Not So Golden Week In China?

Saturday is National Day In China, which commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The day is also the start of Golden Week, a seven day national holiday for the Chinese public from 1st-7th October, where shops, factories and businesses are closed down.

Each year, China effectively has two Golden Weeks, with the other following Chinese New Year. Traditionally during these periods, millions of people travel to be with their families in the biggest migrations of people on the planet.

However, since the pandemic, these weeks have been marred by lockdowns and restrictions, as China remains the only major country yet to reopen.

The zero tolerance approach to the disease means it is continuing with strict case tracing, quarantines and mask wearing policies. Rigid restrictions are in place during the holiday and there have been calls from health officials for people to stay put

The number of travellers is expected to be down on last year’s number by up to a third.