China's National Day falls on October 1 every year, marking the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The official holiday lasts seven days (October 1-7) and is one of the two longest public holidays in China, alongside the Spring Festival.
Known domestically as "Golden Week," this period sees hundreds of millions of Chinese travelers on the move by train, plane, and road. If you are planning to travel in China during early October, understanding how Golden Week works is essential.
When Is Golden Week 2026?
- Official holiday: October 1 (Thursday) to October 7 (Wednesday), 2026
- Travel rush: September 30 evening and October 1 morning (departure); October 6-7 (return)
- Peak crowds at attractions: October 2-4
What to Expect During Golden Week
Crowds at Major Attractions
Top sights like the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Bund in Shanghai, and West Lake in Hangzhou can reach absolute capacity. Popular scenic spots require advance booking days or weeks ahead, and tickets sell out fast.
Hotel and Transport Prices
Hotel prices in popular cities typically jump 2-4 times their normal rates during Golden Week. High-speed train tickets sell out within minutes of release (usually 14 days before travel). Domestic flights also surge.
Best Cities to Visit During Golden Week
Still Worth It: Classic Destinations
If you have never been to China, the classic cities are still extraordinary — just book everything well in advance and expect crowds:
- Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven — book tickets at least 7 days ahead
- Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, museums — pleasant autumn weather
- Chengdu: Giant panda base, Sichuan food — book panda tickets immediately
Better Choices: Less Crowded Cities
For travelers who want the October experience without wall-to-wall crowds, consider these options:
- Shantou (Guangdong): Incredible street food, old town, and far fewer tourists than Guangzhou or Shenzhen
- Weihai (Shandong): Coastal scenery, seafood, and a relaxed pace — see our Weihai guide
- Nanchang (Jiangxi): Affordable, historic, and close to Mount Lu
- Haikou (Hainan): Warm escape with Qilou Old Street and beaches
Practical Tips for Golden Week Travel
- Book transport and hotels 2-4 weeks ahead — last-minute options are expensive or gone.
- Visit major sights early — arrive at opening time (usually 8:30 AM) to beat the worst crowds.
- Eat at local markets — tourist-area restaurants are overpriced during holidays.
- Choose smaller cities — second-tier destinations offer better value and authenticity.
- Download offline maps — mobile signal can get congested in crowded areas.
Bottom Line
Golden Week is not ideal for crowd-averse travelers, but it can still be rewarding with careful planning. Choose less-touristed cities, book early, and browse our city-by-city China travel guides for more ideas.
