Golden Week in China 2025: Dates, Facts, and Statistics

Golden Week in China 2025 is one of the most anticipated times of the year, when millions of citizens travel, shop, and actively relax. From October 1 to 8, the country celebrates National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, making these days unique for both tourists and businesses. The scale of movement astounds: annually, hundreds of millions of trips are recorded, and the economy receives a powerful growth impulse. In this article, we will discuss the events to expect during Golden Week 2025, provide statistics from previous years, and share what to anticipate this year.

Golden Week in 2025 will last from October 1 to 8. This period combines two major holidays:

• October 1 — National Day of China, marking the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

• October 6, 2025 — Mid-Autumn Festival, when Chinese traditionally gather with families and eat famous mooncakes (yuebing).

Therefore, the Chinese enjoy 8 consecutive official holidays, resulting in unprecedented migration within the country.

Golden Week is considered the largest wave of movement in the world. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China:

• In 2024, during the holidays, 896 million tourist trips were made within the country.

• Income from domestic tourism reached 753.4 billion yuan (approximately 104 billion USD).

• In just the first three days of Golden Week 2024, over 295 million trips were recorded.

Forecasts for 2025 promise a new record — experts expect over 900 million journeys due to rising incomes and the development of transportation infrastructure.

The main travel destinations are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, and resort areas like Hainan Island.

• In 2024, China’s railways served more than 200 million passengers just in the first week of October.

• Chinese airlines conducted over 16,000 flights daily, transporting millions of tourists.

In 2025, China Railway plans to increase capacity by 12% compared to the previous year.

Golden Week is not only about leisure but also an important factor for the economy.

• In 2024, retail and catering sales increased by 17% compared to the same period of the previous year.

• Online trading during the holidays brought in over 580 billion yuan.

• Tourism platforms (e.g., Ctrip) noted a 28% increase in hotel bookings.

Many experts call Golden Week a ‘locomotive of internal consumption.’

• Growth of domestic tourism: due to global political and economic factors, most Chinese prefer to travel domestically.

• Cultural events: festive parades and concerts will be held in Beijing and Shanghai, historical shows in Xi’an, and food and music festivals in Hainan.

• New tourist routes: in 2025, special attention is given to ecotourism and ‘red tourism’ (visiting places of revolutionary history in China).

1. Book tickets in advance: a month before the holidays, train, and flight tickets sell out completely.

2. Avoid peak days: the busiest dates are October 1 and 2 (start of vacation) and October 7–8 (returning home).

3. Choose alternative destinations: instead of overcrowded Beijing or Shanghai, consider traveling to less known cities — Zhangjiajie, Lhasa, or Kunming.

4. Be prepared for high prices: hotel and tour prices increase by 30–50% during this period.

1. How long does Golden Week in China 2025 last?
Officially from October 1 to 8 — 8 consecutive days.

2. Why is it called ‘Golden Week’?
Due to the massive increase in consumer spending: millions of people travel, buy gifts, and actively consume.

3. How many trips are made during this period?
In 2024, nearly 900 million domestic trips were recorded, and in 2025, over 920 million are expected.

4. Can tourists from other countries visit China during Golden Week?
Yes, but one should consider transportation congestion and price increases. For foreigners, it’s better to book accommodations and tickets in advance.

5. What cities are most popular during Golden Week?
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Hainan resorts.