Planning a trip to China can be an amazing experience, filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. However, to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, one of the most crucial tips is to avoid China’s peak holidays. Here we summarize some key China public holidays to avoid, like Chines New Year, Labor Day Holiday and National Day. We’ve also come up with other travel tips to enhance your travel experience.
Why Avoid Peak Holidays
Peak holiday in China bring huge crowds. Millions of people travel at once. You might wait several hours at popular spots like the Great Wall or the Forbidden City. Avoiding these periods lets you enjoy China without the rush, it saves your travel time.
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Crowded Attractions: During peak holidays, popular sites like the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and the Great Wall can see a significant rise in visitor numbers. This can make it more difficult to capture clear photos, or fully absorb the cultural experience, as wait times and crowds tend to increase.
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Busy Transportation: Public transportation often experiences higher demand during these periods. Travelers may encounter longer wait times and less seating availability, which can affect overall travel comfort.
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Reduced Flexibility: With more people traveling, quiet spots to unwind may be harder to find. This may require more structured planning or patience in busy areas.
Key Chinese Public Holidays to Avoid in 2025
To ensure more comfortable journey, make these dates on your calendar and plan your China trip to steer clear of them. If your itinerary coincides with one of these festivals and you can’t change it, then a guided tour by a reputable travel company will make your experience better!
| Holiday | 2025 Official Dates | Why It’s Crowded | Crowd Risk Level |
| Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) | January 28 – February 4 | Massive family reunions, widespread travel across the country, many businesses close. | ★★★ |
| Labor Day Holiday | May 1 – May 5 | Popular for short domestic trips, leads to significant congestion at tourist sites and transport hubs. | ★★★ |
| National Day Golden Week | October 1 – October 8 | Another major week-long holiday celebrating the founding of the PRC, resulting in immense domestic travel. | ★★★★ |
Other Important Holidays and Seasons
- Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day): April 4 – 6, 2025. This holiday involves family visits to ancestral graves, often combined with short trips, leading to localized crowds.
- Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2, 2025. Known for dragon boat races and local excursions, it can cause medium crowd levels in popular tourist destinations.
- Summer School Break: Early July – late August. While not a public holiday, this extended period sees many families traveling with children, increasing demand and crowd levels, especially at family-friendly attractions.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6 – 8, 2025. Often falling close to or overlapping with National Day, this harvest festival can also lead to short tours and moderate crowds.
- New Year’s Day: December 31 – January 2. A shorter holiday that can still cause localized busy periods in major cities.
Best Time to Visit China
The ideal periods for a China trip, offering mild weather and significantly fewer crowds, are generally in spring and autumn. These “shoulder seasons” provide the best balance for comfortable sightseeing.
Spring (April to May)
Spring is a delightful time to visit. The weather is generally warm and pleasant across much of the country, with blossoming flowers and lush landscapes. Early May, specifically before the Labor Day holiday(May1-May5), is particularly recommended. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it excellent for outdoor activities and exploring cities without the intense heat of summer or the biting cold of winter.
Autumn (September to October)
Autumn offers equally inviting conditions. The weather is typically cool, dry, and often accompanied by clear skies, making it perfect for sightseeing and hiking. Late October, after the National Day Golden Week(October 1 – October 8), is a smart choice for cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage, especially in northern regions. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), providing comfortable conditions for exploring iconic sites like Beijing or Shanghai.
Winter(November to March, Excluding CNY)
If you prefer a quieter experience, winter (from November through March, excluding Chinese New Year) can be a great option. Popular attractions are far less crowded. While northern cities like Beijing can be very cold, it’s an ideal time for indoor attractions, museums, and experiencing unique winter festivals. Southern regions remain milder.
Travel Tips for Your China Trip
Beyond avoiding peak holidays, several crucial preparations can significantly enhance your China experience. These tips cover everything from digital necessities to on-the-ground navigation.
Digital Essentials for Modern China
- Mobile Payments: China is largely a cashless society. Before you arrive, download and set up Alipay and Wechat Pay on your smartphone. Link your international credit or debit cards to these apps, as many vendors, especially smaller ones, only accept digital payments. While cash is technically accepted, it’s becoming less common.
- Get a VPN: China’s “Great Firewall” restricts access to many international websites and social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Purchase and install a reliable VPN before you enter China. You will find it nearly impossible to download or purchase one once you are inside the country.
- Local SIM or eSIM: For unrestricted internet access and easier communication, consider getting a local Chinese number or an eSIM. This ensures you can use navigation apps, translation tools, and stay connected without relying on public Wi-Fi.
- Translation Apps: Mandarin is the official language, and English is not widely spoken, especially outside major tourist areas. Download offline translation apps to help bridge the language barrier.
General Practical Advice
- What to bring：China has diverse climate zones. Research the specific weather for your destinations and pack season-appropriate clothing. Always bring some cash (small notes are best) for very remote spots, your own toilet paper, and napkins, as they might not always be available.
- Stay informed：Check official travel advisories from your government’s travel department for the latest information on entry requirements, local laws, and any relevant health guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is July or August ever a good time to travel to China?
While July and August are generally peak summer school holidays and can be hot and humid, they can be good for specific destinations. Consider high-altitude regions like Tibet or Yunnan province, where temperatures remain cooler and more comfortable even in summer.
Can I still experience Chinese festivals if I avoid peak holiday dates?
Of course yes! You can come about 1 week in advance. By avoiding peak days but targeting cultural hubs or off-peak events, you can enjoy rich festival experiences without the travel chaos.
Does travelling in winter mean I will miss out on scenic beauty?
Not at all! Winter offers its own unique charm. You can witness the spectacular Harbin Ice Festival, see the Great Wall under a blanket of snow (which can be incredibly picturesque and less crowded), or enjoy the mild, sunny beaches of Hainan Island in the south. Many landscapes take on a serene, untouched beauty in winter.
