Confirmed

China Holidays 2026

Asia · CNY · 6 public holidays · 5 shopping events ·Pop: 1.41B ·GDP: $18.7T

Market Overview

China is the world's largest e-commerce market, with online retail exceeding $2.5 trillion annually—more than double the US market. The ecosystem is dominated by Alibaba (Tmall, Taobao), JD.com, and Pinduoduo, with Douyin (TikTok's Chinese version) rapidly emerging as a major live-commerce platform. China's shopping calendar is defined by two mega-events: Singles' Day (11.11), the world's largest shopping day with over $156 billion in GMV across platforms, and the 618 Festival, which generates over $62 billion. The Lunar New Year shopping season drives premium gifting, while platform-driven promotions like 9.9, 10.10, and 12.12 create a continuous cycle of shopping events. Cross-border e-commerce through Tmall Global and JD Worldwide makes China accessible to international brands, though regulatory requirements are stringent.

Key Events

Singles' Day618 Shopping FestivalDouble 12 Sale

Top Platforms

Taobao/Tmall52%
JD.com22%
Pinduoduo15%
E-commerce growing at 72% YoY with 92% digital maturity.
Cross-Border Tmall: Tmall Global provides entry without local entity. Lower barrier than domestic.
Market tier: Tier 1
Growth potential: High
Cross-border ease: Low

Public Holidays in China (2026)

Source: Nager.Date API — 6 public holidays

New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
February 17, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Dragon Boat Festival
June 19, 2026
Mid-Autumn Festival
September 25, 2026
National Day
October 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest shopping event in China?

Singles' Day (11.11) is by far the largest shopping event in China and the world. Created by Alibaba in 2009, it generated over $156 billion in GMV across platforms in 2025. The event runs from November 1-11 with pre-sale periods starting in late October. JD.com, Pinduoduo, and Douyin all run competing promotions during the same period.

How does 618 compare to Singles' Day?

618 is China's second-largest shopping event, generating approximately 60-70% of Singles' Day's total GMV. Created by JD.com in 2010, it has expanded to all major platforms. While 11.11 is larger, 618 serves as a critical mid-year revenue driver and inventory clearance event.

Can international brands sell during Chinese shopping events?

Yes, international brands participate through cross-border platforms like Tmall Global, JD Worldwide, and Kaola. Major brands like Apple, L'Oréal, and Nike run dedicated campaigns for 11.11 and 618. However, brands must comply with China's e-commerce regulations, including product registration, data localization, and advertising standards.

What is the role of live-streaming in Chinese e-commerce?

Live-streaming commerce is a dominant force in Chinese e-commerce, with top livestreamers like Li Jiaqi generating over $1 billion in single-session sales. Douyin (TikTok China), Kuaishou, and Taobao Live are the primary platforms. During 11.11, live-streaming accounts for over 20% of total GMV on some platforms.