How Public Holidays Work in China
Public holidays in China are established by the State Council and feature a unique system of adjusted working days. Major holidays often result in week-long breaks created by combining statutory holidays with adjusted weekends.
2025 Holiday Calendar
Some regions or ethnic autonomous areas may observe additional regional holidays based on local customs and ethnic minority celebrations. These are typically determined by provincial or local governments.
China Holidays
How Public Holidays Work in China
Public holidays in China are established by the State Council and feature a unique system of adjusted working days. Major holidays often result in week-long breaks created by combining statutory holidays with adjusted weekends.
Approximately 13 days of statutory public holidays recognized nationwide. Major holidays include Spring Festival (3 days), National Day (3 days), Labor Day (3 days), Qingming Festival (1 day), Dragon Boat Festival (1 day), and Mid-Autumn Festival (1 day).
Some regions or ethnic autonomous areas may observe additional regional holidays based on local customs and ethnic minority celebrations. These are typically determined by provincial or local governments.
Adjusted working days system: weekends before or after major holidays may be designated as working days to create longer consecutive holiday periods. Employees must work these adjusted days to receive full pay for the extended holiday break.
China
Spring Festival / Chinese New Year
The most important traditional Chinese holiday, celebrating the lunar new year. Typically includes 7 days off (3 statutory days plus adjusted weekends), with many people traveling home for family reunions.
National Day
Celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Typically includes 7 days off (3 statutory days plus adjusted weekends), known as 'Golden Week' for tourism and consumption.
Labor Day
International Workers' Day celebrated on May 1. Extended to a multi-day holiday period (typically 5 days) through adjusted working days, another popular period for domestic travel.
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Impact on Payroll & Leave
Payroll in China involves mandatory social insurance contributions, individual income tax withholding, and various statutory payments. The system is highly regulated with significant penalties for non-compliance.
Learn more about ChinaStatutory holidays: 300% of daily wage. Weekend overtime: 200%. Weekday overtime: 150%. Adjusted working days: regular wages.
At least one day off per week required. Working on rest days requires 200% compensation or compensatory time off.
Annual leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, sick leave all have specified payment rates. Medical leave ranges from 60-100% of wages.
Provincial variations in maternity leave duration, paternity leave days, sick pay rates, minimum wages, and social insurance contribution rates. Provincial governments may issue additional labor regulations.
How does the adjusted working days system work during holidays?
To create longer holiday periods, the government designates certain weekends as working days. For example, to create a 7-day National Day holiday, employees might work the previous weekend to compensate. This is announced by the State Council annually and is mandatory for all employees.
Can employers refuse to grant annual leave?
Employers have discretion over timing of annual leave but cannot refuse it entirely. If work requirements prevent taking leave, the employer must compensate unused days at 300% of daily wages. Employees cannot waive their entitlement to annual leave.
What happens if I work overtime in China?
Overtime on regular weekdays is paid at 150% of hourly wage, weekends at 200%, and statutory holidays at 300%. Monthly overtime is typically capped at 36 hours, though enforcement varies. Overtime work requires employee consent except in emergency situations.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official government sources and legal counsel for compliance matters.