Usually, in China, during the official holiday period, all official and governmental sectors are closed. There are some exceptions in the private sector, but most factories also stop working. When your company does business with China, it’s important to remember that, in China, holidays and festivals are different than those in the USA or Europe, and there might be fewer, but the business breaks are much longer! During each holiday, all of China travels. Getting any train or airplane tickets is difficult, and prices double or triple during this time. We prepared a whole calendar of Chinese Holidays and Festivals 2015.
Chinese Holidays and Festivals 2015
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), February 19-26
The Spring Festival, better known as the Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China. According to national tradition, everyone is supposed to visit their relatives. Most factories have at least a one-week break during the 2015 Chinese New Year; even restaurants are closed. It is not advised to do business in China in this particular period.
Lantern Festival, March 5
This festival symbolizes the end of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). The Chinese celebrate by carrying red paper lanterns, visiting temples, and spending time with their families. It is a typical working day.
Qingming Festival, April 5-7
Also called Tomb Sweeping Day, this holiday is devoted to dead ancestors. It’s observed widely in every part of China. It is an opportunity to honor one’s ancestors at gravesites.
The Qingming Festival is an official holiday. In 2015, it falls on Sunday, April 5.
China Labor Day 2015, March 1-3
The first day of May is a public holiday in China. It is the International Workers’ Day. Nowadays, the holiday lasts for only three days, and the following day, May 4, is a typical working day.
Dragon Boat Festival, June 20-22
This is a Chinese sporting event deeply rooted in China’s ancient history. To commemorate the deceased Chinese poet Qu Yuan, dragon boat races are organized all over China. The Dragon Boat Festival starts on June 20 and ends on June 22. All three days are holidays in China.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival), September 27
During this festival, the Chinese celebrate the end of the harvest. It’s traditionally held during a full moon, and every year it is a different day. It’s common to give mooncakes to friends and family members. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 27, 2015. Three days are non-working days: September 25 to 27.
China National Holiday, October 1-7
The Chinese National Holiday celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. During this holiday, all people enjoy seven consecutive days off. This is the longest holiday in the Chinese Year of the Goat.
Singles’ Day, November 11
We have already mentioned a couple of traditional holidays and festivals that are well-rooted in Chinese history and tradition. The Single Day in China is something new. Many online and traditional stores offer huge discounts or have special sales. It has recently been considered China’s “Black Friday.” So if you are around on November 11 in China, remember to take advantage and get the best deals.