Image source: Source: http://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/national-day/

Twice a year, Chinese population enjoys a one-week holiday period: one in January-February (around Chinese New Year) and one starting October 1^st.

The second one was initiated in 1999 by the People’s Republic of China, in order to commemorate its foundation in 1949 (even though it was actually founded on September 21^st).

Arrangements are made every year as for the 3-day holiday to become a week-long holiday, as to enable the population to make long-distance trips to visit their family. It is also a mean to foster domestic tourism as, as we will explore in more depth later, tourist attractions are taken over during the period.

Celebrations take place on Tiananmen Square every 5 and 10 years, namely military reviews and parades, as for the population to manifest its patriotic feelings, but these holidays are mostly about visiting family and sightseeing.

As such, means of transportation (buses, cars, trains, and flights) become crowded, as well as tourist attractions. In 2017, the most popular destinations were Sanya, Beijing, Kunming and Shanghai.

Yes, during Golden Week, it seems China is crowded everywhere. Millions of migrant workers go back home, overseas Chinese come back to visit their family, and major part of the population takes the occasion to visit their homeland or simply go sightseeing. 

Many malls and supermarkets offer discounts and promotions, while small shops and restaurants are closed during the period. Urban transportation systems are working as during normal time, while government offices, schools, embassies and private companies close.

Some underline the fact that these vacations create disruption in the economy and that they does not achieve significant results in promoting internal consumption. Moreover, the fact that government agencies – namely customs, tax and tariff collection, legal affairs – close for a week is an impediment for normal functioning of the country.

• If you can, avoid traveling in or from China during the Golden Week. The busiest days are the first two and the last one (for transportation and sightseeing). If you choose to travel just before or just after, you will enjoy lower costs and less tourists in the scenic areas and main cities.
• Book your tickets (bus, train, flight) and make your hotel reservation well in advance, not only will you enjoy better deals, yet you will also make sure to not falling short of sits or rooms on the D-Day.
• Try to find less touristy spots on the Internet or thanks to your friends' recommendations. There are many hidden and beautiful places in China, Golden Week is the perfect moment to explore them.