What is Golden Week?
Golden Week is the long National Day holiday in China, taken in early October. Because so much of the country is off work at the same time, travel and sights are far busier than usual.
The 2026 holiday ran from 1 to 7 October, with Saturday 10 October as a make-up workday[1]. One other source gave 1 to 8 October, so treat the exact end date as something to confirm.
Where do you meet it on the trip?
You meet it when you price or book. Rail seats, domestic flights and hotels near popular sights sell out first, and prices rise with demand. Entry to big sights may need real-name booking days ahead. The result is long queues and less choice, even when the weather is good.
For 2027 there is nothing to plan around yet. As of 19 October 2026 no State Council notice for the 2027 mainland holiday schedule had been found, and it is normally published in early to mid November[2]. Check the official State Council notice once it is published.
One practical tip
Build three habits if you must go. Book transport and hotels as early as the booking window allows. Pick fewer places and add a rest day. Choose smaller towns over the headline sights, which are the most crowded.
Related terms
Compare spring festival travel rush, read how China public holidays sell out tickets, and see China in October and Golden Week for route ideas.