For any traveller, no matter your nationality or destination, there is no question that wherever you go, people are very proud of where they come from and wear it as a badge of honor.
For a business professional, gaining insight into what drives that loyal patriotism is invaluable. When you can effortlessly demonstrate your knowledge of someone’s home country, it serves as an incredibly powerful relationship-building tool. It can improve rapport, increase sales, and can even avoid major disruptions to your business.
When the country in question has around 1.4 billion inhabitants, this is especially important. China is a business and economic superpower in its own right and possesses a holiday calendar that bears almost no resemblance to that of most other countries.
Unlike Judeo-Christian holidays such as Easter or Christmas, China’s holiday calendar is rooted in both centuries-old agrarian roots and modern nationhood.
Dates for many of the holidays change annually, based upon the celestial calendar. Therefore, make sure you mark these important dates each year to stay on top of them.
Here’s your guide to understanding the Chinese holidays:
January: Yuán Dán (New Year’s Day)
While China’s zodiac New Year celebration doesn’t occur until February, the Chinese still recognisethe international holiday of New Year’s Day. Since the rest of the world and its businesses are closed, China follows suit for three days. Smaller celebrations are held throughout the country, though they cannot hold a candle to the celebration or significance of the national New Year celebrated the following month.
February: Chun Jié (Chinese New Year)
The Chinese New Year, celebrated in accordance with the Chinese zodiac calendar, is quite different to the New Year celebrated on the 31st of January by much of the West. Each New Year ushers in a time symbolised by one of 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac, or “Sheng Xiao.” Because each of the 12 animals hold different meanings, it is wise to research this holiday each year. For more specific information on the Chinese New Year, review our 2016 article on the Year of the Monkey here [link]. As a general rule, do not plan to conduct Chinese business during this time.
April: Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day)
A three-day festival, Qingming is a time for the Chinese people appreciate the outdoors, taking stock of the greenery and fresh blossoms of spring. It is also an important time for honoring ancestors by cleaning and attending to their tombs. Usually falling in early April (the date also deriving from the celestial calendar), Qingming is a solemn and private period for the Chinese. It’s impact on business is minimal, at best, though keep in mind some key decision-makers may be away from the office for a day or two.
May: Láo Dóng Jié (Labor Day or Mayday)
This Chinese holiday follows much of the West and is a three-day period starting May 1st each year. It doesn’t have any major cultural significance to the Chinese, but assume that key decision-makers and executives may take one or two days’ worth of holiday on either side of the date.
June: Duan Wu (Dragon Boat Festival)
The Dragon Boat Festival is a Chinese holiday honouring an ancient poet, Qu Yuan, and celebrates the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. For this holiday, traditional dragon-shaped boats race on nearby waterways. While Duan Wu is waning in popularity these days, do not be surprised if you find a number of people off work, especially if they’re participating with racing teams over this three-day holiday.
September: Zhong qiu (Mid-Autumn Festival)
This holiday celebrates the triad of interlinked Chinese principles of prayer; thanksgiving and gratitude; and the gathering of family. Zhong qiu holds a significant personal importance to the Chinese people and is honored on a similar level to that of the New Year celebration in February. If you must conduct pressing business in September, it is wise to conduct it 10 days before or after this holiday.
October: Guó Qíng Jié (China National Day)
Chinese National Day is celebrated annually on October 1st. On this date in 1949, chairman Mao Zedong officially proclaimed the state of the People's Republic of China while standing at Tian'anmen Gate. Goodwill gestures, such as businesses taking out full-page magazine advertising spreads to wish people well, are common. During this time, there is no business for roughly seven days, so don’t make any arrangements for the first week in October.
Considering global sourcing from China?
Increasingly, the huge potential savings on offer mean more businesses than ever are establishing supply chains in, and sourcing globally from countries such as China.
If you’re considering becoming one of them, but want to work with a business that has a local presence in this important country, contact us for a QuickLook Analysis today and find out how much money sourcing globally could save your business.
