What is Children’s Day (儿童节) in China?

Children's Day (六一儿童节, Liù Yī Értóng Jié) is one of China's most beloved holidays, celebrated every year on June 1st. Also known simply as 儿童节 (Értóng Jié), the holiday gives children a full day off school to enjoy gifts, family outings, and special events. In this article, we explore how families across China celebrate Children's Day and briefly discuss its history within the broader context of Chinese holidays.

01 What Is Children's Day?

In short, Children's Day — or 六一儿童节 (Liù Yī Értóng Jié) in its full form — is an international day that celebrates children and promotes their rights. The shorter name 儿童节 (Értóng Jié) is more common in everyday conversation, while the full name literally translates to "June 1st Children's Festival."

Notably, the date varies by country. For example, the United Nations marks World Children's Day on November 20. However, many countries — including China — celebrate it on June 1st instead.

Originally, the origins of Children's Day trace back to the United States in 1857. That year, Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard dedicated a church service to children. At the time, he served as pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Subsequently, the holiday gained international recognition in 1925. That year, the World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva officially established June 1st as International Children's Day.

History of Children's Day in China

China officially adopted Children's Day shortly after founding the People's Republic in 1949. Initially, the State Council designated June 1st as a half-day holiday for all primary schools. Later, in 1956, officials expanded it to a full-day holiday.

02 How Is Children's Day Celebrated in China Today?

Specifically, Children's Day applies to kids up to the age of 14. For most children in China, the day is all about feeling happy and appreciated. At its core, it offers a chance to promote family values and togetherness. Furthermore, it sits alongside other major Chinese holidays throughout the year.

Because children get the day off from school, they usually spend it with their families. As part of the celebration, parents often give small gifts and plan leisure activities together. In addition, schools sometimes organize special performances, activities, or field trips.

Meanwhile, many businesses offer discounts on food, toys, and movie tickets. Some public attractions, zoos, and parks even provide free entry for children. They also offer discounts for accompanying parents.

A Day for Children, or Another Capitalist Holiday?

There are no strict traditions tied to Children's Day in China. As a result, the holiday mainly revolves around parents showing affection through gifts. Many also take their children out for food, often to a fast-food restaurant. Similarly, gift-giving plays a role in holidays like Chinese New Year, including the tradition of hongbao (red envelopes).

However, many brands have caught on to the holiday's marketing potential. Consequently, they now leverage it to sell products at discounted prices. Typically, they release a special product line just for Children's Day.

Over the years, luxury brands like Hermès, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren have launched WeChat campaigns promoting their children's wear. On top of that, many of these brands hold in-store events. There, parents can bring their children to spend a day painting, drawing, and enjoying other activities.

Other brands have gone even further. For instance, Dior invited child stars from the popular reality TV show "Where Are We Going, Dad?" (爸爸去哪儿; bàba qù nǎ'er) to promote their children's collection.

Likewise, fast food chains like KFC usually launch limited edition toys for their children's meals during the holiday.

03 China's Future Without Children

Above all, family relationships play a central role in Chinese culture. Indeed, strong family bonds form a core part of a healthy society (see our Chinese family tree guide).

Yet China's Children's Day indirectly sheds light on the country's declining birth rate. After reaching a record low in 2021, births continued to fall below deaths through 2024. As a result, the overall population kept shrinking.

In response, the Chinese government shifted its family planning policy. After decades of strictly enforcing the one-child policy, officials announced in May 2021 that couples could now have three children. Clearly, the government wants to avoid the economic risks of a rapidly aging population. Nevertheless, for many couples, the high cost of urban living and a competitive, high-stress work culture deter them from having even one child.

Ultimately, perhaps this dip is just a temporary trend. Or perhaps it marks a new cultural movement that will only continue to accelerate.

04 Children's Day Vocabulary

How to Say Happy Children's Day in Chinese

If you want to wish someone a happy Children's Day in Chinese, here are several common phrases you can use:

The simplest and most widely used greeting is 儿童节快乐！(Értóng jié kuàilè!), which means "Happy Children's Day!" You can also say 六一快乐！(Liù yī kuàilè!), a casual shorthand that translates to "Happy June 1st!" For a slightly more formal greeting, try 祝你儿童节快乐！(Zhù nǐ értóng jié kuàilè!), meaning "Wishing you a happy Children's Day!"

In addition, there's a popular Chinese expression connected to this holiday: 童心未泯 (tóngxīn wèi mǐn), which means "to still have the heart of a child." Many young adults in China use this phrase on June 1st to celebrate their own inner child — a playful reminder that the holiday isn't just for kids.

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