If you like huge crowds, overpaying for things, and generally punishing yourself, then choosing to travel during a Chinese holiday might be the thing for you!
So, as you might have guessed, I am not a huge fan of this endeavor, but sadly we do not always get a say in these things. So here’s my guide on how to travel during a Chinese holiday like a champ!
Table of Contents
What are the main Chinese Holidays?
There are a few key holidays in China that absolutely wreak havoc on travel plans. The most notorious are the Golden Weeks – namely Chinese New Year and National Day (October 1st). These are the times when the entire population seems to go on the move all at once, creating some serious logistical nightmares. These Golden Weeks can last for about a week, and during this period, every train, bus, and hotel is packed with people trying to get home or to a tourist hotspot.
If you do travel during this time, expect to battle insane crowds, hike up prices, and watch as everyone scrambles for a piece of the action. Then there are the long weekends like the May Day holidays, which are a little less intense but still result in overbooked everything. Chinese holidays aren’t for the faint of heart, trust me.
Getting a Train During a Chinese Holiday
Tickets open for sale about 30 days before departure, and you pretty much need to buy them immediately, or they will be gone in a matter of hours. That’s right – hours. And that’s if you’re lucky. If you wait too long, you’ll be left with the worst departure times or, even worse, a standing ticket. Never take a standing ticket, particularly on the slower train networks, as it’s about as comfortable as standing on a hot coal pit. That said, I did once manage to score while on standing ticket when I was much younger, and perhaps more virile. One key tip here is flexibility – certain days are impossible to travel on, but others, like Chinese New Year, might be dead quiet with no one on the move. Also, the day before or after the official holiday is a bit more manageable, and trains tend to be a lot more relaxed.
But no matter what, you have to be prepared for the crowds. Big train stations in major cities are insane during these holidays, like a scene out of a disaster movie. For booking, the best English-friendly app is trip.com, which is pretty straightforward and works well for both trains and flights.
Book Accommodation As Early as Possible
I’m not saying they’re robbing bastards, but holy shit do people gouge prices during the holidays. Expect hotel prices to be 4-5 times higher than normal depending on where you go. That being said, not every place hikes up their prices in advance, so if you’re fast enough, you can sneak in and avoid being ripped off. Timing is crucial here. The trick is to get in early before everyone else. Apartment rentals are also a great alternative, although don’t even bother with Airbnb.com while in China – it’s a nightmare. The best strategy is to go to major cities rather than tourist traps like Dali, which will be absolutely packed and overpriced. Big cities offer more options, even during peak seasons, and you can usually find some decent deals if you’re quick about it.
Be Prepared to Get Ripped Off
Am I sounding bitter yet? The fact is, the big tourist areas have been hit so hard by demand during the holidays that they see tourists as easy targets. This is without a doubt one of the worst parts about traveling during a Chinese holiday. I saw this first-hand when I ran the DMZ bar in China, where people made half their yearly sales during the Golden Weeks. So, always ask the price upfront. If you feel you’re being ripped off, don’t be afraid to walk away. If they’re offering something at a ridiculous price, remind them that you’re not a sucker.
Click to read about if Yangshuo people are honest.
Conclusion on How to Travel During a Chinese Holiday
In the end, traveling during a Chinese holiday isn’t rocket science – it just involves booking early, being flexible with your dates and destinations, and always asking the price of things before committing. But my best advice? Just don’t bloody do it. If you can avoid traveling during these chaotic times, do yourself a favor and wait for the dust to settle.
Click to check out my China Tours with YPT.