China’s 2026 Holiday Plan Enables 13-Day Break
Thursday, September 24, 2026180 words3 minutes393 reads
Three days of annual leave can become a 13-day holiday in 2026. Mid-Autumn Festival holiday runs from September 25 to 27, while the National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7. Only three workdays—September 28, 29 and 30—sit between them. Workers who take those three days off can enjoy one continuous break from September 25 to October 7.
This is possible because of a system commonly called tiaoxiu, or adjusted rest days. Around major holidays, some Saturdays or Sundays become official working days. These days are moved so that public holidays can connect with nearby weekends and create longer breaks.
There are practical reasons for doing this. China is a large country, and many people live far from their hometown. A longer holiday makes family visits and long-distance travel easier. However, the system is not always popular. Working on a weekend can feel tiring, and the calendar can become confusing.
Many people travel at once during long holidays. Trains, highways and tourist sites can become extremely crowded. Tiaoxiu gives people longer breaks, but it can also create travel pressure.
