China: National Day public holiday observance to take place nationwide Oct. 1

China will observe National Day Oct. 1, commemorating the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Official events will likely focus on Tiananmen Square and other prominent sites in Beijing. In addition to widespread business and bank closures Oct. 1, extended holidays Oct. 1-7 will prompt significant travel disruptions nationwide as millions of people move around the country, with compensating work days designated Sept. 29 and Oct. 12.

Heavy police presence is likely in the capital and in Hong Kong ahead of the holiday. Security will be especially tight near event venues, government buildings, shopping malls, and transportation hubs. The tightest security in Hong Kong is likely in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Admiralty, and Causeway Bay districts. Police will probably require pedestrians to pass through security checkpoints near Tiananmen Square, and plainclothes and uniformed officers may conduct random checks. During the holiday, heightened security measures are also likely in other cities, especially around monuments, politically sensitive landmarks, and transport hubs. Police may enforce road closures around event venues such as Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue in Beijing and Victoria Harbour, Golden Bauhinia Square, and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong; localized transport disruptions are highly likely. Increased petty crime is possible across China, especially in crowded tourist areas and transport hubs.

Small protests cannot be ruled out in urban centers Oct. 1, particularly outside government petition offices in provincial capitals. Demonstrations are also possible in Hong Kong, especially around the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government; however, security personnel will probably move swiftly to disperse any demonstrations that materialize and may resort to the use of force.

Transport disruptions and increased congestion are likely, as the surge in travelers could overwhelm rail, bus, and air networks. Checkpoints Torugart-Avtodorozhny and Irkeshtam-Avtodorozhnyon on the China-Kyrgyzstan land border will be closed Oct. 1-3. Many people will elect to drive private vehicles, causing significant traffic delays on national and regional highways, especially on days immediately surrounding the holiday. Road closures will occur ahead of and during official celebrations. Subway station closures are also possible. While significant transport delays are unlikely in Hong Kong and Macau, increased congestion will probably occur at event venues such as Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong International (HKG) and Macau International (MFM) airports, border checkpoints with mainland China, and on ferries.