How to Celebrate Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ Day recognizes the important work of China’s educators. It’s an opportunity for Chinese schoolchildren to express a meaningful gesture of gratitude to their teachers.

Mark Your Calendars
Teachers’ Day 2024 is September 10, 2024. It takes place every year on September 10.

Here’s a simple guide to the holiday celebrating one of the most historically-respected professions in China.

The Basics

The modern Teachers’ Day was established by the Chinese government in 1985. Though teaching is a historically respected profession in China dating back to Confucius, the government created this holiday in part to reestablish teaching’s prestige after the degradation of intellectual pursuits during the Cultural Revolution.

Teachers’ Day Traditions

Teachers’ Day is celebrated across China, as well as at Chinese schools abroad, with assemblies, ceremonies and speeches. Past that, the holiday can offer a fun opportunity for your children to thank the teachers at their schools, whether Chinese or not.

Be aware that Teachers’ Day has recently been targeted in China’s anti-corruption campaign. In an effort to gain favor with their teachers, some parents in China buy lavish gifts like electronics, cosmetics and gift cards. Stick with simple, sincere tokens of gratitude like handmade cards, flowers or fruit, and you’ll be fine.

When is Teachers’ Day?

Teachers’ Day takes place every year on September 10. There is no time off granted for Teachers’ Day.

Note: China may move Teachers’ Day to September 28 in future years, the day Confucius is believed to have been born some 2,500 years ago. If a current proposal is adopted, China’s Teachers’ Day would then fall on the same date the holiday is celebrated in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Teachers’ Day dates through 2026 are below.

Your turn! Do you have any other questions about celebrating Teachers’ Day? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

HT: Photo by China Daily.