In a recent announcement of China’s 2024 Holiday Update, the Chinese government revealed significant changes to the holiday schedule, extending public holidays by two days starting January 1, 2025. This decree aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens and align holiday arrangements with public desires for more leisure time.
Details of the New Holidays for 2025
The revisions include an extension of the Spring Festival holiday from seven to eight days in total by adding the eve of the Lunar New Year. Additionally, the May Day holiday will now span two days, with May 2 included, resulting in a five-day break. In 2025, the Spring Festival will feature an impressive eight-day holiday, while the Mid-Autumn Festival will combine with National Day celebrations, creating another eight-day break from October 1 to 8.
Analysts suggest this return to including Lunar New Year’s Eve addresses long-standing public desires for family reunions during this significant occasion. The extension of the May Day holiday enables longer breaks without requiring multiple adjusted working days, minimizing disruptions to normal routines.
Impact on the Extra Holidays
Experts believe these revised holiday arrangements will enhance residents’ quality of life while stimulating economic growth, particularly in tourism and services. With the ongoing recovery in the tourism sector post-pandemic, this measure could further stimulate economic growth by increasing travel-related spending.
As 2025 approaches, many are eagerly anticipating how these extra holidays will reshape work schedules and leisure activities, making it an exciting time for both employees and businesses alike.
Public Reaction
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the public, with many expressing excitement over the prospect of more time off. Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions about potential travel plans and how to make the most of the extended holidays. The sentiment reflects a broader trend of prioritizing personal well-being and experiences over work.
2025’s holiday schedule
• New Year’s Day: 1 day off (January 1)
• Spring Festival: 4 days off (Lunar New Year’s Eve, and the first three days of the Lunar New Year)
• Qingming Festival: 1 day off (on Qingming Day)
• Labor Day: 2 days off (May 1 and 2)
• Dragon Boat Festival: 1 day off (on Dragon Boat Festival)
• Mid-Autumn Festival: 1 day off (on Mid-Autumn Festival)
• National Day: 3 days off (October 1 to 3)
If any of these holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, compensatory days off should be provided on weekdays.
Public holidays for all citizens can be reasonably arranged to allow for unified time off, combined with paid annual leave to create longer holiday periods. Generally, for statutory holidays, consecutive working days before and after the holiday do not exceed six days.
