China's Golden Week is one of the most important travel periods on the calendar.

It is part of a series of China national holidays that generate a major domestic tourism boom, especially during the Chinese national holiday in October.

I remember experiencing it for the first time; the streets were full of energy, with colourful decorations and people everywhere.

For a traveller like me, it was a thrilling and overwhelming experience.

The scale of the celebrations and the sheer number of people left a lasting impression.

If you're curious about what makes this week so significant, here is everything you need to know about China's Golden Week.

China Golden Week is a week-long public holiday that begins on 1st October.

This date marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

National Day in China is the highlight of the celebration, and this holiday is commonly referred to as China National Day.

Although the official name is National Day, people still refer to it as China Independence Day.

They may also search for terms like China Independence Day history to understand its roots.

The Golden Week in October is one of two such periods in China, while the other is during the Chinese New Year.

Both weeks allow citizens to reunite with family or travel for leisure, while also boosting domestic consumption.

In previous years such as China Golden Week 2022, massive numbers of people travelled across the country.

Hotels, trains, and flights were often booked out weeks in advance.

Compared to China National Day 2022, more recent Golden Weeks have seen a rise in local and international tourism.

Alongside the travel and celebrations, it's also common for people to exchange festive messages.

A couple of popular Chinese National Day greetings you might hear include: “Happy National Day!” and “祝你国庆节快乐!” (Zhù nǐ guóqìng jié kuàilè!).

China Golden Week takes place annually from 1st to 7th October.

These dates mark the start of National Day in China, which is one of the most important national days of the year.

There used to be three Golden Weeks in China, including May Day.

However, this changed in 2008, leaving only the National Day Golden Week and the Spring Festival Golden Week.

While the October Golden Week is well-known, there’s another one during the Chinese New Year, usually in late January or February.

Occasionally, the government may adjust the calendar by swapping weekends with weekdays to extend the break during this period.

China's Golden Week was designed to boost domestic tourism and consumer spending.

At that time, China was emerging as a major economic power.

The government saw the extended holidays as a way to stimulate economic activity.

Families separated by long distances could finally reunite, and tourism industries across the nation benefited greatly.

Over the years, this period has become a symbol of national pride, reflecting China's historical achievements and modern ambitions.

It’s also a time for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey since 1949.

Celebrating China's Golden Week can be exciting and overwhelming, especially with so many options across the country.

Whether you enjoy cultural events, shopping or sightseeing, there’s something for everyone.

The ceremony at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, starts at sunrise on 1st October.

It’s a solemn and patriotic event that draws large crowds every year.

Major cities host traditional dances, operas, and musical showcases throughout the week.

These performances celebrate Chinese heritage and are often free to the public.

Retailers across the country often offer significant discounts during Golden Week.

Many sales rival the scale of Black Friday in the West.

Museums and historical sites often extend their opening hours during Golden Week.

Special exhibitions and guided tours are commonly offered to celebrate the holiday.

Beyond the National Day parade, places like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace offer a deep dive into Chinese history.

These landmarks provide rich insights into imperial China and are vibrant during the holiday.

The Bund lights up beautifully at night during Golden Week to attract locals and tourists.

You'll also find lively street performances, art shows, and bustling night markets across the city.

Planning a Golden Week getaway? These destinations are perfect for a nature-focused trip.

The stunning karst landscapes and tranquil rivers offer a peaceful escape and are ideal for cycling, hiking, or bamboo rafting.

Famous for the Terracotta Army, Xi’an also boasts ancient city walls and a vibrant food scene.

It’s a must-visit for history lovers and food enthusiasts during China’s national days, especially around National Day in China.

Known as the home of giant pandas, Chengdu offers a relaxed pace and rich culinary traditions.

It's a great destination for families looking to visit the panda research base and enjoy spicy Sichuan cuisine during the holidays.

Hangzhou’s West Lake is particularly scenic during Golden Week.

Visitors can enjoy boat rides, garden strolls, and views that have inspired poets for centuries.

The Hong Kong China National Day celebrations include fireworks over Victoria Harbour, but the scale is more subdued compared to mainland China.

Still, it’s a great time to experience cultural festivals with a local flavour.

Travelling during China's Golden Week has its challenges, and I learned some of these lessons the hard way:

If crowds and high prices aren’t your thing, plan your visit before or after China's Golden Week.

I personally recommend mid to late September or late October to early November.

These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable travel options.

Spring is also a great time to explore several region like Guangdong, Chongqing or Hainan, especially in April and May.

The weather and the natural scenery are best for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

Travelling during these quieter months allows for a more relaxed, immersive experience of China’s beauty and culture.

Overall, exploring China during China Golden Week was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had.

The sheer energy of the country is unmatched, but it does come with several challenges.

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