Chinese National Day and the week-long holiday surrounding it is a big deal in China. Let's take a look at what Chinese National Day is and what you can expect if you are in China.
WHEN IS NATIONAL DAY IN CHINA AND WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?
The official National Day is October 1, and the holiday is observed from October 1-7. National Day marks the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949.
WHAT IS “GOLDEN WEEK”?
Golden Week is a national holiday for which people have seven or eight days off in a row. Usually, this term is used in reference to the National Day period of October 1-7, though it can also be used for the weeklong Chinese New Year celebration as well.
The National Day Golden Week will be from October 1st to October 6th 2023 this year.
HOW DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE NATIONAL DAY IN CHINA?
People often travel back to their hometowns or go on family trips for the holiday. Popular activities include flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks, performances, and parades.
WHERE SHOULD I GO DURING THE CHINESE NATIONAL DAY GOLDEN WEEK?
We recommend either going abroad or staying at home. The National Day week is a very popular time to travel; tourist sites will be packed, modes of transportation will be crowded, and tickets will be expensive.
If you must travel, book all your tickets and hotels in advance, and try to avoid travelling on the first and the last days of the holiday.
If you stay home, be prepared to cook. Many restaurants and shops will close for Golden Week.
HOW EARLY SHOULD I PLAN MY TRAVELS FOR CHINESE NATIONAL DAY?
As early as possible! Traintickets become available about 40 days before the day of travel, so you and everyone else may need to engage in “grabbing tickets” or qiǎng piào
This is the process during which masses of people flood the ticket booths and online ticket platforms trying to get a ticket on their preferred train. Obviously, sleepers and seats are the first to go, so latecomers may only have the option to book a standing ticket (if there are any tickets left at all).
