International Workers' Day

Name: International Workers' Day
Start: 2026-05-01
End: 2026-05-03
Location: China

🎉 🇨🇳 China • May 1, 2026

Days off: 1 days • Total days: 3 days • Falls on Friday

Today is

September 13, 2026

Sunday

Next Holiday

134days

134 days

Year Work Progress

ended

International Workers' Day — holiday, China (May 1, 2026)

International Workers' Day Description

Labour Day on 1 May stems from the international workers' movement and honours dignity of labour. China pairs it with unions, model workers, and fair reward for effort. Cities may host concerts, exhibitions, or awards; families picnic or take short trips. It balances work and rest, linking industry to craft and perseverance.

📜 History & Origins

International Workers' Day was first observed in China in 1920, influenced by the global labor movement. After the founding of the PRC in 1949, May 1 became a national holiday celebrating workers. The Golden Week format was introduced in 2000 and later shortened to a 3-day break, but it remains one of China's most popular travel periods.

🎉 How It's Celebrated

National model workers are honored in televised ceremonies at the Great Hall of the People. The 3-day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods in China — scenic spots like the Great Wall, West Lake, and Zhangjiajie are packed. Department stores launch massive sales, and families take short domestic trips or visit parks.

🍽️ Traditional Foods

No specific traditional foods are tied to Labor Day, but travel snacks like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and jianbing (savory crepes) are popular at tourist sites. Family restaurants serve communal dishes like kung pao chicken and mapo tofu.

Labour Day in China — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the May 1 holiday still a Golden Week in China?

No. The May Day break was shortened from a full week to 3 days in 2008, so in 2026 China keeps the week-long Golden Week format only twice: Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the National Day break in October.