Every year on October 1, China celebrates National Day, marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. In 2025, the holiday is especially significant because it overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival, giving the Chinese workforce an extended eight-day break from October 1 to October 8.
For international companies working with Chinese suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers, this period—often referred to as Golden Week
What Is Golden Week?
Golden Week is one of China’s longest public holidays. Factories, government offices, banks, and many private businesses close their doors so employees can travel, rest, and reunite with family. With nearly 1.4 billion people on the move, it also sparks one of the world’s largest annual migration events, as millions of workers travel long distances to their hometowns.
While this is a festive and patriotic holiday for Chinese citizens—with flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks, and cultural performances—for businesses, it often means a complete pause in operations.
How Golden Week Impacts Business
1. Factory Closures
- Most manufacturers shut down completely between October 1–8.
- Some factories may extend the holiday for several extra days, depending on local management and production schedules.
- Production schedules around this period are usually packed, as companies rush to finish orders before the break.
2. Shipping & Logistics Delays
- Ports, shipping companies, and customs offices operate at reduced capacity or close during the holiday.
- Expect congestion before and after Golden Week, especially in major export hubs like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen.
- Air freight and sea freight rates often increase due to limited capacity and high demand.
3. Communication Gaps
- Emails and calls to Chinese partners may go unanswered for over a week.
- Some staff may be away longer, especially in 2025 when the Mid-Autumn Festival overlaps.
4. Cash Flow & Payments
- Banks are closed during the holiday, which can delay payments, remittances, and invoice processing.
Cultural Awareness: Why It Matters
Understanding the cultural significance of National Day can also strengthen business relationships. For Chinese people, this is not only a patriotic occasion but also a time for family reunions, similar to Thanksgiving in the United States.
A thoughtful gesture—such as sending a polite holiday greeting to your suppliers—can go a long way in showing respect and building goodwill. A simple message like:
“Wishing you and your team a happy National Day holiday and a pleasant Mid-Autumn Festival. I look forward to continuing our cooperation after the holiday.”
—will be appreciated.
2025: A Special Case with the Mid-Autumn Festival
This year, Golden Week is longer than usual because it combines National Day with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which traditionally celebrates the harvest and family gatherings. People share mooncakes, spend evenings under the full moon, and enjoy time with loved ones.
For businesses, this means:
- Factories may remain closed longer than the official 8 days.
- Travel congestion will be even greater than usual.
- Post-holiday demand for transport and raw materials will spike.
Final Thoughts
China’s National Day Golden Week in 2025 is more than just a cultural celebration—it’s also a period that requires serious logistical planning for anyone doing business with China. By placing orders early, communicating openly with partners, and respecting the cultural significance of the holiday, you can minimize disruptions and even strengthen your relationships.
For businesses that plan ahead, Golden Week doesn’t have to be a setback—it can be an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, cultural awareness, and foresight in your partnerships with China.
