Planning ahead for public holidays in China and Germany is essential for smooth business operations in 2026. This blog post outlines the key holiday dates in both markets, including Chinese public holidays, nationwide German public holidays, and state-specific holidays.
Good to know
If you are looking for a 2026 public holiday overview for China and Germany, here are the key takeaways:
- In China, the most important holidays for business planning are Chinese New Year and National Day, both of which can significantly affect operations, approvals, logistics, and communication.
- In Germany, public holidays are split between nationwide holidays and state-specific holidays, so regional differences matter.
- For companies operating across both markets, holidays can affect content publishing, customer communication, project delivery, and internal workflows.
- The best approach is to maintain a shared holiday calendar that includes both national and regional dates.
What Are the Main Public Holidays in China in 2026?
China’s statutory holidays in 2026 include New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Labour Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day.
What Are the Main Public Holidays in Germany in 2026?
Germany has both nationwide holidays and state-level holidays. If your business covers multiple regions, you need to account for both.
Which State-Specific Holidays in Germany Should Also Be Considered?
If your business operates across different German federal states, these holidays may also be relevant:
Common Questions:
Q1: What is the biggest business impact of public holidays in China?
A: Holiday schedules, approval delays, slower logistics, and reduced response times.
Q3: Are make-up working days arranged around public holidays, meaning employees may need to work on a Saturday or Sunday?
A: Yes. For long public holidays such as the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) or National Day, make-up working days are common. It is quite likely that employees will need to work on a Saturday or Sunday during the two weeks surrounding these holidays.
Q4: Are public holidays in Germany the same nationwide?
A: Not entirely. In addition to nationwide holidays, German federal states also have their own public holidays.
Q5: Which holidays matter most for business planning in Germany?
A: Easter, Christmas, and state-specific holidays in your target regions.
Why Does This Holiday Overview Matter for Cross-Market Businesses?
Because holidays affect more than just time off. They also influence:
- content publishing schedules
- customer communication
- approval workflows
- logistics and delivery timelines
- campaign timing
- internal resource planning
In short: if you operate in both China and Germany, holiday planning is business planning.
How Can AHK Greater China Support You?
AHK Greater China has been supporting German companies in China for more than 25 years. We understand both the local business environment and the practical requirements of companies operating between China and Germany. Our services include:
- Market entry and business development
- Visa and residence permit services
- Business partner searches
- Delegation trips
- Trade fair services
If you are planning your activities in China and Germany for 2026, we would be pleased to discuss how our services can support you in achieving your goals.
