China’s Golden Week is one of the busiest and most fascinating times to travel. Millions of locals take time off to travel, cities fill with festive energy, and famous attractions come alive. For foreign visitors, Golden Week can be exciting—but also overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

This guide explains what Golden Week is, what to expect as a traveler, where to go, and how to plan a smooth trip in China during this peak holiday period.

What Is Golden Week in China?

Golden Week refers to two national holiday periods in China when most people have a full week off:

l Spring Festival Golden Week (Chinese New Year, Jan–Feb, dates change yearly)

l National Day Golden Week (October 1–7 every year)

During these holidays, transportation, hotels, and popular attractions become extremely busy as families travel across the country.

Is Golden Week a Good Time to Visit China?

Yes—with the right planning.

Pros :

l Lively atmosphere and festive decorations

l Special cultural events and performances

l Great chance to experience local traditions

l Many shops and restaurants stay open

Cons:

l Very large crowds at top attractions

l Higher prices for hotels and transport

l Longer queues at entrances

l Limited last-minute availability

If this is your first visit to Beijing, check our Beijing Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors to help you plan your route and priorities.

Best Places to Visit During Golden Week

Some places handle crowds better than others. Here are good choices for first-time travelers:

Beijing :

Beijing offers history, culture, and world-famous landmarks. However, places like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall can be extremely crowded during Golden Week.

If you want to explore comfortably, consider a private Beijing tour with English-speaking guide so you can start early, use faster entry routes, and avoid peak crowd times.

Other Popular Destinations

l Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors)

l Guilin (karst mountains and river scenery)

l Zhangjiajie (Avatar mountains)

l Hangzhou (West Lake)

How to Avoid Crowds During Golden Week

Here are practical tips:

l Visit early in the morning (before 8:30 am)

l Avoid peak days (Oct 1–3 are the busiest)

l Choose less crowded sections of the Great Wall

l Use private transportation instead of public buses

l Book attractions in advance when reservations are required

To travel stress-free during Golden Week, many travelers choose to book a private car and guide in Beijing, which saves time and energy in crowded conditions.

Transportation Tips

l Trains and flights sell out fast (book 2–4 weeks ahead)

l Traffic in major cities is heavy

l Intercity travel can take much longer than usual

l Private transfers are more reliable than public transport

Hotels & Booking Advice

l Prices increase during Golden Week

l Central hotels sell out quickly

l Family-friendly and international-brand hotels are most popular

l Flexible cancellation options are highly recommended

Food & Dining During Golden Week

Restaurants stay open, but popular ones can have long waits. Many local families eat out during holidays, especially in Beijing.

If you’re curious about local food, see our guide:

 What to Eat in Beijing (and How to Order It)

Payments & Apps Travelers Should Prepare

Most payments in China are digital. Before Golden Week, make sure you’ve set up mobile payment:

 Can international guets use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China?

This will help you pay for taxis, snacks, and small shops easily during busy travel days. 

Is Golden Week Safe for Foreign Tourists?

Yes. China is generally safe for travelers during Golden Week. The main challenges are crowds and logistics, not safety. Police presence is increased at major attractions and transport hubs during holidays.

Final Travel Tip: Plan Private Tours in Advance

Golden Week is not the time to “wing it.” Attractions may close early, sell out, or limit entry numbers. To make the most of your time:

View our private Beijing tour packages
Our private tours include:

l English-speaking local guide

l Private car with driver

l Flexible itinerary

l Ticket booking assistance

l Family-friendly pacing

This helps you avoid long queues, crowded buses, and language barriers—especially during peak holiday travel.