If you’re staring at your calendar or wondering why your international colleagues aren't answering their emails, you’re probably asking: is it Chinese holiday today?
The answer today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is technically no—but that’s a bit of a trick answer. We are currently in the "quiet before the storm." In exactly one month, the largest human migration on the planet begins. We’re sitting in that weird gap between the Gregorian New Year and the massive, 15-day blowout that is the Lunar New Year.
China doesn't follow a simple Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 rhythm when it comes to time off. It’s messy. It involves "make-up workdays" where people have to go to the office on a Saturday to "pay back" a long weekend. Honestly, if you don't live there, it’s basically impossible to track without a specialized app or a very reliable friend in Beijing.
The 2026 Lunar New Year countdown
The big one is coming. Mark your calendar for February 17, 2026. That is the official start of the Year of the Horse.
While today isn't a public holiday, the atmosphere in mainland China is already shifting. People are booking train tickets. Prices for flights from Shanghai to rural provinces are skyrocketing. This period, known as Chunyun, is intense. It's not just a day off; it's a cultural imperative.
If you're asking is it Chinese holiday today because your supply chain is lagging or a factory hasn't updated your shipping status, you're seeing the "pre-holiday slowdown." Even though the holiday hasn't officially started, many migrant workers head home weeks early to beat the rush. Production usually dips significantly about 14 days before the actual New Year’s Eve.
Why the date moves every year
It’s all about the moon. The Chinese lunisolar calendar tracks both the earth's orbit around the sun and the moon's phases. This is why the New Year can fall anywhere between late January and mid-February. In 2025, it was early (January 29). In 2026, it’s relatively late (February 17).
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This variability messes with western business cycles constantly.
Understanding the "Golden Weeks" system
China essentially operates on two "Golden Weeks." These are seven-day stretches of total national shutdown.
The first is the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival). The second is National Day, which starts every October 1st. If you find yourself asking is it Chinese holiday today during the first week of October, the answer is almost always a resounding yes.
But here’s the kicker: the "make-up days."
The Chinese government—specifically the General Office of the State Council—releases the official holiday schedule late in the previous year. To give people seven consecutive days off, they often "borrow" the surrounding Saturdays or Sundays. You might find that a random Sunday in China is actually a full-blown workday, while a Tuesday is a holiday. It's a logistical headache for global teams.
Other major dates to watch in 2026
Beyond the big two, there are several "minor" holidays that still carry a lot of weight.
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- Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day): April 4-6, 2026. This is a somber but important time for honoring ancestors.
- Labor Day: Usually a five-day break starting May 1.
- Dragon Boat Festival: June 19, 2026. Expect zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and boat races, but also a three-day pause in business.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25, 2026. This is the "Mooncake Festival." It often gets bunched up with National Day if the dates are close enough.
What happens if you travel during a holiday?
Short answer: Don't.
Longer answer: If you are in China during a holiday, prepare for "People Mountain, People Sea" (人山人海). That’s a literal translation of a Chinese idiom describing massive crowds. Popular spots like the Great Wall or the Bund in Shanghai become almost impassable.
If you're asking is it Chinese holiday today because you're planning a trip, aim for the "shoulder seasons." Late March or late October are usually gold. The weather is decent, and the national crowds have thinned out.
Business etiquette during Chinese holidays
If you’re working with Chinese partners, "Happy New Year" (新年快乐 - Xīnnián kuàilè) is your go-to phrase. But during the Spring Festival, people often use "Gongxi Facai," which is more about wishing someone prosperity and wealth.
Don't expect an email reply. Seriously.
The cultural expectation is that this time is for family. In fact, many people delete WeChat or turn off notifications entirely. If you have a deadline on February 18, 2026, you should probably move it to February 10 or March 1. The "restart" period after a major holiday is notoriously slow as people trickle back to the cities.
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Actionable steps for managing the 2026 calendar
Since today is a regular working day, you should use this window of productivity before the February shutdown.
Verify your deadlines now. If you have projects involving Chinese teams, confirm their specific "out of office" dates this week. Do not wait until February 10.
Stock up on inventory. If you sell products made in China, ensure your Q1 and early Q2 stock is already on the water or in a warehouse. The "post-holiday backup" at ports like Ningbo and Shenzhen can last well into April.
Check the "Adjusted Workday" schedule. If you are managing a team in China, look at the State Council's 2026 calendar to see which Saturdays they are expected to work. It helps you schedule meetings without accidentally asking someone to work on their "replacement" day off.
Send greetings early. If you want to build rapport, send your Lunar New Year gifts or digital greetings by February 10, 2026. Being the last person to send a message on New Year’s Eve feels like an afterthought.
The rhythm of the Chinese calendar is a marathon, not a sprint. While today is just an ordinary Saturday, the cultural momentum is already building toward the Year of the Horse. Stay ahead of the moon, and you'll stay ahead of your competition.