China marks 77th National Day as Golden Week holiday begins

Why it matters

China's National Day is one of the dates overseas Chinese communities watch most closely. This year's anniversary coincides with official manufacturing data returning to expansion and targeted financial support from policymakers.

Oct. 1, 2026 marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the start of the week-long National Day “Golden Week” holiday (Oct. 1–7) — traditionally the year's peak for domestic travel, tourism, shopping and cultural activity.

On Sept. 30, official data showed the September manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rising to 50.1 from 49.8 in August — back above the 50 expansion threshold after two months below it. A separate private survey also pointed to stronger factory activity.

The People's Bank of China said it would conduct overnight reverse-repurchase operations from Sept. 28 through Oct. 8, of up to 1 trillion yuan per day, to keep banking-system liquidity adequate during the holiday period. Mainland markets are closed through Oct. 7.

Sources: NewsNation Online; National Bureau of Statistics of China (PMI data).