China’s 2026 Public Holiday Calendar
- Kristina Coluccia
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
China observes a range of public holidays each year, including traditional festivals and statutory celebrations. China's public holidays for 2026 include several multi-day events known as “Golden Weeks,” where extended breaks are observed for Spring Festival and National Day.
Below is a table summarising the main public holidays for 2026:
Observances for Specific Groups
Certain holidays cater to specific groups in China, such as:
8 March (Sunday): International Women’s Day (half-day for women)
4 May (Monday): Youth Day (half-day for youths aged 14–28)
1 June (Monday): Children’s Day (full day off for children under 14)
1 August (Saturday): Army Day (half-day for military personnel)
Adjusted Working and Rest Days
The official working and rest-day adjustments for 2026 have not yet been announced. However, China typically arranges additional working days on certain weekends to create longer consecutive breaks during key holidays such as Spring Festival and National Day. Businesses should monitor the official State Council announcement later in 2025 for confirmed details.
Overtime Payment for Hours Worked on a Holiday
The calculation of overtime pay in China depends on the type of rest day and the working-hour system implemented by the employer. The following outlines the general guidelines for overtime payment:
Standard Working Hour System
Work on an official public holiday: Employees must receive no less than 300% of their normal wage.
Work on an adjusted rest day (e.g., a weekend swapped for a working day): If the rest day cannot be rescheduled, employees must be paid no less than 200% of the normal wage.
Overtime on a standard working day: Employees are entitled to at least 150% of their normal wage.
Comprehensive Working Hour System
Work on a public holiday: Employees must receive no less than 300% of their normal wage.
Work on adjusted working days or weekends: No specific overtime payment is required, as rest days are averaged over a set calculation period.
Non-Fixed Working Hour System
Work on a public holiday: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 300% of their normal wage.
In some regions, such as Beijing, employees under this system are not entitled to overtime pay for public holiday work, while in others, such as Shanghai, employers must compensate at 300% of the normal wage.
Adjusted Working Days (Weekends)
For work on adjusted working days that fall on weekends, no overtime payment is required under any system.
Summary of Overtime Rates
Key Takeaways for Employers and Businesses
Plan ahead: The Spring Festival and National Day “Golden Weeks” are likely to cause factory shutdowns, travel surges, and logistical slowdowns across China.
Budget for overtime: Work conducted during public holidays can significantly increase payroll costs, especially under the standard working hour system.
Monitor official announcements: The State Council typically confirms the final 2026 holiday calendar and adjusted working days in late 2025.
Communicate early: Ensure employees and global teams are aware of China’s holiday periods and potential disruptions.
Stay compliant: Properly applying the wage multipliers helps maintain compliance with Chinese labour regulations and supports positive employee relations.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China and Hong Kong’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.