Key Takeaways
  • This guide provides schedules for major Chinese holidays in 2029, including public holidays and other traditional observances.
  • China’s public holidays include major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.
  • Many traditional Chinese holidays follow the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change every year.
  • Public-holiday schedules in China may include adjusted workdays, which are announced in official government notices.
  • CLI’s academic calendar may differ from China’s official public-holiday calendar.

The following charts provide schedules for Chinese holidays in 2029. Holidays are categorized as Chinese Public Holidays and Other Chinese Holidays and Observances.

Chinese holidays are an important part of life in China. They shape travel plans, school schedules, family gatherings, cultural events, and the rhythm of the academic year.

If your goal is to Learn Chinese in China, understanding the Chinese holiday calendar will help you plan your studies, travel, and cultural experiences more effectively.

01 Chinese Public Holidays in 2029

China’s public holidays include several of the country’s most important annual celebrations. These holidays often affect schools, government offices, banks, transportation, and many businesses.

The table below lists Chinese public holidays in 2029.

Date Holiday Chinese
January 1st New Year's Day 元旦
February 13th - 18th Chinese New Year 春节
April 2nd - 4th Qingming Festival 清明节
May 1st - 5th Labor Day 劳动节
June 15th - 17th Dragon Boat Festival 端午节
September 21st - 23rd Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋节
October 1st - 3rd National Day 国庆节
Please note: China’s official public-holiday schedule may include adjusted workdays. Beyond China’s official holiday schedule, CLI’s academic calendar may differ from the dates above. Consult CLI’s Admissions Manager or your teachers for CLI’s most up-to-date academic calendar.
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02 Other Chinese Holidays and Observances in 2029

In addition to official public holidays, China observes many traditional, cultural, and seasonal festivals. Some are widely celebrated across the country, while others are more regional, symbolic, or family-centered.

The table below lists other Chinese holidays and observances in 2029.

Date Holiday Chinese
February 27th Lantern Festival 元宵节
March 8th International Women's Day 妇女节
March 20th Spring Equinox 春分
May 4th Youth Day 青年节
June 1st Children's Day 儿童节
June 21st Summer Solstice 夏至
July 1st CPC Founding Day 建党节
August 1st Army Day 建军节
August 16th Chinese Valentine's Day 七夕
September 10th Teachers' Day 教师节
September 23rd Autumn Equinox 秋分
November 11th Single's Day 双十一
December 21st Winter Solstice 冬至

Remember that many holidays, such as Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, are based on the Chinese lunar calendar. As a result, their Gregorian calendar dates change every year.

03 Why Chinese holidays matter

Chinese holidays offer insight into the country’s history, family values, seasonal rhythms, and traditional beliefs. They also provide excellent opportunities for Chinese learners to experience culture outside the classroom.

During major holidays, you may hear special greetings, see seasonal decorations, eat symbolic foods, and notice changes in travel patterns. These cultural details can make your Chinese learning experience more vivid and memorable.

For example, Chinese New Year is closely connected with family reunions, red decorations, fireworks, and zodiac traditions. Qingming Festival centers on ancestor remembrance, while the Dragon Boat Festival is associated with dragon boat racing and zòngzi.

Watch this video for an introduction to major Chinese holidays and the cultural traditions associated with them.

04 Planning around Chinese holidays in 2029

If you plan to study, work, or travel in China in 2029, it is useful to check holiday dates before booking transportation or accommodation. Major holidays can bring large increases in domestic travel.

Chinese New Year and National Day are especially busy travel periods. Train tickets, flights, hotels, and popular tourist sites can become crowded during these times.

Students should also remember that school and program calendars may not always match national public-holiday schedules exactly. CLI students should confirm class schedules directly with CLI staff before making travel plans.

05 FAQ

What are China’s main public holidays?

China’s main public holidays include New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.

Why do Chinese holiday dates change every year?

Many traditional Chinese holidays follow the Chinese lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. This is why holidays such as Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival fall on different Gregorian dates each year.

Does CLI follow China’s official public-holiday schedule?

CLI’s academic calendar may differ from China’s official public-holiday schedule. Students should consult CLI’s Admissions Manager or their teachers for the most up-to-date class schedule.

Are Chinese holidays good times to travel?

Chinese holidays can be culturally rewarding times to travel, but major holidays are often very busy. Chinese New Year and National Day are especially crowded travel periods.

What is the difference between public holidays and observances?

Public holidays usually involve official days off for many workers and institutions. Observances may be culturally or traditionally important but do not always include official time off.

06 Final thoughts

Chinese holidays in 2029 offer many opportunities to experience Chinese culture through festivals, food, family gatherings, travel, and seasonal traditions.

Whether you are planning a trip, preparing for a study program, or simply learning more about Chinese culture, understanding the holiday calendar will help you make better plans and appreciate the rhythm of life in China.