Labour Day (劳动节) in China, also known as International Workers' Day, is is a national public holiday that honors the contributions of workers and promotes the dignity of labor.

Table of Contents

1. When is Labour Day?
2. The History of Labour Day
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. National May 1st Labour Medal

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st every year. In China, Labour Day typically involves a 3 – 5 day holiday, allowing for travel and leisure activities.

The following is the list of Labour Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Labour Day

Labour Day has been observed in China since the early 20th century, rooted in global labor movements and China's own struggle for workers' rights.

The idea of International Workers' Day reached China in the early 20th century, influenced by socialist and communist ideals spreading worldwide. Chinese intellectuals and activists brought attention to workers' rights and organized labor movements inspired by the global struggles for fair wages and better working conditions.

The earliest Labour Day events in China occurred around 1920, organized by socialist groups to promote workers' solidarity and awareness of labor issues. These celebrations often included speeches, parades, and demonstrations advocating for labor rights.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Labour Day was officially designated a public holiday to honor the working class. Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, workers were celebrated as the backbone of the nation, in line with socialist ideology.

During the early years of Communist China, May 1st was marked by large-scale parades in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. After the economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping, the nature of Labour Day celebrations began to shift. While workers remained a central focus, the day also became an occasion for leisure and tourism, reflecting China's growing middle class and consumer culture.

In 1999, Labour Day was expanded into a week-long holiday known as Golden Week to boost domestic tourism and the economy, and millions of people traveled during this period.

In 2008, the government reduced the Labour Day holiday from a week to a 1 – 3 day break, redistributing holidays to other traditional festivals like the Qingming Festival and Dragon Boat Festival.

Labour Day is still celebrated as a public holiday, with some workers honored for their achievements. The day has become less politically focused, with many people using the time off for leisure.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Labour Day in China, people engage in various activities that reflect both the holiday's original purpose of honoring workers and its modern role as a time for leisure and celebration.

The government or organizations honor outstanding workers, often referred to as model workers (劳模), for their contributions to society or their workplaces. Ceremonies and public acknowledgment take place at local or national levels.

Labour Day is one of the busiest travel periods in China, as many people take advantage of the holiday to visit family or tourist attractions. Major cities and tourist spots often experience heavy crowds during this period. For those not traveling, the holiday is often spent relaxing at home, engaging in hobbies.

Families and friends enjoy outings such as hiking and nature walks, especially with spring in full bloom.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms hold massive sales promotions, making Labour Day a key shopping season, similar to Black Friday in Western countries.

While Labour Day retains its historical significance, the focus for many people has shifted toward leisure and recreation. The day serves as a welcome break from work, allowing workers to recharge and enjoy time with loved ones. For those in service or tourism industries, however, Labour Day can be one of the busiest times of the year.

National May 1st Labour Medal

The National May 1st Labour Medal (全国五一劳动奖章) is one of the highest honors awarded to workers and organizations in China. It is presented in recognition of exceptional contributions to the country's economic and social development.

Established in 1950 by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), the award was created to commemorate International Workers' Day (May 1st) and celebrate outstanding contributions by workers across China.

The selection process of the National May 1st Labour Medal has three steps:
– Nomination: Candidates are nominated by their workplaces or local governments.
– Review: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions conducts a thorough review to ensure nominees meet the criteria.
– Approval: Final approvals are made at the national level, and winners are announced prior to May 1st.

The medals are typically awarded during ceremonies organized to coincide with Labour Day celebrations. The award is a symbol of respect and gratitude for workers and their contributions to society.