Golden Week is not just another public holiday if you’re shipping from China. It can seriously disrupt your supply chain. To avoid delays, consider Chinese local holidays when planning international shipments.
What is Golden Week in China?
Golden Week in China is a national holiday that marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China. During this week, millions travel to visit family, take vacations, and join large-scale celebrations. It’s a massive boost for tourism and retail but a significant pause button for manufacturing and logistics.
When is Golden Week in China?
China’s Golden Week begins every year on October 1 and usually runs through October 7. It celebrates National Day and is one of the longest public holidays in the country. In some years, like Golden Week in China 2025, the break may be extended as it overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival, depending on the lunar calendar.
Golden Week in China: Impact on Shipping
From October 1 to 7, most factories shut down, warehouses cleared out, and transportation services stopped operating or became significantly more expensive.
The real pressure begins well before the holiday. By early to mid-September, manufacturers rush to complete production while importers compete to move their goods before the break. This surge creates tight space availability, limited trucking options, and rising freight rates.
Carriers often apply Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). They also announce General Rate Increases (GRI) on the spot and FAK (Freight of All Kinds) shipments. These steps help manage capacity and increase profitability.
During Golden Week, port operations slowed dramatically due to labor shortages. It leads to blank sailings, rolled cargo, and longer transit times. Even after the holiday ends, backlogs can persist, delaying shipments well into the following weeks.
If you rely on suppliers in China, early planning is crucial. Book cargo at least four to five weeks in advance, secure space early, and stay in close contact with your freight forwarder to keep things on track.
Strategies to Mitigate Golden Week Disruptions
Book early
For ocean freight, lock in space at least 3–4 weeks before Golden Week. Air freight? Aim for 1–2 weeks in advance. The earlier you book, the better your shot at avoiding rolled cargo or blank sailings.
Share your forecast
If you’re working with a freight forwarder, flag priority shipments and communicate which cargo can afford a longer transit time.
Stay flexible
If direct routes are unavailable, explore alternate ports or slower services with more space. Airsupply offers adaptive shipping strategies designed to match your deadlines and budget.
Use reliable suppliers
Don’t gamble on vendors who can’t deliver under pressure. During Golden Week, consistency wins over low prices.
Plan for the ripple effect
Holiday congestion doesn’t stop when the calendar flips. Expect delays to continue after October 7. Build in extra lead time and avoid tight timelines in the following weeks.
- Labor Day: May 1–5, 2025
- Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6, 2025
- National Day Golden Week: October 1–7, 2025
- Lunar New Year: February 16–March 3, 2026
Note: These dates are based on the lunar calendar and can change yearly.
Partner with ASLG for a Smoother Peak Season
Golden Week in China can challenge even the most prepared supply chains, but you don’t have to face it alone. ASLG specializes in international shipping from China with extensive experience navigating the disruptions caused by holiday slowdowns.
Our team helps you plan, book early, and minimize surprises during this high-demand season. Whether you need full-container solutions, expedited air shipments, or flexible multimodal options, ASLG keeps your cargo moving, even when operations slow across the country.
We leverage relationships with trusted suppliers and carriers to secure space during peak periods. Our proactive approach and real-time tracking ensure you’re always in the loop, from origin to destination.
