Chinese National Day is celebrated on October 1st every year to commemorate the founding of People’s Republic of China. Today, lots of large-scaled activities are held nationwide.
Holiday Schedule
*Note: The holiday dates are from Oct. 1st to 8th 2017 (included Mid-autumn Festival holiday this year).
This is the longest public holiday in China which is the well-known “Golden Week”, besides the Chinese New Year. Falling in the autumn generally with clear weather and comfortable temperature, the holiday is a popular period for travel.
Origin
October 1st 1949 was the memorial day for the founding of the People’s Republic of China. One thing should be noted is that the PRC was not founded on that day. Actually the Chinese independence day was September 21st 1949.
● Founding Ceremony, 1949, Beijing
The grand ceremony held at Tiananmen Square on October 1st 1949 was to celebrate the forming of the Central People's Government of the brand new country. Ever since 1950, every October 1st has been grandly celebrated by Chinese people.
● Celebration on Tian'anmen Square, Beijing
Customs
Altogether 15 military reviews have been held on October 1st since 1949. Those impressive military reviews have attracted people from both home and abroad to watch.
Following the military reviews are usually huge parades by common people to express their patriotic feelings. The Military Review & Parade at Tiananmen Square is now held in a small scale every 5 years and in a large scale every 10 years.
Other Celebration Activities
Other activities like flag-raising ceremonies, dance and song shows, firework displays and painting and calligraphy exhibitions are also held to celebrate the National Day.
If one loves shopping, National Day holiday is a great time, for many shopping malls offer big discounts during the holiday.
Travel Tips
During the Golden Week, lots of Chinese go traveling. It leads to a sea of people at attraction sites; train tickets difficult to get; flight tickets cost more than usual; and hotel rooms in short supply…
To make your travel in China easier and more comfortable, here are some tips for reference
01
Avoid Traveling
If possible, avoid traveling during the “Golden Week”. One can make it just before or after the “crowding period”. During those time periods, there are usually fewer tourists, the cost is comparatively lower, and the visit is more satisfying.
02
Avoid Busiest Time
If one really needs to travel during the Chinese National Day holiday, try to avoid the first two days and the last day of the "Golden Week”. Because they are the busiest time for transportation system, when the flight tickets are highest and train and long-distance bus tickets are hardest to buy.
03
Avoid Hot Destinations
These places are always crowded of visitors during the “Golden Week”. Choose some not so famous tourism cities and attractions, where there are fewer visitors and one can enjoy the scene more leisurely.
04
Plan Your Trip In Advance
Book flight / train tickets and hotel rooms in advance. There may be more discounts for flight tickets if one books earlier. For trains in China, the tickets are available 60 days prior to departure. The thing is the train tickets may be booked up in minutes once available, so please be prepared.
The hotel rooms in hot travel destinations are also in demand. In case there is no place to stay, one should better book them in advance too. If one happens to book rooms upon arrival, try your luck at some business hotels.
We wish you happy National Day&
Mid Autumn Festival!
HACOS,Business Services Solutions Master