China’s National Day holiday is one of the country’s longest breaks, and while it’s a festive time locally, it can pose big challenges for overseas buyers. With factories shutting down for a full week, businesses risk delays in production and shipping unless preparations are made well in advance.
What Is China’s National Day Holiday?
China National Day falls on October 1st each year, commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The holiday typically lasts 7 days (October 1–7), also known as Golden Week, when most factories, government offices, and logistics providers shut down.
Depending on the calendar, the holiday may sometimes overlap with the Mid-Autumn Festival, further extending closures.
How Does It Affect Production and Shipping?
For overseas businesses sourcing from China, the National Day holiday can have a ripple effect across the supply chain:
-
Factory Closures
All production lines stop for at least a week. Some factories extend the holiday to allow workers more travel time. -
Shipping Backlogs
Orders pile up before and after the holiday, causing congestion at ports and delays in container availability. -
Communication Delays
Most offices, including sales and customer service teams, are unavailable during the holiday period. -
Extended Timelines
Even if your order is finished before the holiday, shipping delays may mean your goods don’t leave port until after operations resume.
National Day Holiday- Factories Closed
Tips to Avoid Disruption
Here’s how you can prepare in advance and minimize risks:
1. Place Orders Early: Confirm production and shipping at least 4–6 weeks before October to secure factory capacity.
2. Approve Designs and Samples in Advance: Avoid last-minute changes in September, as factories will not have time to implement them before closure.
3. Plan Around Overlapping Holidays: Watch for years when National Day coincides with Mid-Autumn Festival, as closures may be longer.
4. Build in Buffer Stock: Keep safety stock on hand to avoid running out of inventory during October.
5. Communicate With Your Suppliers: Ask for holiday schedules from your factories and logistics providers to plan accordingly.
National Day Holiday- Factories Closed
Why Early Planning Matters
Delays in October can create a domino effect—affecting Black Friday, Christmas, or year-end promotional campaigns. For marketers, this could mean missing critical sales windows or failing to deliver seasonal activations on time.
By scheduling production well before the holiday, you’ll avoid costly disruptions and maintain confidence in your supply chain.
Final Thoughts
China’s National Day holiday is an important cultural event, but it can also create bottlenecks in global supply chains. With early planning, clear communication, and the right local partner, you can keep your projects on schedule and avoid unnecessary delays.
At ODM, we assist international clients in preparing for holidays and managing production timelines across China and Vietnam. Contact our team today to secure your orders ahead of Golden Week.
Explore ODM’s Promotional Product Ideas
FAQs: Planning Around China’s National Day Holiday
We know many clients have similar concerns about how the National Day holiday impacts their supply chain. Here are some of the most common questions we receive:
When should I place my orders to avoid delays?
You should confirm production and shipping schedules by August or early September. This ensures factories have enough time to complete your order before the Golden Week shutdown.
Do shipping companies also close during the holiday?
Yes. Customs offices, ports, and trucking services all experience downtime during October 1–7. Expect congestion both before and after the holiday as businesses rush to move goods.
How long do factory closures usually last?
Typically, one week, but some manufacturers extend the break to 10 days or more, especially if the holiday overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Will ODM provide support during the holiday?
While our China office observes the public holiday, our team ensures production timelines and logistics plans are secured in advance. We provide clients with clear schedules so projects continue smoothly.
