China average weekly working hours
China average weekly working hours stood at 48.2 hours/week in Jul 2026, according to National Statistics Office (NSO) of China (NBS). It is one of the indicators in the Unemployment rate table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2022 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Unemployment rate table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly working hours | 48.2 | 48.2 | 48.2 | 48 | 48.1 | 48.1 | 48.3 | 48.6 | 48.6 | 48.4 | |
| National urban unemployment | 5.2 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 | |
| 31 major cities unemployment | 5.2 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 5 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Understanding china average weekly working hours
This magnitude calculates the actual hours worked by an employee per week, averaged across all economic sectors. The scope focuses on paid working time at the workplace, excluding public holidays, annual leave, sick leave, and non-working time due to production interruptions. The key distinction from employment volume indicators lies in the fact that this magnitude measures the intensity of labour exhaustion and the actual time utilization rate of the economy.
Viewers should note that months with extended public holidays typically cause this index to drop sharply due to shortened working hours. Fluctuations should be analysed in correlation with industrial output and labour productivity indices to clearly demonstrate operational efficiency. Comparing with the same period of the previous year is the standard practice for assessing whether long-term working trends are extending or contracting.
Frequently asked questions
- Are leave hours included in average working hours?
- No, periods of annual leave, holidays, or illness are excluded from actual working time.
- What aspect of the labour market does this metric reflect?
- This measure reflects the intensity of human resource utilization and the actual busyness of workers.
- Why do working hours typically decline in months with major holidays?
- Workers take more rest and factories temporarily suspend operations during holiday seasons.