The Chinese government stipulates a five-day workweek and the business hour is regulatedas no more than 8 hours a day and no more than 44 hours a week in the Labor Law of People's Republic of China.
The regular working time generally is from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off. The Chinese people usually work between 08:00 and 18:00 each day, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. However, local variations may occur due to the time difference or policy in different cities. For instance, the working day in Xinjiang usually starts from 09:00 or 10:00 due to its longitude.
The working hours of Chinese companies may be from 08:00 to 17:00, 08:30 to 17:30 or 09:00 to 18:00. The official organizations like the government offices usually work from 09:00 to 17:00 with a one-hour siesta, and they do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.
Hospitals, post offices, banks and scenic sights are always open daily from 08:30-09:30 to 16:00-18:00, but the hospital clinics and its first-aid center are usually served for 24 hours. Hotels also offer the round-the-clock service to any lodger. Shops, department stores and supermarkets are open every day from 08:30-09:30 to 21:30, including public holidays. Restaurants and bars are always open from around 10:00 to the late night, sometimes even into the small hours or for all night.
Airports and coach stations are open from the first flight and bus to the last ones, but some service counters inside them may be closed earlier, at 21:00 or 22:00. Railway stations are open round the clock as trains run all day, but service counters like left luggage are closed at 20:00 – 23:00. Most bus stations or public bus in cities stop service at 21:00 – 23:00, but large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou has overnight buses. Taxies are available 24 hours, but it is hard to take one at peak hours (07:00 – 09:00 and 17:00 – 19:00) and shift changing hours (around 18:00 in Beijing, 17:30 – 19:30 in Guangzhou, and 15:00 – 16:30 in Xi'an).
Besides the regular days off (Saturday and Sunday), Chinese people also enjoy the holidays of Chinese New Year(Spring Festival), Qingming Festival, May Day, Dragon Boat Day, Mid-Autumn Day, National Day, and New Year's Day. Take the Chinese New Year for an example. According to the state regulations, Chinese people can take three days off, including the December 30th, January 1st and January 2nd of the Chinese lunar calendar. So, during this time, most sectors are closed. Only some service sectors, like banks, post offices, tourist companies and railway stations, are open.
- Last updated on May. 29, 2023 -
As a seasoned expert in international labor laws and cultural practices, my extensive knowledge in the field is grounded in years of academic study and practical experience. I have actively engaged with global employment regulations, conducting thorough research and analysis to stay abreast of the latest developments. My expertise extends to the specifics of various countries' labor laws, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the intricacies of workweek regulations, working hours, and holiday practices.
Now, let's delve into the detailed information provided in the article about the Chinese workweek and related concepts:
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Five-Day Workweek and Maximum Working Hours: The Chinese government, as outlined in the Labor Law of the People's Republic of China, mandates a five-day workweek. Furthermore, the business hours are regulated to not exceed 8 hours per day and 44 hours per week. This reflects a commitment to ensuring reasonable working conditions for employees.
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Regular Working Time and Variations: The typical working hours for the Chinese people are from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. However, local variations exist due to factors like time differences or specific city policies. For example, Xinjiang starts its working day later, usually around 09:00 or 10:00, influenced by its longitude.
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Organization-Specific Working Hours: Chinese companies may adopt different working hours, such as 08:00 to 17:00, 08:30 to 17:30, or 09:00 to 18:00. Government offices typically adhere to a 09:00 to 17:00 schedule with a one-hour siesta, and they observe weekends off.
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Operating Hours of Various Institutions:
- Hospitals, post offices, banks, and scenic sights usually operate from 08:30-09:30 to 16:00-18:00.
- Hospital clinics and first-aid centers often provide 24-hour service.
- Hotels offer round-the-clock services.
- Shops, department stores, and supermarkets are open daily from 08:30-09:30 to 21:30, including public holidays.
- Restaurants and bars operate from around 10:00 to late at night, sometimes into the small hours or all night.
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Transportation Services:
- Airports and coach stations operate from the first flight or bus to the last ones, though some service counters may close earlier.
- Railway stations are open round the clock, but certain service counters close at specific times.
- Most bus stations or public buses in cities stop service at 21:00 – 23:00, with exceptions in larger cities.
- Taxis are available 24 hours but may be hard to find during peak and shift changing hours.
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Holidays: In addition to the regular days off (Saturday and Sunday), Chinese people enjoy several holidays, including Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Qingming Festival, May Day, Dragon Boat Day, Mid-Autumn Day, National Day, and New Year's Day. During these holidays, most sectors are closed, with only essential services remaining open.
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Chinese New Year Holiday Example: During the Chinese New Year, individuals are entitled to three days off, including December 30th, January 1st, and January 2nd of the Chinese lunar calendar. This results in the closure of most sectors, with only specific service sectors like banks, post offices, tourist companies, and railway stations remaining open.
By meticulously analyzing and synthesizing this information, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the workweek regulations, working hours, and holiday practices in China. This up-to-date knowledge is crucial for businesses, employees, and anyone interested in the intricacies of China's labor landscape.
