Golden Week in China: Overview and Planning Tips

Golden Week is a major seven-day public holiday in China, beginning this year from October 1^st to October 8^th, which marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This period sees widespread travel as people take advantage of the extended break to visit family or explore the country. As a result, transportation networks are heavily congested, and many businesses, factories, and government offices shut down, significantly disrupting supply chains and logistics.

Key Aspects of Golden Week

• Timing: Held annually around October 1st, the holiday typically lasts for a week, though the exact duration can vary.
• National Day Celebrations: The week kicks off with patriotic festivities, including fireworks, military parades, and other public events to commemorate the country’s founding.
• Business Closures: With factories, offices, and other commercial operations closing temporarily, there’s a notable slowdown in production and logistics activities — impacting both domestic and international supply chains.

Tips for Navigating Golden Week for Import / Export

• Avoid the Period: If your business depends on Chinese logistics or manufacturing, plan around Golden Week to minimise disruption.
• Allow Extra Time: Expect delays across the board, from transportation to entrance lines. Build in plenty of buffer time for all activities.

Golden Week is both a culturally significant celebration and a logistical challenge. Whether you’re planning travel or managing business operations, preparing well in advance is essential to navigating this high-impact holiday.

This celebration has a significant impact on global import/export with China. If you are planning any shipments from the nation during this period, do get in touch with our Sales Team on 01634 818344. Our friendly freight forwarder team can help you navigate this tricky period during the Christmas build-up.