Suzhou Expat - The expatriate portal in China

Public Holidays

• New Years Day - January 1st.
• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) - date varies late January to early February
  
• International Woman's Day - March 8th. (woman only)
• Labour Day - May 1st.
• National Youth Day - May 4th (for people up to age 28)
• International Children's Day - June 1st.
  
• National Day - October. 1st. to 3rd.

Festivals

The Spring Festival

Far and away the most important holiday in China is Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. To the Chinese people it is as important as Christmas to people to the West. The dates for this annual celebration are determined by the lunar calendar rather the Gregorian calendar, so the timing of the holiday varies from late January to early February. 

Duanwu - A Day in Memory of a Patriotic Poet

The 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar year is an important day for the Chinese people. The day called "Duan Wu" (meaning Day of the Right Mid-Day) is celebrated everywhere in China. this unique Chinese celebration dates back to earliest times and a number of legends explain its orgin.

The Mid-Autumn Festival 

On the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the moon is round and the Chinese people mark their Moon (or Mid-autumn) Festival. The round shape to a Chinese means family reunion. Therefore te Moon Festival is a holiday for members if a family to get together whereever it is possible.

Chongyang Festival

The Chongyang Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, so it is also known as the Double Ninth Festival.

Pneumonia and Infuenza are common in Suzhou Area's. There is also a limited risk of Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio, Tuberculosis, Tetanus and Rabies. During the hot seasons it's recommended to use mosquito nets, sprays and wear clothing that covers your entire body to protect you from irritating mosquito bites.

Vaccination

There is no compulsory vaccination when entering China. However it is advisable to be immunized against Tetanus, Typhoid, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A and B. Maybe also opt for the Rabies and Japanese Encephelitis vaccination.

Hygiene

Toilets in China are not very hygienic and it is best to avoid public toilets unless in a case of emergency.
The most acceptable public toilets are in good hotels and restauants.

When buying food and vegetables check the expiry date and wash the fruits and vegetables before eating them.

The tap water is not suitable for drinking. Drinkable water may be provided at a few of the best hotels, but better is not to drink tap water. Boiled water is sometimes offered in thermo bottles in hotel rooms but you also need to make sure this is fresh. Bootled mineral water are sold for around 2-3 Yuan, and is widely available in stores, restaurants and street kiosks.