General
The Golden Week term actually refers to two annual seven day holidays in China; the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) and the National Day holiday, but it's the latter that is more commonly referred to as Golden Week these days.
The week long break is celebrated from October 1st every year, which brings China origin supply chains to a halt, as factories, businesses and public institutions close down.
Before and after each Golden Week, the Chinese create the biggest migration of people on earth, as they travel to and from locations around the globe to spend time with family.
National Day marks the inauguration of the People’s Republic of China on 1st October 1949, which is also celebrated in the country's two special administrative regions, namely Hong Kong and Macau.
The country witnesses patriotic celebrations throughout China during the holiday period, including parades, fireworks, and public festivities, while homes and public places are adorned with national flags.
Golden Week this year runs from Tuesday 1st October to Monday 7th October.
China's massive export production effectively comes to a halt during the holiday. This year, with National Day falling on a Tuesday, factories will likely have stopped work on or by Saturday September 28th.
Every year there is a surge in demand for a week or two ahead of Golden Week, as exporters rush to get orders out ahead of the holiday.
To cater for the dramatic fall off in demand, ocean freight carriers blank (cancel) sailings during and around the Golden Week period, which can result in a reduction in available space before and after the holiday. This year is no different with numerous sailings blanked.
Talk to us about what you need from your logistics specialist to delight your customers.
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