Public holidays, festivals and major events that can make hotels, trains and attractions harder to book.
This calendar predicts likely demand. It does not show live availability. Estimated and provisional dates can change, so check official announcements before booking.
45 events
High demandProvisional datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Oct – 4 Nov 2026
Busy period:
12 Oct – 5 Nov 2026
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Autumn session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Dates reported by multiple third-party trade-fair guides (three phases of five days). Not yet checked against the organiser’s own schedule.
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Shanghai
Event dates:
5 – 10 Nov 2026
Busy period:
3 – 11 Nov 2026
Hotels in western Shanghai near Hongqiao fill up and some roads around the venue are controlled. Book accommodation early and allow extra time for transfers to Hongqiao.
HotelsLocal transportRoads
How these dates were set
Dates published by the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival哈尔滨国际冰雪节
Harbin · Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin
Event dates:
20 Dec 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Peak:
30 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
Harbin hotels and flights are in high demand, especially around New Year and the Spring Festival. Book early and buy Ice and Snow World tickets in advance.
Exact opening and closing dates depend on weather and local conditions.
HotelsFlightsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Seasonal window. Ice and Snow World usually opens in mid to late December and the festival officially opens on 5 January; closing depends on the thaw.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
New Year's Day元旦
Mainland China
Event dates:
1 – 3 Jan 2027
Busy period:
31 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027
Expect busier trains and popular sights over the long weekend. Book intercity trains and timed-entry attractions a few weeks ahead.
HotelsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Extreme demandEstimated datesTravel peak
Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun)春运
Mainland China
Event dates:
22 Jan – 2 Mar 2027
Buy train tickets the moment they go on sale and avoid travelling on the days just before and just after the holiday. Consider flying or shifting travel dates if trains are full.
High-speed railOther trainsFlightsRoads
How these dates were set
Chunyun typically runs 40 days, from 15 days before Lunar New Year (2027-02-06) to 24 days after. Exact dates are announced each January.
Book trains and flights as early as sales open (rail tickets go on sale 15 days ahead). Expect closures of small businesses around the first days of the new year and confirm that attractions and restaurants are open.
HotelsHigh-speed railOther trainsFlightsTourist sitesRestaurantsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Lunar New Year falls on 2027-02-06 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Roads near cemeteries and short-haul trains are busy. Book popular scenic areas and trains a couple of weeks ahead.
High-speed railTourist sitesRoads
How these dates were set
Qingming falls on 2027-04-05 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Jinghong has limited accommodation, so hotels and flights to Xishuangbanna fill up early. Book well in advance.
HotelsFlightsTours
How these dates were set
Usually celebrated on 13–15 April in Xishuangbanna. Confirm the programme with local tourism authorities each year.
High demandEstimated datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Apr – 5 May 2027
Busy period:
12 Apr – 6 May 2027
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Spring session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
Major attractions hit daily visitor caps and hotel prices rise sharply. Book accommodation, trains and timed-entry tickets well in advance.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Dragon Boat Festival端午节
Mainland China
Event dates:
9 – 11 Jun 2027
Busy period:
8 – 12 Jun 2027
Expect busy trains and riverside venues hosting races. Book a few weeks ahead for intercity travel.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Dragon Boat Festival falls on 2027-06-09 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Museums and heritage sites (e.g. the Forbidden City) sell out days ahead. Reserve timed-entry tickets as soon as they open and book hotels early.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
School summer holidays vary by province, but most run from early July to the end of August.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
Mainland China
Event dates:
15 – 17 Sept 2027
Busy period:
14 – 18 Sept 2027
Intercity trains are busy at the start and end of the holiday. Book a few weeks ahead.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 2027-09-15 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Famous sights reach capacity, hotel prices can double, and trains sell out on the first and last days. Book everything early or avoid moving between cities during the week.
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
High demandEstimated datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Oct – 4 Nov 2027
Busy period:
12 Oct – 5 Nov 2027
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Autumn session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Shanghai
Event dates:
5 – 10 Nov 2027
Busy period:
3 – 11 Nov 2027
Hotels in western Shanghai near Hongqiao fill up and some roads around the venue are controlled. Book accommodation early and allow extra time for transfers to Hongqiao.
HotelsLocal transportRoads
How these dates were set
Estimated from the 5–10 November pattern of recent editions.
High demandEstimated datesRegional festival
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival哈尔滨国际冰雪节
Harbin · Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin
Event dates:
20 Dec 2027 – 28 Feb 2028
Peak:
30 Dec 2027 – 10 Jan 2028
Harbin hotels and flights are in high demand, especially around New Year and the Spring Festival. Book early and buy Ice and Snow World tickets in advance.
Exact opening and closing dates depend on weather and local conditions.
HotelsFlightsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Seasonal window. Ice and Snow World usually opens in mid to late December and the festival officially opens on 5 January; closing depends on the thaw.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
New Year's Day元旦
Mainland China
Event dates:
1 – 3 Jan 2028
Busy period:
31 Dec 2027 – 4 Jan 2028
Expect busier trains and popular sights over the long weekend. Book intercity trains and timed-entry attractions a few weeks ahead.
HotelsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Extreme demandEstimated datesTravel peak
Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun)春运
Mainland China
Event dates:
11 Jan – 19 Feb 2028
Buy train tickets the moment they go on sale and avoid travelling on the days just before and just after the holiday. Consider flying or shifting travel dates if trains are full.
High-speed railOther trainsFlightsRoads
How these dates were set
Chunyun typically runs 40 days, from 15 days before Lunar New Year (2028-01-26) to 24 days after. Exact dates are announced each January.
Book trains and flights as early as sales open (rail tickets go on sale 15 days ahead). Expect closures of small businesses around the first days of the new year and confirm that attractions and restaurants are open.
HotelsHigh-speed railOther trainsFlightsTourist sitesRestaurantsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Lunar New Year falls on 2028-01-26 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Roads near cemeteries and short-haul trains are busy. Book popular scenic areas and trains a couple of weeks ahead.
High-speed railTourist sitesRoads
How these dates were set
Qingming falls on 2028-04-04 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Jinghong has limited accommodation, so hotels and flights to Xishuangbanna fill up early. Book well in advance.
HotelsFlightsTours
How these dates were set
Usually celebrated on 13–15 April in Xishuangbanna. Confirm the programme with local tourism authorities each year.
High demandEstimated datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Apr – 5 May 2028
Busy period:
12 Apr – 6 May 2028
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Spring session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
Major attractions hit daily visitor caps and hotel prices rise sharply. Book accommodation, trains and timed-entry tickets well in advance.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Dragon Boat Festival端午节
Mainland China
Event dates:
27 – 29 May 2028
Busy period:
26 – 30 May 2028
Expect busy trains and riverside venues hosting races. Book a few weeks ahead for intercity travel.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Dragon Boat Festival falls on 2028-05-28 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Museums and heritage sites (e.g. the Forbidden City) sell out days ahead. Reserve timed-entry tickets as soon as they open and book hotels early.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
School summer holidays vary by province, but most run from early July to the end of August.
Extreme demandProvisional datesNational holiday
National Day Golden Week国庆节
Mainland China
Event dates:
1 – 7 Oct 2028
Busy period:
29 Sept – 8 Oct 2028
Famous sights reach capacity, hotel prices can double, and trains sell out on the first and last days. Book everything early or avoid moving between cities during the week.
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
Mainland China
Event dates:
3 Oct 2028
Intercity trains are busy at the start and end of the holiday. Book a few weeks ahead.
Falls inside the National Day holiday, so the two are likely to be combined into one longer break.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 2028-10-03 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Oct – 4 Nov 2028
Busy period:
12 Oct – 5 Nov 2028
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Autumn session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Shanghai
Event dates:
5 – 10 Nov 2028
Busy period:
3 – 11 Nov 2028
Hotels in western Shanghai near Hongqiao fill up and some roads around the venue are controlled. Book accommodation early and allow extra time for transfers to Hongqiao.
HotelsLocal transportRoads
How these dates were set
Estimated from the 5–10 November pattern of recent editions.
High demandEstimated datesRegional festival
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival哈尔滨国际冰雪节
Harbin · Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin
Event dates:
20 Dec 2028 – 28 Feb 2029
Peak:
30 Dec 2028 – 10 Jan 2029
Harbin hotels and flights are in high demand, especially around New Year and the Spring Festival. Book early and buy Ice and Snow World tickets in advance.
Exact opening and closing dates depend on weather and local conditions.
HotelsFlightsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Seasonal window. Ice and Snow World usually opens in mid to late December and the festival officially opens on 5 January; closing depends on the thaw.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
New Year's Day元旦
Mainland China
Event dates:
30 Dec 2028 – 1 Jan 2029
Busy period:
29 Dec 2028 – 2 Jan 2029
Expect busier trains and popular sights over the long weekend. Book intercity trains and timed-entry attractions a few weeks ahead.
HotelsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Extreme demandEstimated datesTravel peak
Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun)春运
Mainland China
Event dates:
29 Jan – 9 Mar 2029
Buy train tickets the moment they go on sale and avoid travelling on the days just before and just after the holiday. Consider flying or shifting travel dates if trains are full.
High-speed railOther trainsFlightsRoads
How these dates were set
Chunyun typically runs 40 days, from 15 days before Lunar New Year (2029-02-13) to 24 days after. Exact dates are announced each January.
Book trains and flights as early as sales open (rail tickets go on sale 15 days ahead). Expect closures of small businesses around the first days of the new year and confirm that attractions and restaurants are open.
HotelsHigh-speed railOther trainsFlightsTourist sitesRestaurantsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Lunar New Year falls on 2029-02-13 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Roads near cemeteries and short-haul trains are busy. Book popular scenic areas and trains a couple of weeks ahead.
High-speed railTourist sitesRoads
How these dates were set
Qingming falls on 2029-04-04 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Jinghong has limited accommodation, so hotels and flights to Xishuangbanna fill up early. Book well in advance.
HotelsFlightsTours
How these dates were set
Usually celebrated on 13–15 April in Xishuangbanna. Confirm the programme with local tourism authorities each year.
High demandEstimated datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Apr – 5 May 2029
Busy period:
12 Apr – 6 May 2029
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Spring session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
Major attractions hit daily visitor caps and hotel prices rise sharply. Book accommodation, trains and timed-entry tickets well in advance.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Dragon Boat Festival端午节
Mainland China
Event dates:
16 – 18 Jun 2029
Busy period:
15 – 19 Jun 2029
Expect busy trains and riverside venues hosting races. Book a few weeks ahead for intercity travel.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Dragon Boat Festival falls on 2029-06-16 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Museums and heritage sites (e.g. the Forbidden City) sell out days ahead. Reserve timed-entry tickets as soon as they open and book hotels early.
HotelsHigh-speed railFlightsTourist sitesTours
How these dates were set
School summer holidays vary by province, but most run from early July to the end of August.
Moderate demandProvisional datesNational holiday
Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
Mainland China
Event dates:
22 – 24 Sept 2029
Busy period:
21 – 25 Sept 2029
Intercity trains are busy at the start and end of the holiday. Book a few weeks ahead.
High-speed railHotelsTourist sites
How these dates were set
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 2029-09-22 (calculated from the lunar calendar). Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
Famous sights reach capacity, hotel prices can double, and trains sell out on the first and last days. Book everything early or avoid moving between cities during the week.
Official holiday period not yet announced by the State Council (usually published in November of the previous year). Dates are a provisional estimate based on recent holiday patterns.
High demandEstimated datesTrade fair
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)中国进出口商品交易会（广交会）
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou), Guangzhou (Possible knock-on demand: Shenzhen)
Event dates:
15 Oct – 4 Nov 2029
Busy period:
12 Oct – 5 Nov 2029
Hotels near the exhibition venue fill up and prices rise sharply across Guangzhou. Book accommodation early and check intercity transport before finalising your itinerary.
Autumn session. Phase changeover days between phases are quieter.
HotelsFlightsLocal transport
How these dates were set
Estimated from the regular pattern: spring session from 15 April to 5 May, autumn session from 15 October to 4 November. Confirm on the official website.
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Shanghai
Event dates:
5 – 10 Nov 2029
Busy period:
3 – 11 Nov 2029
Hotels in western Shanghai near Hongqiao fill up and some roads around the venue are controlled. Book accommodation early and allow extra time for transfers to Hongqiao.
HotelsLocal transportRoads
How these dates were set
Estimated from the 5–10 November pattern of recent editions.
High demandEstimated datesRegional festival
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival哈尔滨国际冰雪节
Harbin · Harbin Ice and Snow World, Harbin
Event dates:
20 Dec 2029 – 28 Feb 2030
Peak:
30 Dec 2029 – 10 Jan 2030
Harbin hotels and flights are in high demand, especially around New Year and the Spring Festival. Book early and buy Ice and Snow World tickets in advance.
Exact opening and closing dates depend on weather and local conditions.
HotelsFlightsHigh-speed railTourist sites
How these dates were set
Seasonal window. Ice and Snow World usually opens in mid to late December and the festival officially opens on 5 January; closing depends on the thaw.