Business Hours in China

In China, most organizations follow a five-day workweek. According to the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China, standard working hours should not exceed 8 hours per day and 44 hours per week. However, actual business hours may vary depending on the industry, city, and local customs.

General Working Hours in China

The regular working days in China are Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

Most people work between 08:00 and 18:00, and a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00 is common. In some regions, working hours may start later. For example, in Xinjiang, offices usually begin work at 09:00 or 10:00 due to its geographical location and local lifestyle.

Working Hours of Chinese Companies and Government Offices

Companies

Chinese companies usually adopt one of the following schedules:

  • 08:00 – 17:00
  • 08:30 – 17:30
  • 09:00 – 18:00

Government Offices

Government institutions typically operate from 09:00 to 17:00, with a one-hour lunch break. They are closed on weekends.

Business Hours of Hospitals, Banks, and Post Offices

  • Hospitals
    • Outpatient departments are generally open from 08:30 to 17:00
    • Emergency rooms and first-aid centers operate 24 hours a day
  • Banks & Post Offices
    • Most branches are open daily
    • Typical hours range from 08:30 to 16:30 or 17:00
    • On weekends, services may be limited to personal transactions only

Shops, Restaurants, and Hotels in China

  • Shopping Malls & Supermarkets
    • Open every day, including public holidays
    • Common hours: 09:00 – 21:30
  • Restaurants & Bars
    • Usually open from around 10:00 until late night
    • In major cities, some operate until early morning or 24 hours
  • Hotels
    • Provide 24-hour service for guests

Transportation Facilities and Public Transport Hours

  • Airports & Coach Stations
    • Open according to flight and bus schedules
    • Some service counters may close earlier, around 21:00–22:00
  • Railway Stations
    • Open 24 hours
    • Services such as left-luggage counters usually close between 20:00 and 23:00
  • Public Buses & Taxis
    • Most city buses run until 21:00–23:00
    • Large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer night buses
    • Taxis operate 24 hours, but can be hard to find during rush hours
      (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00)

Business Hours During Chinese Public Holidays

In addition to weekends, China observes several national holidays, including:

  • Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
  • Qingming Festival
  • Labor Day (May 1st)
  • Dragon Boat Festival
  • Mid-Autumn Festival
  • National Day
  • New Year’s Day

Among them, Chinese New Year has the greatest impact on business hours. Although the official holiday lasts three days, many businesses close for a longer period. During this time, most offices shut down, while essential services such as transportation, banks, tourism services, and hospitals remain partially operational.

Travel Tip

If you plan to travel in China during public holidays, it is strongly recommended to check business hours in advance, especially for banks, post offices, and government offices, to avoid inconvenience.

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