October 1 China National Day and Key Facts to Know

October is here again! For travelers, business folks, or anyone following the news from the land of the dragon, you should know that this is the busiest time of the year for China. It's the highly anticipated long national holiday, which the Chinese call "Golden Week."

But do you know the history behind October 1st, China's National Day, and why it is so important to the Chinese people? It’s definitely not just an ordinary holiday. Today, Big Bull will take you on a deep dive into everything you need to know about China's National Day, along with tips for travel to China and navigating life in China during this festive season.

What is China's National Day? 🪭

China's National Day, or in Chinese, "Guóqìng Jié" (国庆节), falls on October 1st every year. It is one of the most important official holidays in the People's Republic of China (PRC). This day is designated to celebrate the official founding of modern China following the victory in the Civil War and the formal establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

History and Background of China's National Day📖

If you're asking, "What is China's National Day and how did it come about?" Big Bull will take you deep into the pages of modern Chinese history.

The beginning of China's National Day is not simply a proclamation of the nation's founding; it is the result of a long and fierce civil war between China's two major powers: the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), led by Mao Zedong, and the Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang Kai-shek.

After years of intense fighting, including a period when both sides paused the civil war to jointly resist the Japanese invasion during World War II, the Communist Party's People's Liberation Army finally achieved decisive victory in 1949.

On the historic day of October 1, 1949, in Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, Mao Zedong stood and loudly proclaimed to the public and the world the formal establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC). This declaration marked the end of Nationalist (Kuomintang) rule on the mainland, which retreated to the island of Taiwan, and ushered in the complete era of socialist China.

Subsequently, on October 2, 1949, the Central People's Government officially passed a resolution designating October 1st of every year as China's National Day to commemorate this great national event and turning point.

The Significance of China's National Day💡

China's National Day is more than just a long holiday where Chinese people crowd every inch of public space to travel. October 1st is also a day of solidarity, pride, and reflection on China's rise to become a world power. Its key significances are:

Commemoration of National Founding

It celebrates the birth of the new China after long periods of chaos and war, reinforcing the country's independence and sovereignty.

Pride in Achievement 

Today, National Day is an opportunity for the Chinese people to look back on the nation's immense and rapid progress over the past several decades in economic, social, and technological development, culminating in its status as a world power. The celebrations express confidence in the nation's future.

Expression of Unity and Patriotism

Ceremonies and celebrations across the country, especially the grand military parade (held on significant anniversaries), are a symbol of the unity of all ethnic groups in China, showcasing the government's stability and power.

How Long is the China National Day Holiday?

The question everyone wants to know is: How many days is China's National Day holiday?

The Chinese government typically mandates a continuous 7-day long holiday, running from October 1st to 7th. This long break is famously known as Golden Week (黄金周 - Huángjīn Zhōu).

But in some years, the holiday may be adjusted to 8 days, such as in 2025.

• China National Day holiday in 2025: October 1 – October 8 (total 8 days).
• The government and private companies may adjust working days before or after the holiday as compensation

Golden Week was created to stimulate the domestic economy and tourism. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people take this opportunity to travel within China or visit their hometowns, making it one of the most vibrant periods of the year for travel and consumption. Anyone planning to travel to China during National Day 2025 or any other year should make arrangements well in advance.

What Do Chinese People Do on National Day?

On a key national day like this, celebrations are held grandly across the country. Especially in Beijing, Tiananmen Square hosts a solemn flag-raising ceremony in the early morning, along with massive military parades (held every 10 years) and spectacular fireworks displays.

• Nationwide Celebrations: All major cities are decorated lavishly with Chinese flags, red lanterns, lights, and sounds.
• Travel: This is when the Chinese travel the most. Many choose to visit historical sites or beautiful natural landscapes during the comfortable autumn weather.
• Time with Family: Despite the mass travel, most Chinese people also prioritize spending time with their families, much like other important festivals.

Tips for Traveling During Golden Week🚗

Since this is an extremely busy travel period, Big Bull has some tips for planning your trip to China during Golden Week:

• Book Early: Airfare, high-speed rail tickets, and accommodation should be booked several months in advance.
• Avoid Major Cities: Try to travel to China in secondary cities or non-major tourist spots to escape the largest crowds.
• Prepare for Crowds: No matter where you go, lines will be long and people will be numerous. Be patient and understand that your photos might not be as serene as you imagined.

For Foreigners in China During National Day

For foreigners living or traveling in China during National Day, most will engage in activities similar to the Chinese locals, such as traveling or taking a long rest. However, there is one thing that is indispensable for foreigners in China: access to the online world.

In China, accessing some of the websites or applications we are familiar with (like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) can be difficult due to the Great Firewall. That's why a VPN  (Virtual Private Network) is an essential tool for any foreigner to have.

A VPN allows you to connect to the internet as if you were in another country, giving you free and secure access to various information and platforms, whether it's communicating with family via your usual apps, working, or simply watching your favorite content.

Having a good-quality VPN is not just about access; it's also about maintaining the security and privacy of your data while surfing the internet in China. Therefore, if you are a foreigner in China, or plan to travel to China during National Day, and want an online life as convenient as at home, don't forget to choose a reliable VPN service, like BullVPN, which will make your online connection a breeze in China.