Stay informed about China public holiday 2026. This guide provides essential information on holiday dates, working day adjustments, and how these arrangements impact businesses and daily operations across the country.
China Public Holiday and Adjusted Workdays in 2026
1. New Year’s Day – January 1 to January 3, 2026
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.
Adjusted working day: January 4 (Sunday), 2026
2. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) – February 15 to February 23, 2026
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: February 14 (Saturday), 2026 and February 28 (Saturday), 2026
3. Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) – April 4 to April 6, 2026
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, 2026
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: May 9 (Saturday), 2026
5. Dragon Boat Festival – June 19 to June 21, 2026
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 – September 25 to September 29, 2026
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, moon-viewing traditions, and sharing mooncakes. Employers must provide employees with paid time off during this period. For those required to work during the holiday, the overtime pay rate is triple the regular hourly rate in accordance with China’s labor regulations.
Adjusted working days: September 28, 2025 (Sunday) and October 11, 2025 (Saturday)
7. National Day – October 1 to October 7, 2026
The National Day holiday marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is one of the country’s longest and most significant public holidays. Known as “Golden Week,” it brings large-scale travel, celebrations, and nationwide festivities. Employers must provide paid time off during this period, and employees who work on National Day are entitled to triple the standard hourly wage as required by Chinese labor law.
Adjusted working days: September 20 (Sunday), 2026 and October 10 (Saturday), 2026
China Public Holiday 2026
| Holiday | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Thursday) – January 3 (Saturday) | 3 days |
| Spring Festival | February 15 (Sunday) – February 23 (Monday) | 9 days |
| Qingming Festival | April 4 (Saturday) – April 6 (Monday) | 3 days |
| Labor Day | May 1 (Friday) – May 5 (Tuesday) | 5 days |
| Dragon Boat Festival | June 19 (Friday) – June 21 (Sunday) | 3 days |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September 25 (Friday) – September 29 (Tuesday) | 3 days |
| National Day | October 1 (Thursday) – October 7 (Wednesday) | 7 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 2026, along with the adjusted workdays and overtime pay regulations, is essential for both businesses and employees. These guidelines ensure smooth operations during the holiday periods and proper compensation for workers’ time. If you need further assistance or professional guidance, please feel free to contact us .
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