China’s Golden Week is one of the biggest annual disruptions to global trade. For companies relying on Chinese suppliers and transport, the holiday often means delays, reduced output, and congestion in supply chains.
In this article, we explain what Golden Week is, when it will happen in 2025, and how you can prepare to minimize risks and keep goods moving.
What is Golden Week in China?
Golden Week is a national holiday held every autumn, marking one of the longest breaks in the Chinese calendar. During this period, millions of people travel to visit family, attend parades and ceremonies, and enjoy local festivities. Tourism peaks, shopping activity increases, and the domestic economy receives a strong boost.
For international trade and logistics, however, the impact is more challenging. Many factories close, and staffing at ports and warehouses is reduced, slowing down both administration and operations. The result is congestion, delays, and temporary disruptions to global supply chains, with noticeable effects on import and export flows worldwide.
Also read: Guide: Air freight from China to Europe
When is Golden Week in China 2025? Dates to keep track of
China’s Golden Week in 2025 runs from Wednesday, October 1, to Wednesday, October 8.
The extended holiday combines National Day with the Mid-Autumn Festival, giving people more time for travel and celebrations. To balance the long break, there will be make-up workdays on Sunday, September 28, and Saturday, October 11.
For businesses, Golden Week brings widespread factory and office closures, along with congestion in ports and logistics networks – making early planning essential.
How long is Golden Week 2025?
The Golden Week holiday in October 2025 will be an eight-day break.
For a full overview of China’s official public holidays in 2025 – see the detailed schedule published by China Briefing.
Are there shipping delays from China? Golden Week's impact on shipping
Yes, Golden Week almost always causes shipping delays, and in 2025, the impact is expected to be even more significant than usual.
Golden Week 2025 combines National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating an 8-day holiday from October 1 to 8. During this time, factories, customs, and many logistics services close or run with very limited staff.
How Golden Week affects shipping:
1. Before the holiday (late September)
Everyone rushes to get goods out before the shutdown. This creates:
- Shortage of space on ships and planes.
- Higher freight rates and extra surcharges.
- Overbooked vessels, meaning some cargo is left behind and delayed.
2. During the holiday (Oct 1–8)
- Factories stop production.
- Customs and government offices close, while ports and airports run with limited staff.
- Local transport slows down, making it difficult to move goods inland.
3. After the holiday (from Oct 9)
When operations restart, there’s a large backlog:
- Shipping delays can last 2–3 weeks.
- Ports become congested as all the held-up cargo is processed at once.
- Some carriers schedule blank sailings (canceled departures), which further reduces available capacity.
How to prepare for Golden Week in 2025
If you’re shipping from China, the best way to keep your supply chain moving during Golden Week is to plan. Here are some practical tips:
1. Work with reliable suppliers – Choose partners who can handle the pressure of peak season and deliver as promised
2. Coordinate with your forwarder – Share forecasts and demand plans early to get realistic ETAs and avoid surprises
3. Book shipments well in advance –
- Ocean freight: at least 3–4 weeks before departure
- Air freight: at least 1–2 weeks ahead
4. Stay flexible – Longer transit times may help you cut costs and secure space
5. Prioritize shipments – Move your most urgent orders first, then follow with less time-sensitive goods
6. Explore alternatives – Consider different routes or transport modes to reduce risk
7. Ship early – Avoid the last-minute rush by moving cargo before the holiday buildup begins
Also read: Step-by-step guide: How shipping from China to USA works
Bertling's approach to Golden Week in China
At Bertling, we know how challenging Golden Week can be. With our local teams in China and close coordination with colleagues worldwide, we’re here to support you and make sure your shipments keep moving – even during the holiday rush.
We focus on three main areas:
- Plan early – We help clients forecast demand, book transport in advance, and prepare documents before the rush.
- Stay informed – Our local teams provide updates so you always know about changes or delays.
- Be flexible – We offer sea, air, road, and rail freight to find the best solution and meet deadlines.
By combining local knowledge with global support, Bertling helps reduce risks and keep supply chains running smoothly during Golden Week and beyond.
FAQ about China’s Golden Week
When should I place my orders to avoid Golden Week delays?
Ideally, orders should be placed at least 4–6 weeks before Golden Week. This allows time for production, booking of transport capacity, and customs clearance before factories and offices close. The earlier you plan, the better chance you have of securing space on vessels and flights and avoiding bottlenecks.
Are ports, customs, and warehouses closed during Golden Week?
Most factories, offices, and warehouses in China close for the full holiday period. Ports and customs remain operational, but at a reduced capacity, which can still lead to congestion and slower processing.
The main disruption comes from the fact that suppliers and logistics providers pause operations, creating a backlog once the holiday ends.
What role do freight forwarders and logistics partners play during Golden Week?
Freight forwarders and logistics partners are essential in planning, securing capacity, and providing accurate updates before, during, and after the holiday.
They help coordinate shipments, manage documentation, and offer alternative routes or transport modes when needed. A reliable partner ensures smoother operations and helps minimise delays throughout Golden Week.