Chinese government creates two new holidays to boost tourism, leisure and consumption

Thousands of kilometers from Paris, Beijing has decided to adopt a strategy radically opposed to that of France.

While there has been debate all summer about the possible elimination of Easter Monday or August 15 to reduce the deficit, China is increasing the number of public holidays to boost its economy.

From 2025, the Chinese will benefit from 13 annual public holidays , compared to 11 in France, with the eve of the Chinese New Year and an additional day on May 2, just after Labor Day.

The Chinese government designed these new days off to encourage "bridges" and extend vacation periods. The goal is clear: to encourage people to travel, go out, and consume.

According to Les Echos , within an hour of the announcement, searches on travel booking platforms had already doubled , a sign that residents were quick to seize the opportunity.

When vacations become an economic driver

In China, vacations aren't just a time for relaxation; they're a powerful lever for consumption. Extended holiday periods generate massive tourism peaks and considerable spending, ranging from airline tickets to restaurants, entertainment, and online shopping.

The government is implementing a "catch-up" system: to compensate for these extra days, the Chinese will work some weekends . But for the population, the effect remains positive: more time to travel, and a domestic economy stimulated by millions of consumers.

This initiative is not insignificant. Since 2013, public holidays have only been changed three times, and the creation of these two new holidays marks a clear desire to support domestic tourism, in a context of economic slowdown and real estate crisis that encourages the population to save rather than spend.

The contrast with France

Meanwhile, in France, the plan to abolish two public holidays to reduce public spending and contribute to a €44 billion budget plan for 2026 has been a political saga.

François Bayrou finally resigned after losing the confidence vote in the Assembly on September 8, perhaps taking this economic lever with him.