# holidays

China’s Expanding Holidays Expose a Deeper Problem: More Days Off Don’t Fix Weak Incomes

China’s decision to extend the 2026 Spring Festival to nine days signals a possible trend toward longer statutory holidays. Yet analysts warn that more days off will not translate into sustained consumption or well‑being unless workers have higher, more secure incomes and enforceable rest rights; otherwise many new leaves will remain “paper” benefits and tourism gains will be diluted.