Chinese National Day is one of the important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. Every year, October 1 is celebrated as a national day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.  

Apart from being an important moment in Chinese history, October 1 also marks the start of a long holiday period known as Golden Week. During this period, Chinese people use the time to go on holiday, return to their hometowns, gather with family, and carry out various recreational activities. 

For the international community, including business people who have ties to China, getting to know China's National Day can also provide an overview of the culture, habits and rhythm of people's activities in that country. 

History of China's National Day

Establishment of the People's Republic of China 

The history of China's National Day cannot be separated from October 1, 1949.

On that date, the founding ceremony of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China was held at Tiananmen Square, Beijing. During the ceremony, the founding of the People's Republic of China was officially announced.  

This event later became an important milestone in China's modern history. 

Why is October 1 celebrated as National Day? 

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government designated October 1 as National Day. 

The decision was made on December 2, 1949, when the central government decided that the date 1 Octoberevery year is the National Day of the People's Republic of China.  

Since then, October 1 has become a date celebrated every year throughout China. 

Development of National Day Celebrations

The form of Chinese National Day celebrations has changed from time to time. 

In the early days, National Day commemorations could be filled with various large activities such as ceremonies, parades and community activities. The form of celebration then develops according to the conditions and policies of each period. 

Today, National Day is not only a historical commemoration, but also one of the biggest holidays in the Chinese calendar. 

What is China's Golden Week? 

National Day is also closely related to the term Golden Week. 

Golden Week refers to the long holiday period that takes place around National Day. This period is a time when Chinese people travel in large numbers, visit family and enjoy vacation time. 

Why is National Day Called Golden Week? 

The term Golden Week is used to describe a long holiday period that gives people the opportunity to travel and spend time with family. 

This period is also one of China's major domestic travel moments. Many people take advantage of holidays to visit various cities, tourist attractions and their hometowns. 

With a large population and high travel activity, the atmosphere in various cities and tourist destinations can become much busier than on normal days. 

When does Golden Week take place? 

The date of the Golden Week holiday can be different every year because the Chinese government sets an official holiday schedule every year. 

For 2026, National Day holiday lasts for 7 days, from October 1 to 7 October 2026. The government has also set working day adjustments on 20 September and 10 October 2026.  

This means that this period is not just a day of commemoration on October 1, but a series of quite long holidays. 

What Do People Do During Golden Week? 

Golden Week is usually used by Chinese people to carry out various activities, such as: 

• Vacation to various cities and tourist destinations 

• Go back to your hometown

• Gathering with family

• Visiting relatives 

• Enjoying recreational and entertainment activities 

Because many people travel at the same time, transportation and various tourist destinations can become busier during this period. 

The Meaning of National Day for Chinese People

For Chinese people, National Day is not just a long holiday. 

October 1 is a moment to commemorate one of the important events in China's modern history. Therefore, a celebratory atmosphere can be seen in various places through the use of flags, decorations and various activities related to National Day commemoration. 

National Day is also a moment when people can enjoy time with family and take a break from their daily routine. 

In many cities, a celebratory atmosphere can be seen from national-themed decorations that adorn public spaces and various other places. Beijing, for example, has various decorations and activities related to National Day during this period.  

How Does National Day Affect Business Activities in China? 

For business people who work with companies, suppliers or partners in China, National Day is also a moment that needs to be understood. 

During the holiday period, some shops, suppliers and factories may adjust their operating hours. There are companies that have temporarily closed, while other companies continue to operate with different capacities or numbers of staff. 

Because of this, communication with business partners can be a little different compared to normal days. Message responses may take longer and some company activities may follow their respective holiday schedules. 

However, this condition does not mean that all business activities in China have stopped completely. Each company has different operational policies, depending on its industry, location, and type of business. 

This is also different from the Chinese New Year period, when many production and business activities can experience a longer suspension because people travel back to their hometowns on a large scale. 

In other words, National Day is indeed an important holiday period, but that does not mean that all of China is completely inactive. 

For business people working with China, understanding the local calendar like this can help build better expectations and communication with business partners. 

Conclusion 

Chinese National Day is celebrated every October 1 to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.  

Apart from having historical significance, National Day is also part of the Golden Week period, when Chinese people use the holiday time to travel, return to their hometowns, gather with family, and enjoy various recreational activities. 

For business people who have ties to China, understanding National Day is not just a matter of knowing when the holiday takes place. Getting to know the local culture and calendar is also part of building better communication and business relationships. 

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