Stay informed about China’s public holiday schedule in 2025. This guide provides essential information on holiday dates, working day adjustments, and how these affect businesses and daily operations in China.
China Public Holiday and Adjusted Workdays in 2025
1. New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year. Employees get a day off on New Year’s Day. If their employer requires them to work on this day, the employer must pay them 1.5 times their regular wage as overtime pay.
2. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – January 28 to February 4, 2025
Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Businesses close, and employees receive three times their regular wage if working. They are also entitled to at least 7 days off, with overtime pay for any work during the holiday.
Adjusted working days: January 26, 2025 (Sunday) and February 8, 2025 (Saturday)
3. Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) – April 4 to April 6, 2025
The Tomb Sweeping Day holiday lasts three days. Employees get a day off during this period. If their employer requires them to work, the employer must pay them double their normal salary as overtime pay, in accordance with China’s labor law.
4. Labor Day – May 1 to May 5, 2025
Labor Day is another significant holiday, often giving employees extended breaks. If an employer requires employees to work on Labor Day, the employer must pay them double their regular salary as overtime compensation.
Adjusted working days: April 27, 2025 (Sunday)
5. Dragon Boat Festival – May 31 to June 2, 2025
The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for cultural celebrations, including boat races and eating traditional foods. Employers must provide employees with paid time off during this period. For those working, the overtime pay rate is double the normal hourly rate.
6. Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day – October 1 to October 8, 2025
National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival combine for an eight-day “Golden Week.” Employees receive three times their usual wage for work during this period. Employers must compensate workers accordingly, with overtime rates for public holiday work.
Adjusted working days: September 28, 2025 (Sunday) and October 11, 2025 (Saturday)
China Public Holiday 2025
| Holiday | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Wednesday) | 1 day |
| Spring Festival | January 28 (Tuesday) – February 4 (Tuesday) | 8 days |
| Qingming Festival | April 4 (Friday)– April 6 (Sunday) | 3 days |
| Labor Day | May 1 (Thursday) – May 5 (Monday) | 5 days |
| Dragon Boat Festival | May 31 (Saturday) – June 2 (Monday) | 3 days |
| National Day and Mid + Autumn Festival | October 1 (Wednesday) – October 8 (Wednesday) | 8 days |
Employee Rights During Public Holidays
1. Overtime Pay
According to the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China, employees are entitled to overtime pay for any work carried out during public holidays. The overtime rates are:
- 1.5 times the regular wage for overtime on regular workdays.
- 2 times the regular wage for overtime on weekends.
- 3 times the regular wage for overtime on public holidays.
2. Holiday Pay for Working on Public Holidays
In China, employees who work during public holidays are entitled to additional pay, with the overtime multiplier depending on the holiday (usually 2 or 3 times the regular wage). Employers must follow these legal requirements to ensure fair compensation for employees’ time during these holidays.
3. Paid Time Off
In addition to the public holidays, employees are entitled to annual paid leave based on their years of service:
- 1-10 years of service: 5 days of paid annual leave.
- 10-20 years of service: 10 days of paid annual leave.
- More than 20 years of service: 15 days of paid annual leave.
4. Social Security and Benefits
During public holidays, employers must continue to contribute to social security on behalf of their employees. These contributions include pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, and maternity benefits. Employees also remain entitled to medical leave benefits, including paid sick leave, when necessary.
Conclusion
Understanding China’s public holiday schedule for 2025, adjusted workdays, and overtime pay regulations is essential for businesses and employees. These guidelines ensure smooth operations during the holiday periods and proper compensation for workers’ time.
