Every year on October 1st, China celebrates its National Day (国庆节, Guó qìng Jié). Streets are filled with red flags, families travel across the country, and major landmarks light up with festive displays.
National Day also marks the start of Golden Week, one of the busiest travel times in China. If you‘re not prepared, you might find yourself stuck in long lines, confused by customs, or unsure what to say in the middle of the celebration.
Don‘t worry — with the right phrases and cultural tips, you can enjoy National Day like a local instead of just a tourist.
Here‘s your step-by-step guide.
1. Greeting People During the Holiday
On National Day, it‘s common to greet friends, colleagues, or even strangers with cheerful wishes.
✅ What to do: Use short, warm greetings that show you know the occasion.
Useful Phrases:
Guó qìng kuài lè!
国庆快乐！
Happy National Day!
Zhù nǐ jià qī yú kuài!
祝你假期愉快！
Wish you a happy holiday!
Wán dé kāi xīn!
玩得开心！
Have fun!
Pro tip: A simple “Guó qìng kuài lè” with a smile works everywhere — from taxis to restaurants.
2. Traveling During Golden Week
Golden Week is famous for crowds. Trains, flights, and attractions sell out quickly.
✅ What to do: Book early, travel off-peak, and learn quick travel phrases to get help when things are packed.
Useful Phrases:
Hái yǒu piào ma?
还有票吗？
Are there still tickets?
Yào pái duì ma?
要排队吗？
Do I need to line up?
Zhè lǐ rén tài duō le!
这里人太多了！
There are too many people here!
Shén me shí hòu kāi shǐ?
什么时候开始？
When does it start?
Pro tip: Avoid traveling on October 1st and October 7th — those are the busiest days.
3. Watching Parades and Fireworks
In Beijing, the big military parade happens every 10 years, but most cities host light shows, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks.
✅ What to do: Arrive early, respect the crowd, and know how to express excitement naturally.
Useful Phrases:
Tài zhuàng guān le!
太壮观了！
So spectacular!
Zhēn piào liang!
真漂亮！
So beautiful!
Wǒ kě yǐ pāi zhào ma?
我可以拍照吗？
Can I take a photo?
Zhè lǐ néng zhàn ma?
这里能站吗？
Can I stand here?
Pro tip: If you‘re at Tian‘anmen Square for the flag-raising, get there before sunrise — it gets extremely crowded.
4. Eating and Celebrating with Locals
Many families gather for festive meals during the holiday, similar to a family reunion. If you‘re invited, it‘s a chance to connect.
✅ What to do: Bring a small gift (like fruit or tea), compliment the food, and use simple polite phrases.
Useful Phrases:
Zhēn hǎo chī !
真好吃！
So delicious!
Xiè xiè nǐ de zhāo dài.
谢谢你的招待。
Thank you for hosting me.
Lái, gān bēi!
来，干杯！
Cheers!
Jiā rén yī qǐ hěn rè nào!
家人一起很热闹！
It‘s so lively with family together!
Pro tip: Always try a little of every dish offered — it shows respect and appreciation.
Celebrate Golden Week Like a Local
China’s National Day isn’t just a holiday — it’s a week of travel, parades, family meals, and national pride. With just a few easy phrases, you can greet people warmly, survive the crowds, and join in the celebrations naturally, instead of standing on the sidelines as a tourist.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers go beyond vocabulary lists. We teach you the real phrases and cultural tips you’ll need for moments like these — from saying “Guó qìng kuài lè!” to joining a family toast with confidence.
📩 Book your free 1-on-1 trial class today, and make your next Golden Week more than sightseeing — make it a chance to truly connect in Chinese.
Quiz : Someone greets you on October 1st with a smile. What’s the most natural response?
A. 谢谢你的招待！(Xiè xiè nǐ de zhāo dài! – Thank you for hosting me!)
B. 国庆快乐！(Guó qìng kuài lè! – Happy National Day!)
C. 这里人太多了！(Zhè lǐ rén tài duō le! – There are too many people here!)
Comment your answer below!
Answer: B. 国庆快乐！
✔️ This is the standard, natural greeting locals use.
❌ A is understandable but not common.
❌ C is polite but sounds more formal.