Golden Week represents one of China’s most significant holiday periods, affecting millions of travelers and businesses worldwide. This week-long celebration occurs twice yearly and creates massive shifts in tourism, commerce, and daily life across the country.
Understanding Golden Week becomes essential for anyone planning to visit China, conduct business there, or send money to family during these peak periods. The holidays influence everything from hotel prices to bank processing times, making advance planning crucial.
Let’s explore what makes Golden Week so important and how it impacts both locals and international visitors.
The Two Golden Week Holidays
China celebrates two distinct Golden Week periods each year, each carrying deep cultural significance and practical implications for travelers.
Spring Festival Golden Week (Chinese New Year)
Spring Festival Golden Week occurs in late January or February, aligning with the lunar calendar. This celebration typically runs for seven consecutive days, though the exact dates shift annually based on lunar calculations.
The holiday marks China’s most important traditional celebration. Families reunite from across the country, creating the world’s largest annual human migration. Transportation systems reach capacity as hundreds of millions of people travel to their hometowns.
National Day Golden Week
National Day Golden Week takes place from October 1-7 each year. October 1st commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, making this a patriotic celebration combined with leisure time.
This autumn holiday period sees increased domestic tourism as families take advantage of favorable weather conditions. Many Chinese citizens use this time to explore their own country’s attractions and historical sites.
How Golden Week Affects Daily Life in China
Golden Week transforms China’s rhythm completely. Understanding these changes helps visitors and business partners prepare effectively.
Transportation and Travel
During Golden Week, China’s transportation networks experience unprecedented demand. Train tickets sell out weeks in advance, and flight prices increase significantly. Major highways become congested as millions of people travel simultaneously.
Hotels and accommodations raise their rates during these peak periods. Popular tourist destinations become extremely crowded, with long queues at major attractions becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Business Operations
Most government offices, banks, and many businesses close during Golden Week. This affects various services, including money transfers and official document processing. International businesses often experience delays in communications and transactions with Chinese partners.
Manufacturing facilities typically shut down, impacting global supply chains. Companies planning shipments or deliveries must account for these closures in their scheduling.
Shopping and Commerce
Retail activity intensifies before and after Golden Week. Many stores offer special promotions to capitalize on increased consumer spending. Online shopping platforms run major sales campaigns during these periods.
Traditional markets and street vendors experience high demand, especially for holiday-specific items like decorations, gifts, and special foods.
Planning Your Money Transfers During Golden Week
Golden Week significantly impacts financial services and money transfer operations. Banks and financial institutions adjust their schedules, affecting when transfers process and arrive.
Processing Delays
Money transfers to China may experience delays during Golden Week. Banks typically close for the entire holiday period, meaning transfers sent during this time won’t process until regular business hours resume.
Planning transfers before Golden Week begins ensures your recipients receive funds when they need them most. Many families rely on these transfers for holiday expenses and celebrations.
Alternative Options
Some money transfer services maintain limited operations during Golden Week. Digital platforms may continue processing transfers, though final delivery might still depend on local bank schedules.
Consider using services that offer multiple delivery options, including mobile wallet transfers or cash pickup locations that might have extended hours during holidays.
Tips for Visiting China During Golden Week
Traveling to China during Golden Week requires extra preparation but can offer unique cultural experiences.
Accommodation Planning
Book hotels and accommodations well in advance. Prices increase substantially during Golden Week, and availability becomes limited in popular destinations. Consider staying in less touristy areas for better rates and availability.
Alternative accommodation options like guesthouses or apartment rentals might offer more flexibility during peak periods.
Transportation Strategies
Purchase transportation tickets as early as possible. Train tickets typically go on sale 30 days in advance, and popular routes sell out quickly. Consider flying between cities if train tickets are unavailable.
Allow extra time for all transportation. Airports, train stations, and highways experience significant congestion during Golden Week.
Attraction Visits
Expect crowds at popular tourist sites. Major attractions like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors see massive visitor numbers during Golden Week. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak crowds.
Some attractions implement advance booking systems during Golden Week. Check official websites for reservation requirements before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does Golden Week occur each year?
National Day Golden Week always runs October 1-7. Spring Festival Golden Week varies based on the lunar calendar, typically falling between mid-January and mid-February. The exact dates change annually, so check the Chinese calendar for specific years.
Are banks open during Golden Week?
Most banks close completely during Golden Week holidays. ATMs remain operational, but branch services and international transfers may experience delays. Plan financial needs in advance of these holidays.
Can I still send money to China during Golden Week?
Money transfer services may accept your transfer, but processing and delivery will likely be delayed until banks reopen. Send transfers before Golden Week begins to ensure timely delivery.
Do tourist attractions stay open during Golden Week?
Most major tourist attractions remain open during Golden Week, but they become extremely crowded. Some may implement crowd control measures or require advance reservations.
How do Golden Week holidays affect business meetings in China?
Most business operations halt during Golden Week. Government offices, corporate headquarters, and manufacturing facilities typically close for the entire period. Schedule important meetings before or after these holidays.