Golden Week, a holiday period celebrated in several East Asian countries, originating in China, has positive effects on society and the economy. It marks China's National Day, commemorating the country's founding on October 1st, 1949, following the Chinese Communist Party's victory in the Civil War. Golden Week boosts consumer spending, domestic tourism, and cultural experiences, benefiting sectors like retail, hospitality, and transportation. This holiday holds cultural and social significance, symbolizing national pride, unity, and shared achievements. It fosters family reunions, strengthening bonds. Golden Week also impacts the tourism industry, with millions traveling within their countries and abroad, supporting related businesses and creating jobs. In Japan, Golden Week includes Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day, offering workers about a week off. It's a time for traditions, family, and cultural festivals, attracting tourists to destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo. South Korea's Chuseok is a harvest festival, allowing families to honor ancestors and promote domestic tourism. In Taiwan, Double Ten National Day showcases culture with parades and fireworks. Golden Week enriches East Asian cultures, leaving lasting impressions on locals and visitors, fostering appreciation for their heritage.

1. Golden Week: A Celebration of Culture,
Travel, and Economic Boost
Time Printer
October 07, 2023
Golden Week: Embracing Culture, Travel, and
Economic Growth
Golden Week, a term associated with several countries in East Asia, is a holiday period known
for extended breaks, increased tourism, and lively celebrations. Originating in China, Golden
Week has expanded to other nations, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Golden Week
is primarily celebrated through government policies aimed at boosting the domestic tourism
industry and enhancing the overall quality of life in the country. It also serves as a time for people
to embark on extended journeys to visit distant family members.
Golden Week in China is a week-long holiday from October 1 to 7 each year. It starts on China's
National Day, which marks the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. During this
time, most people in China take time off work, and it's a popular time for travel and family visits.
This article explores the origins of Golden Week, its positive impact on the social and economic
fronts, its significance in each country, and its influence on tourism in China, Japan, South Korea,
and Taiwan.
Tenth National Day Celebration
Origin of Golden Week:

2. Golden Week finds its roots in the National Day of the People's Republic of China, which
commemorates the founding of the country on October 1st, 1949. National Day, officially known
as the National Day of the People's Republic of China, is a special public holiday in China
celebrated every year on October 1st. It marks an important event in China's history when Mao
Zedong officially declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1,
1949. This declaration followed the Chinese Communist Party's victory in the Chinese Civil War,
which led to the Republic of China retreating to Taiwan, and the birth of the People's Republic of
China.
Even though it is officially on October 1st, this holiday is extended to a total of seven days, which
includes the two weekends around October 1st. This extended break is commonly referred to as
Golden Week.
Positive Effects on Socio-Economy:
Golden Week has a substantial and positive impact on the social and economic aspects of the
countries where it is observed. This extended holiday period serves as a catalyst for increased
consumer spending, promotes domestic tourism, and enriches cultural experiences. It offers
individuals a chance to discover their own nation, explore tourist destinations, and engage in
diverse events and festivals. The upsurge in consumer spending during Golden Week
significantly bolsters economic growth, leading to notable benefits in sectors such as retail,
hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.
East Asia
Importance of Golden Week:
Golden Week holds significant importance in the cultural and social tapestry of the nations that
observe it. It symbolises national pride, unity, and the accomplishments of each country. This
holiday period enables people to reconnect with their heritage, contemplate cultural customs, and

3. value the shared history and principles that unite their communities. It also serves as a time for
family gatherings, reinforcing connections and forging cherished memories.
Golden Week and Tourism:
Golden Week has a significant impact on the tourism industry. During this period, millions of
people travel within their own country or venture abroad. Both domestic and international tourists
use the extended break to explore new destinations, immerse themselves in local traditions, and
experience diverse cultures. The surge in tourists during Golden Week provides a boost to
businesses related to tourism, creates job opportunities, and stimulates economic growth in the
tourism sector.
Great Wall of China
Golden Week in China:
In China, Golden Week stands out as the most important holiday period of the year. It involves a
massive migration of people, both within the country and internationally. Chinese tourists explore
well-known domestic attractions like the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army, and the
picturesque landscapes of Guilin. Many also opt to travel abroad, making a significant
contribution to the global tourism industry.
During China's eight-day Golden Week holiday, inbound and outbound trips increased
significantly, reaching 85% of pre-pandemic levels which ended on 6th October, 2023. The
National Immigration Administration reported an average of 1.477 million passenger trips per day
during this extended holiday, driven by the overlap of the Mid-Autumn festival and the National
Day holiday.
This rebound in travel is a positive sign for tourism-related businesses globally, as Chinese
tourists were among the biggest spenders abroad before the pandemic, with spending totaling
$255 billion in 2019. Additionally, spending on domestic trips during the holiday exceeded

4. pre-pandemic levels, averaging 911.6 yuan per trip, and travellers made 826 million trips within
mainland China, up 71.3% from the previous year.
The logistics industry faces challenges during Golden Week due to reduced staff at ports and
factories, leading to potential delays in production and shipments. The rush before Golden Week
strains logistics services, causing high demand and limited space, often resulting in cargo
delivery delays. Companies unprepared for Golden Week may experience logistical gridlock,
emphasizing the importance of advanced planning. After Golden Week, shipping companies
reduce capacity, affecting routes to Europe and North America, highlighting the ongoing issue of
overcapacity.
Golden Week in Japan:
Golden Week in Japan is a special time with a cluster of national holidays at the end of April and
the beginning of May, allowing many workers to enjoy about a week off. It begins with Showa
Day on April 29, followed by Constitution Memorial Day on May 3, and Children's Day on May 5.
May 4 is also a holiday in between.
It is a time when Japanese people embrace their traditions, visit family graves, and participate in
cultural festivals like the Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka and the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo. Popular
tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagasaki and Hiroshima experience a surge in visitors
during this period, making it a prime time for tourism-related businesses.
The term "Golden Week" originated from movie companies encouraging people to watch films
during this opportunity. It has since been widely adopted to refer to this holiday period.
Hakata Dontaku
During Golden Week, many factories shut down for a week or more to avoid frequent stops and
starts due to clustered holidays and weekends. Offices often remain open, but employees often

5. use their paid vacations for an extended break. The pleasant weather during this time makes it a
popular period for travel to both domestic resort areas and foreign destinations with family.
Golden Week in South Korea:
South Korea's Golden Week, known as Chuseok, is a harvest festival that usually falls in
September or October. It is a time for Koreans to pay homage to their ancestors, prepare and
share traditional food, and engage in traditional activities such as folk dancing and wrestling.
Chuseok presents an opportunity for Koreans to reconnect with their cultural heritage and
promote domestic tourism.
Chuseok, known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is among the most significant and extended
holidays in Korea, spanning three consecutive days. During this time, family members, whether
near or distant, gather to share meals, exchange stories, and express gratitude to their
ancestors.
While Golden Week in South Korea is not an official holiday or term used to describe a specific
holiday period like it is in China or Japan. However, Chuseok similarly considers Golden Week is
celebrated in South Korea like Japan and China.
Korea Chuseok
Golden Week in Taiwan:
Taiwan's Golden Week, called "Double Ten National Day," occurs from October 10th to October
14th. It commemorates the establishment of the Republic of China and ignites patriotic
sentiments among Taiwanese citizens. During this time, Taiwan showcases its rich cultural
heritage through parades, fireworks, and performances. Domestic and international tourists flock
to popular destinations like Taipei, Jiufen, and Kenting to witness the festivities.
Conclusion:

6. Golden Week is a notable holiday period with its origins in China, but it has expanded to other
East Asian countries. It brings about positive impacts on the social and economic fronts, holds
cultural significance, and significantly influences tourism. Whether it's the grand celebrations in
China, cultural immersion in Japan, ancestral traditions in South Korea, or patriotic fervour in
Taiwan, Golden Week highlights the diversity and vitality of East Asian cultures. As this annual
event continues to thrive, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both residents and visitors,
nurturing a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of these nations.