China’s National Day: What Is October 1st All About?

Every year on October 1, China celebrates its National Day.

For people outside China, October 1 may simply be a date on the calendar. But in China, it is an important public holiday marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

So, what makes October 1 special, and what does National Day look like in China?

Why Is October 1 China’s National Day?

On October 1, 1949, the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Later that year, October 1 was officially designated as China’s National Day.

Since then, October 1 has become an important annual date, marked by national celebrations and a public holiday across the country.

How Is National Day Celebrated?

When National Day arrives, a festive atmosphere can be seen throughout China. National flags and red decorations appear along streets, in public spaces and around major landmarks.

Tiananmen Square is one of the most recognizable places associated with National Day. The national flag-raising ceremony on October 1 is watched by people in Beijing and followed by audiences across the country.

On major anniversary years, large-scale military parades and other national celebrations may also be held in Beijing, attracting attention both in China and internationally.

Away from the major official events, National Day is also a time for ordinary people to take a break from work. Families and friends may get together for meals, visit relatives, travel, or simply enjoy some time off. In some cities, fireworks, light shows and other festive events are also part of the holiday atmosphere.

What Is Golden Week?

One feature of China’s National Day that may be especially interesting to overseas visitors is Golden Week.

National Day is combined with surrounding days off to create a longer holiday period. In 2026, the National Day holiday runs from October 1 to October 7.

For many people, Golden Week is an opportunity to travel, visit family and friends, explore new destinations, or simply relax. It is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with popular tourist attractions, airports and railway stations often seeing large numbers of visitors.

For businesses around the world, this longer holiday period is also something to keep in mind when communicating with Chinese customers and partners.

A Week of Celebration and Holiday

Every country has its own national day and its own traditions for marking the occasion.

In China, National Day brings together public celebrations, familiar sights such as national flags and the Tiananmen flag-raising ceremony, and a longer holiday period for travel and leisure.

From the atmosphere of October 1 to the busy journeys of Golden Week, it is a distinctive time of year in China.

As China celebrates its National Day, we would like to wish our customers and partners around the world a happy and peaceful holiday.

Happy National Day & Happy Golden Week!