Is There a Toll-Free Period on Highways During the Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday?
2 Answers
Highways will charge tolls as usual during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, with no toll-free policy. The toll-free periods for seven-seat and below small passenger vehicles on highways throughout the year are as follows: 1. Spring Festival. According to the lunar calendar, it starts at 00:00 on New Year's Eve and ends at 24:00 on the sixth day of the first lunar month, lasting 7 days. 2. Qingming Festival. It starts at 00:00 on April 5th and ends at 24:00 on April 7th, lasting 3 days. 3. May Day Labor Holiday. It starts at 00:00 on April 29th and ends at 24:00 on May 1st, lasting 3 days. 4. National Day. It starts at 00:00 on October 1st and ends at 24:00 on October 7th, lasting 7 days.
Well, as a seasoned driver who frequently travels on highways, I can confirm that expressways are indeed tolled during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. China's toll-free expressway policy only applies to the four major holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day. Although Mid-Autumn Festival is also a long holiday, it doesn't qualify for toll exemption. I've driven on expressways several times during Mid-Autumn, and toll stations charge as usual, with fees varying by vehicle type and distance—typically around 0.5 to 1 yuan per kilometer for small cars. I recommend checking the local expressway app or official website before your trip to confirm, as policy details may slightly differ by region. Although Mid-Autumn expressways are tolled, traffic is usually much lighter compared to toll-free holidays. Planning your route in advance and traveling during off-peak hours can save you from traffic jams, making the journey more relaxed and safer. I usually get my vehicle serviced and top up my ETC before Mid-Autumn—it’s more cost-effective than rushing during toll-free periods. In short, expressways are definitely tolled during Mid-Autumn Festival, so don’t count on a free ride—just be prepared to pay the fees.
