2024 Ultimate Holiday Guide: China, Taiwan, HK & Macau
During public holidays, tourist destinations often experience significant increases in both crowds and prices.For those looking to dodge the crowds and save on travel expenses, choosing to travel during off-peak seasons is a savvy move.
So, how can one make the most of the public holidays in 2024 for a short, yet satisfying trip? This article serves as a practical guide for the public holidays of 2024, offering advice on selecting Airbnb accommodations to help readers plan a hassle-free and economical holiday trip.
2024 Holiday Overview By Region
LetsGetHome presents a comparative overview of the major public holidays across Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau in 2024, aiming to help you strategically plan your vacations to avoid the busiest times.
| Holiday | Mainland China | Taiwan | Hong Kong | Macau |
| New Year's Day | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 | January 1 |
| Spring Festival | February 10-17 | February 8-14 | February 10-13 | February 10-12 |
| 228 Memorial Day | February 28 | |||
| International Women's Day (half-day off) | March 8 | |||
| Youth Day (half-day off) | May 4 | |||
| Tomb Sweeping Day | April 4-6 | April 4 | April 4 | April 4 |
| Children's Day | June 1 | April 5 | ||
| Labor Day | May 1-5 | May 1 | May 1 | May 1 |
| Buddha's Birthday | May 15 | May 15 | ||
| Dragon Boat Festival | June 10 | June 10 | June 10 | June 10 |
| Military Foundation Day (half-day off) | August 1 | |||
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September 15-17 | September 17 | September 18 | September 18 |
| National Day | October 1-7 | October 10 | October 1 | October 1-2 |
| Double Ninth Festival | October 11 | October 11 | ||
| All Souls' Day | November 2 | |||
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | |||
| Macao SAR Establishment Day | December 20 | |||
| Winter Solstice | December 21 | |||
| Christmas | December 25-26 | December 24-25 |
Strategies for Avoiding Peak Holiday Travel
Avoiding peak holiday travel times not only helps steer clear of crowds but can also save money.
Utilize Shoulder Season for Travel
The shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak seasons, often sees lower visitor numbers and costs. For example, March and November are typically shoulder seasons in Taiwan, offering pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s beauty.
Avoid Major Holidays
Based on our holiday comparison, traveling a week or two after the Spring Festival or National Day can effectively avoid travel peaks. For instance, heading to Hong Kong in the second week after the Spring Festival holiday ends can lead to lower accommodation prices and the chance to experience local post-New Year festivities.
Take Advantage of Long Weekends
Long weekends are prime times for short trips but also coincide with travel peaks. Departing a day before or after a long weekend can help avoid peak travel times. For example, using the Tomb Sweeping Day long weekend and returning on the last day of the holiday can usually secure cheaper transport and accommodation options.
How to Select Your Airbnb Accommodations?
Selecting the right Airbnb can enhance your travel experience and help you stay within budget. Look for highly-rated listings, use filters to find great deals, and consider the location for convenience.
Tips for Getting Economical Airbnb Accommodations
1. Book in Advance
Booking accommodations for peak periods ahead of time is crucial. For instance, booking an Airbnb two to three months in advance for China’s Golden Week can secure better prices.
2. Utilize Airbnb’s “Special Offers” Filter
Airbnb sometimes offers accommodations at special prices. For example, using the “Special Offers” filter for long-term stays in Hong Kong can find listings with weekly or monthly discounts, significantly saving on accommodation costs.
3. Consider Shared Listings
For solo travelers or those seeking budget accommodations, booking a shared listing might be a good option. In Taiwan or Macau, choosing a place that offers a private room but shared common spaces can be more affordable and also provide opportunities to interact with locals or other travelers.
LetsGetHome: Your Flexible Hong Kong Housing Platform
Maximizing your holiday enjoyment isn't just about choosing the right time to travel but also booking accommodations early and planning your itinerary carefully.
LetsGetHome's holiday calendar is a great resource for planning, offering a platform for both short-term rentals and those looking to experience a gap year in Hong Kong.
Property owners interested in Airbnb should note the licensing requirements in Hong Kong to avoid legal issues. Whether it's for long-term or short-term rental, LetsGetHome can assist with professional real estate services and online exposure to get ahead in the rental market. Sign up now!
