Labor Day
International Workers' Day, a Chinese public holiday
๐ History & Origins
International Workers' Day, also known as "May Day," is celebrated on May 1st every year and is a national holiday in more than 80 countries around the world. It is a holiday shared by working people everywhere. In July 1889, the Second International, led by Friedrich Engels, held a congress in Paris at which a resolution was passed calling for international workers' demonstrations on May 1, 1890, and designating May 1st as International Workers' Day. The celebration of Labor Day in China can be traced back to 1918. In December 1949, the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government designated May 1st as the statutory Labor Day, granting a national day off. Each year on this day, the whole nation celebrates as people dress in their finest, gather joyfully in parks, theaters, and public squares, and participate in all manner of celebratory events and recreational activities. Today, Labor Day has become one of China's most important travel "Golden Weeks."
๐ Traditional Customs
What to do
- โฆTaking time off to rest
- โฆTraveling and vacationing
- โฆParticipating in cultural and sporting events
- โฆHonoring model workers
What to eat
โ๏ธ Travel Impact
The Labor Day holiday is a 5-day mini-break (extended through schedule adjustments) and is the most important spring travel Golden Week. Scenic spots across the country are packed, transport is extremely congested, and hotel prices surge. Train tickets, flight tickets, and attraction passes all need to be booked well in advance. This is the third-largest travel peak after Chinese New Year and National Day. Foreign tourists are strongly advised to avoid this period.
These dates fall on weekends but are designated as workdays. Public transit runs on weekday schedules.
๐ก Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Book all transport and accommodation at least 1 month in advance
Avoid all popular scenic spots โ consider off-the-beaten-path destinations
Travel on staggered dates โ prices drop significantly a few days before or after the holiday
Expect costs to be 50%โ100% higher than usual
Scenic spots enforce visitor limits โ be sure to reserve online in advance
๐ Recommended Experiences
Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk (reservation required)
Guilin
Bamboo raft cruise on the Li River
Xiamen
Artistic getaway on Gulangyu Island
Qingdao
Seaside beer festival