What is the best time to visit China in 2026?

Hello everyone! Today I want to tell you something very important if you are thinking of traveling to China in 2025: holidays in the country. Did you know that the dates of festivals and holidays can significantly influence your travel experience? From transportation to hotel prices to crowds at tourist attractions, holidays in China are a key factor to consider in order to plan a comfortable and stress-free trip.

Why is it important to know about holidays in China?

In China, workers are entitled to a 5-day annual holiday period. During these holidays, many people take the opportunity to travel or meet up with their families. This means that the flow of people increases considerably, creating huge congestion in transport and accommodation. Prices for hotels and transport can skyrocket by 50% to 200%, and tourist attractions are often overcrowded. Therefore, it is essential to understand how holidays work in China in order to plan your trip more efficiently.

Top Holidays in China in 2025

Here is a summary of the holidays and periods with the highest influx of travelers in China in 2025:

Tips depending on the level of affluence

1) ★★ (Low attendance):

• Festival: New Year's Day (January 1)
• Tip: Traveling during this holiday will not affect your experience too much. Destinations are not crowded, so you can enjoy a more relaxed experience.

2) ★★★★ (High traffic):

• holidays: Qingming Festival (April 4-6) and Dragon Boat Festival (May 31-June 2)
• Tip: If you plan to travel during these holidays, we recommend traveling by plane or long-distance train (to places like Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, or mountainous destinations). During these days, many people travel within their cities or nearby regions, so crowds are common.

3) ★★★★★ (Maximum attendance):

• holidays: Spring Festival (January 28 – February 4), Labor Day (May 1-5), National Day (October 1-8) and Mid-Autumn Festival (variable dates).
• Tip: If you can, Avoid traveling to China during these holidays. These are the busiest periods in the country, with extremely expensive hotels and transportation and crowded tourist destinations. Travel is not recommended unless strictly necessary. 

Tips: If you still want to visit China during the Spring Festival, read these Tips for traveling during Chinese New Year.

Other holiday periods to consider

In addition to the festivals mentioned above, you should keep in mind that winter holidays for Chinese students take place between late January and early February, and summer holidays take place from July to August. During these periods, although they are not official holidays, you may also notice a higher influx of domestic tourists, especially on weekends. If you are traveling during these dates, try to avoid popular attractions during the weekends to reduce the risk of crowds.

FAQs about holidays in China in 2025

What are the most important festivals in China in 2025?

The most notable festivals in China in 2025 include the spring Festival (January 28 – February 4), the National Day (October 1-8), and the Labor Day (May 1-5) During these periods, cities and tourist destinations will be very crowded, and hotel and transportation prices may be much higher than usual.

Is it a good idea to travel to China during the Spring Festival?

Travel to China is not recommended during the spring Festival, which is the busiest holiday period of the year. Demand for transport and accommodation soars, and tourist attractions are packed. If you can avoid it, choose dates outside this season for a quieter experience.

How does the Spring Festival affect flight and hotel prices in China?

On spring Festival, prices for flights and accommodation can increase by between 50% and 200%. The high demand for transport and accommodations means that costs can rise considerably, so it is advisable to book well in advance if you plan to travel during these dates.

What other holiday periods should I consider to avoid crowds?

In addition to the major festivals, the school holiday periods In China, the holidays also affect tourism. Winter holidays for students run from late January to early February, while summer holidays are from July to August. During these periods, although they are not official holidays, there is also a higher concentration of domestic tourists.

When is the best time to visit China if I want to avoid crowds?

If you want to avoid crowds, it's best to travel outside of major festivals and school holidays. The months of spring (March, April) and autumn (September, November) They are usually less crowded, with a pleasant climate and fewer tourists. You can also choose to travel during the week, as weekends are always busier.

Summary

If you're planning a trip to China in 2025, we advise you to avoid peak periods such as Spring Festival, Labor Day, National Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Planning your trip outside of these holidays will allow for a smoother experience and better value. I hope this information helps you plan your trip and enjoy the best of China!