For hundreds of millions, it’s a chance to travel, reunite with family, and celebrate traditions. For the world, it’s an opportunity to watch how China’s cultural and consumer landscape is evolving on a grand scale.
A Holiday of Scale
Dates: October 1–8, 2025
Journeys expected: About 2.4 billion trips over the holiday, nearly 300 million per day (SCMP)
Stock market closures: Mainland markets (Shanghai & Shenzhen): closed for the full holiday, reopening October 9, Hong Kong Stock Exchange: closed October 1 (National Day) and October 7 (Day after Mid-Autumn Festival), open on other days
Trading hours (when open): Mainland A-shares: 09:30–11:30, 13:00–15:00, HKEX: 09:30–12:00, 13:00–16:00 (with pre-open and closing auctions). The market pauses underline the scale of the holiday: for a full week, daily economic rhythms give way to travel, family, and celebration.
The Rise of the “Joy Economy”
One of the most fascinating themes in Golden Week 2025 is the growth of China’s “joy economy.” Rather than focusing only on goods, consumers are increasingly choosing experiences, memories, and social activities.
- Cultural travel: Sites linked to history, legends, or modern pop culture—such as destinations featured in hit games or TV dramas—are drawing crowds.
- Night markets and festivals: Cities are hosting drone shows, lantern displays, and immersive cultural events.
- Shared experiences: Young travelers especially value trips with friends or family, turning Golden Week into a celebration of togetherness.
- Cross-border novelty: Train and travel routes connecting to neighboring countries are marketed as unique holiday experiences.
This shift reflects a broader trend: Chinese tourism and leisure spending is increasingly about emotional value—creating joy and connection.
Economic and Cultural Significance
Golden Week is more than a holiday; it is a window into China’s vitality.
- Consumption boost: Restaurants, hotels, airlines, and retail outlets prepare months in advance for this surge.
- Policy support: Many local governments offer cultural events, shopping coupons, and travel packages to make the holiday more accessible and enjoyable.
- Cultural pride: The overlap with Mid-Autumn Festival adds a traditional layer—family reunions, mooncakes, and shared stories under the full moon.
- Soft power showcase: From spectacular light shows to tourism campaigns, Golden Week projects an image of cultural richness and national unity.
Positive Global Ripples
Golden Week doesn’t only matter to China—it influences the wider world.
- Travel and hospitality: International airlines, hotels, and tourism destinations see rising Chinese visitor numbers.
- Luxury and retail: Global brands watch Golden Week closely, as Chinese consumers are a key driver of worldwide sales.
- Commodities and energy: Increased transport and travel activity can temporarily boost fuel demand.
- Markets: While mainland bourses pause, Hong Kong often becomes a focal point for investors during this week.
Golden Week therefore serves as a reminder of China’s role as a driver of global cultural and economic trends.
A Festival of Togetherness
At its heart, Golden Week is not just about numbers or markets—it’s about people. Millions reunite with loved ones, families share meals, and travelers explore new places. The combination of tradition (Mid-Autumn Festival) and modern celebration (National Day) makes this year’s Golden Week uniquely special.
For observers around the world, it is both a cultural showcase and a powerful symbol of scale: a country of 1.4 billion moving, celebrating, and connecting all at once.
Sources
- South China Morning Post – China hoping for economic boost from 2.4 billion Golden Week journeys
- Shenzhen Stock Exchange – 2025 Trading Calendar
- HKEX – Trading Hours & Holiday Schedule
- China Briefing – China 2025 Public Holiday Schedule
- Jing Daily – China’s joy economy during Golden Week