China today and experience the magic of the Chinese holidays in 2024!