Chinese National Day - best time to visit China

National Day in China (Chinese:国庆, pinyin: guóqìng jié), observed on October 1st, marks the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

It is well known that Chinese National Day is a grand celebration of the foundation of the People's Republic of China on October 1st, 1949. At that time, Chairman Mao was standing on Tiananmen Square and declared the solemn pledge to the world that"The PR China and the people's central government was founded!" It is an awesome time to see the Chinese people celebrating one of their most important holidays, "Golden Week". When you travel to China you may be interested in the Beijing Highlights Tour, which will take you around the different attractions of the city.

Everyone begins celebrating the Golden Week by watching the magnificent military parades and Chinese National Day's evening party on TV. It is a great chance to see and meet the Chinese people during this holiday as they are warm and welcoming. It can be the perfect time to travel to China and feel the holiday atmosphere in the towns and cities. The best sight is the fireworks display, which is usually a grand show held nationwide in all cities. The grandest parades and banquets all over China are those in Beijing and during these days many people from the world will come to Tiananmen to enjoy the magnificent celebration. You can choose the Beijing in Depth Tour to see these beautiful places in Beijing.

In past times, this day was marked by speeches, military parades TV programs, or similar activities. Since 2000, this national holiday has lasted seven days, so most workers while off from work for the week will relatives or take time for traveling. If you do travel during this time, it’s better to book everything at least 2 weeks in advance.

Where to go during the Golden Week in China?

When you travel to China during this time it is always good to make full use of this precious Golden Week to see the sights and sounds of the Chinese cities. you can visit Shanghai, which is a modern city in East China. It will be a good time to visit this amazing city. For more information, please look at the Shanghai City Tour. A lot of Chinese people will go to see their relatives or get together with friends, but most will choose a destination for traveling during this Golden Week. Take out a travel map, you will find many wonderlands waiting for your exploration. It is autumn right now and many attractions in China are taking on their most beautiful visage, such as Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan, the Fragrant Hills in Beijing, Shangri-la in Yunnan, and many other places. All these fairylands seem to be touching your hearts and calling on you when you travel to China.

A Jiuzhaigou tour may be the perfect place to visit during the Golden Week. Travel is the most wonderful thing to do during the Chinese National Day every year, which not only broadens your mind but also refreshes you. The only annoying thing is that during the Golden Week, nearly all the travel fares will double or triple up and advanced booking must be made weeks ahead, where WindhorseTour can help you in this matter.

However, travel in Tibet is not as busy this time of year compared to other cities in China.

If you want to enter Tibet from Nepal, we advise you to secure your 'Group Chinese Visa" before the holiday starts. Traditionally every year the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu closes from Oct. 1 till Oct. 9, we expect this year to be no different.

This means that you may choose to advance or postpone your trip to Tibet. We advise clients should arrive in Nepal if they want to apply for a Chinese Group Visa, the embassy will review your passport to ensure you have a Nepal immigration entry stamp.

If you are Chinese passport holder, we advise you to secure your Nepal Visa in Beijing or Lhasa before the National Day starts.

If you travel from Lhasa to Nepal, the Chinese National Day does not affect your Nepal visa at all.

Wish you a pleasant trip during National Day.

Celebrate Chinese National Day in Beijing

Celebrating China National Day in Beijing is an extraordinary experience, combining grand festivities with the rich historical and cultural backdrop of the nation's capital. Here's what you need to know about travel and celebration highlights during this significant event:

Planning and Booking Early: Due to the influx of visitors, it's crucial to book your flights, accommodations, and tickets to attractions well in advance. Prices tend to surge, and availability decreases closer to the date.

Transportation: Beijing's extensive public transport system, including subways, buses, and taxis, is generally the best way to navigate the city. However, expect more crowds than usual during National Day. Renting a car is not recommended due to heavy traffic and road closures.

Weather: Early October in Beijing is generally mild and pleasant, with less pollution and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Celebration Highlights

Flag Raising Ceremony: A visit to Tiananmen Square for the flag-raising ceremony is a must. This symbolic event is enhanced with a special National Day honor guard and military band performance. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot as the square fills up quickly.

Military Parade: Every five or ten years, a large military parade takes place along Chang'an Avenue, showcasing China's military might. It features troops, advanced weaponry, and a range of military vehicles. Note that viewing spots are highly coveted and usually controlled.

Fireworks Display: Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky over Beijing. While these displays can be viewed from various points in the city, areas around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City offer particularly impressive views.

Cultural Performances and Festivals: Various cultural performances, concerts, and exhibitions take place throughout the city. Temples, parks, and public spaces host events showcasing traditional music, dance, and art.

Visiting Historical Sites: While in Beijing, take the opportunity to visit historical sites like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. These places often have special National Day decorations and may host thematic exhibitions.

Local Cuisine: Enjoy Beijing's culinary delights, especially traditional dishes like Peking duck, Zhajiang noodles, and various dumplings. Restaurants may be crowded, so consider booking in advance or visiting less popular eateries.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Crowds: Major attractions will be extremely crowded. Visit early in the morning or explore less-known sites to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Security: Security is tightened during National Day, especially around Tiananmen Square and other key locations. Carry identification and comply with security checks.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and announcements as events, transportation, and opening hours may change at short notice.

Celebrating China National Day in Beijing offers a unique blend of pomp, patriotism, and cultural immersion. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, you can enjoy the festivities and the historical wonders of China's capital during this remarkable time.

Celebrate Chinese National Day in Chengdu

The Chinese National Day is a ceremonious festival across the whole country and there is no exception in Chengdu. A golden week in Chengdu enables you to visit the top Chengdu attractions including Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Thatched Cottage of Dufu. There are stimulating things to do in Chengdu when you stay here during the Chinese National Day. Travel to Chengdu with a detailed plan that will favor you on your tour in Chengdu during this holiday period. 

The Chinese National Day is a hot season for traveling, so the transportation in Chengdu is more busy. To reach the hotel quickly, you can book a picking-up service from WindhorseTour's Chengdu Airport Transfer. 

The national flag-rising ceremony in Tiandu Square is attractive, which is at about 6:30 A.M. Handsome flag bearers come with the flag in their hands at a neat pace, and the sacred ceremony at dawn can touch all the visitors deeply. Then you can take a bus to the Wuhou Temple, which is next to Jinli Street, and do shopping in Jinli Street, which are stimulating things to do in Chengdu when you travel to Chengdu.

Travel to Chengdu during the Chinese National Day and enjoy a 1 day city tour which is perfect and you can see details at WindhorseTour's Chengdu City 1 Day Tour. At night, you may choose a wonderful Sichuan Opera show at Shufeng Yayuan, take a glance at the WindhorseTour's Evening Cultural Show - Sichuan Opera. Other places to visit during the golden week are Leshan Grand Buddha and Mount Emei for a 2-day tour which can be one of the good choices for a lot of travelers. Get more information from the Windhorse Tour's Leshan Grand Buddha and Mount Emei 2-Day Tour. The splendid mountains and grand Buddha would make a deep impression on you.

A Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng 1-Day Tour can give you a totally new site of Sichuan and the Cold-water Fish dish at restaurants in Dujiangyan is one of the most scrumptious dishes you cannot find at any other place. The last day of the Chinese National Day can be spent in Chengdu city to relax and see the numerous rare cultural relics in the city that are absolutely necessary to visit when you travel to Chengdu.

During Chinese National Day, all goods are on a big sale and it’s the best time to shop and eat. The Cultural Week of the National Festival in Thatched Cottage of Dufu is one of the hottest attractions. You can have a delightful and meaningful afternoon here. The rare collection of poems and calligraphy shown here are filled with artistic beauty and historical value, cathedra on ancient civilization will open your outlook, and unique performances on traditional culture can move you a lot.

The night scene on the Chinese National Day is the most stirring time. Fireworks are sprouting up all over the city. Lots of places have fireworks shows, and watch a surprising firework in Wangjiang Park after a big dinner and you can enjoy the reflection of fireworks in the lake at the same time. Rockets explode to fill the night sky with bright red and blue, yellow and green and white. Not only does the color change, but the shapes of the fireworks also change, into a rabbits shape, into a heart shape, into a foot and shape. Watching the fireworks show is one of the recommended things to do in Chengdu during the Chinese National Day.

Book your trip to China! If you want to visit China during China National Day, you need to book in advance, so don’t wait. Spend your time during the Golden Week in any city in China. Experience the unique culture. You are sure to remember this experience forever in your memory!