When Not to Travel in China: A Guide to National Holidays and Crowded Calendars

China is an awe-inspiring destination filled with natural wonders, ancient heritage, and futuristic cities. But with a population of over 1.4 billion and a strong holiday travel culture, timing your trip well can make the difference between a magical experience and one spent elbow-to-elbow in packed tourist spots.

At China Vistas, we believe that understanding when not to travel is just as important as deciding where to go. In this guide, we’ll walk you through China’s major national holidays — peak travel times when locals are also hitting the road — and explain how to plan around them for a smoother, more intimate experience.

Why Avoid Traveling During Chinese National Holidays?

China's major holidays often come with “Golden Weeks”, periods when the entire country is off work and on the move. Trains and flights get booked out weeks in advance, hotel prices skyrocket, and scenic spots become rivers of people. Unless you're hoping to experience the chaos firsthand (some do!), we strongly advise avoiding travel during these periods.

Let’s take a look at the key dates and what they mean for your travel plans.

Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) – Late January to Mid-February

Duration: Officially 7 days, but travel impacts could last about 20 days

2026 Dates: Feb 16 – Feb 22 (huge traffic is expected from one week before till one week after this period)

This is the most important holiday in China, comparable to Christmas and Thanksgiving combined. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is when nearly everyone returns to their hometowns — sparking the world’s largest annual human migration.

Why to avoid:

• Transportation is overwhelmed — with over 3 billion trips made annually

• Many small businesses, restaurants, and attractions are closed

• Tourist hotspots become jam-packed right after the family reunions end

Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) – Early April

2026 Date: April 5 (people are off from the 4th to the 6th)

This is a one-day holiday when people honor ancestors by visiting gravesites and cleaning tombstones. Many also take the opportunity to go on short spring outings, known as taqing.

Why to avoid:

• Short but sharp surge in domestic travel

• Crowding at parks and nature spots, especially near cities

What to do instead: If you’re keen on experiencing cultural traditions, this is an intriguing time to explore the countryside. But avoid hot-ticket destinations like Hangzhou or Guilin during the long weekend.

Labour Day (May Day) – May 1–5

Duration: 5 days (sometimes adjusted by “make-up workdays”)

2026 Dates: May 1–5

Labour Day has transformed from a workers’ holiday into one of the year’s most popular travel periods. Domestic tourism spikes as millions take trips to scenic areas, theme parks, and historical sites.

Why to avoid:

• Massive traffic jams on highways

• Scenic spots like the Great Wall, West Lake, and Zhangjiajie are overrun

• Tickets for transport and attractions can sell out

Dragon Boat Festival – Late May to June

2025 Dates: May 31 – June 2

2026 Dates: June 19 – June 21

This holiday commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan and features lively dragon boat races and sticky rice dumplings (zongzi). It’s a 3-day break that draws domestic travelers to lakes and rivers.

Why to avoid:

• Short travel spike with crowded riverside towns

• Popular festival locations like Suzhou and Hangzhou see major crowds

What to do instead: Attend a smaller-scale dragon boat race in a lesser-known town, or use this time to explore rural areas with fewer visitors.

Mid-Autumn Festival – September or October

2025 Dates: Oct 6 (merged with National Day break)

2026 Dates: Sept 25 – Sept 27

This moon-themed festival is a time for family reunions, mooncakes, and gazing at the full moon. While not as travel-heavy as others, it’s often tacked onto other holidays for longer breaks.

Why to avoid:

• Short holiday means a sharp increase in local travel

• Combined with National Day, it can cause a 10-day mega holiday

What to do instead: If you’re in China, it’s a great time to enjoy the cultural side — but avoid flying or train travel. Sticking to one city and exploring on foot is ideal.

National Day Golden Week – October 1–7

2025 Dates: Oct 1–8 (merged with Mid-Autumn Festival)

2026 Dates: Oct 1–7

Celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic of China, this is one of the biggest travel periods of the year. Expect record-breaking crowds at every major attraction.

Why to avoid:

• Tourist sites are packed — even remote spots see crowds

• Prices for flights, hotels, and tickets rise dramatically

• Long waits and gridlock are common

What to do instead: If you're already in China, enjoy local festivities from a quieter spot. For first-time visitors, it's best to delay your trip by a week.

So When Is the Best Time to Visit?

March–April and mid October–November are sweet spots with mild weather, beautiful landscapes, and relatively low crowd levels. These are excellent times for custom travel experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in China’s beauty and culture without the hustle.

Travel Smart with China Vistas

At China Vistas, we offer fully customizable private tours that let you skip the crowds and experience China at your own pace. Whether you're dreaming of misty mountains, hidden ancient towns, or hands-on cultural workshops, we’ll help you:

• Avoid peak holiday travel

• Discover lesser-known destinations

• Enjoy flexible itineraries tailored to your interests and timeline

Ready to design your perfect off-peak China adventure? Reach out to us today and let’s start planning! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more practical information and travel inspirations.