Planning a trip to Beijing? Knowing the Beijing 2026 public holidays and school holidays is the first step to a smooth vacation. These dates affect everything—from flight prices to hotel availability and the size of the crowds at Beijing’s top attractions. During major holidays like Chinese New Year or National Day Golden Week, millions of locals travel at the same time, making the city’s landmarks busier than ever. But if you plan smart, you can avoid the rush and enjoy Beijing at its best.
This guide gives you the complete Beijing 2026 public holiday and school holiday calendar, tips for avoiding peak crowds, long weekend opportunities, and the best times to visit the city.
🗓 Complete List of Beijing 2026 Public Holidays
Here are the official China-wide public holidays that apply in Beijing for 2026:
| Date | Holiday | Days Off | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 (Thu) | New Year’s Day | 1 day | Moderate |
| Feb 17–23 (Tue–Mon) | Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | 7 days | Extremely High 🚨 |
| Apr 3–5 (Fri–Sun) | Qingming Festival | 3 days | High |
| May 1–3 (Fri–Sun) | Labour Day | 3 days | Very High |
| Jun 17–19 (Wed–Fri) | Dragon Boat Festival | 3 days | Medium |
| Sep 25–27 (Fri–Sun) | Mid-Autumn Festival | 3 days | High |
| Oct 1–7 (Thu–Wed) | National Day “Golden Week” | 7 days | Extremely High 🚨 |
⚠️ Avoid: The two busiest times are Spring Festival (Feb 17–23) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7). Travel during these weeks means higher costs, packed trains, and massive crowds at major attractions.
📚 Beijing 2026 School Holidays
School breaks also influence when families travel. Here are the typical Beijing school holiday periods in 2026:
| Break | Dates (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break | Jan 20 – Feb 23, 2026 | Aligns with Spring Festival |
| Summer Break | Jul 10 – Aug 31, 2026 | Peak domestic tourism |
| National Holidays | Same as above | Schools follow public holidays |
✅ Tip: If you want to avoid noisy crowds at Beijing Zoo, amusement parks, and family attractions, skip July–August and the Chinese New Year period.
🚗 Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Long weekends are great for quick trips, but they also draw local tourists. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1): A quiet time to see frozen lakes and temples before the Spring Festival rush.
- Qingming Festival (Apr 3–5): While locals travel for ancestor worship, you can head to less-crowded Great Wall sections like Mutianyu.
- Dragon Boat Festival (Jun 17–19): Enjoy races at Houhai Lake or stroll through Beijing’s summer gardens.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 25–27): A cultural highlight. Watch the full moon from Beihai Park or the Temple of Heaven.
✈️ Best Time to Visit Beijing in 2026 (Avoiding Crowds)
To experience Beijing with fewer people and better prices, target these windows:
- Late March – Early April: Before Qingming Festival, with cherry blossoms and mild weather.
- Late May – Early June: After Labour Day but before Dragon Boat Festival. Warm but less crowded.
- Early September: Clear skies, autumn leaves, and fewer tourists before Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Mid-November – December: Cold but quiet, with minimal crowds at major landmarks.
❌ Times to Avoid:
- Feb 17–23 (Chinese New Year) – World’s largest travel rush.
- Jul–Aug (Summer Break) – Domestic families flood attractions.
- Oct 1–7 (Golden Week) – Beijing is extremely crowded and expensive.
🧳 Travel Hacks for Beijing During Holidays
- Book Transport Early: Train tickets open 15 days in advance and sell out quickly for holidays.
- Go Early: Visit attractions before 9 AM for thinner crowds.
- Choose Alternatives: Skip the Forbidden City during Golden Week; explore Ditan Park or Beijing’s hutongs instead.
- Escape the City: Use long weekends for trips to Chengde, Gubei Water Town, or hiking trails in the outskirts.
- Use Apps: Platforms like Trip.com or official WeChat mini-programs help with advance booking.
✅ Final Thoughts
Beijing in 2026 can either be overwhelming or unforgettable—it all depends on your timing. By planning around the Beijing 2026 public holidays and school holidays, you’ll save money, avoid frustrating queues, and enjoy a calmer travel experience.
👉 Ready to plan your trip? Use our LazyHolidayPlanner tools to maximize long weekends, plan leave days, and build the perfect Beijing itinerary.
❓ FAQ – Beijing 2026 Public Holidays
Q1: What are the busiest holidays in Beijing in 2026?
A1: Spring Festival (Feb 17–23) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7).
Q2: When is the cheapest time to fly to Beijing?
A2: Mid-November to December often has the lowest fares.
Q3: Are tourist attractions closed during public holidays?
A3: Most remain open, but expect heavy crowds. Some small shops may close during Spring Festival.
Q4: Do Beijing schools follow the national holiday schedule?
A4: Yes, plus additional winter and summer breaks.
Q5: Which holiday is best for cultural experiences?
A5: The Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 25–27) offers moon-viewing, lanterns, and mooncakes without overwhelming crowds.
