Holiday on July 11, 2026: China celebrates National Maritime Day

China Maritime Day is celebrated annually on July 11. For China, this is one of the most important dates related to the country’s maritime history. On this day, official ceremonies, scientific conferences, exhibitions, tours, and educational events dedicated to the maritime sector take place.

The holiday is intended not only to honor sailors and maritime workers. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime routes for China’s economy, trade, science, and international relations. Special attention is given to promoting maritime culture among young people and fostering interest in maritime professions.

How the Holiday Came to Be

National Maritime Day was officially established in 2005 by a decision of the State Council of China. The date was not chosen at random. According to Chinese historical sources, it was on July 11, 1405, that the famous navigator Zheng He set out on his first major expedition. His voyages were among the most ambitious in 15th-century world history.

The introduction of the holiday also coincided with the 600th anniversary of Zheng He’s first expedition. Chinese authorities emphasized that this day has not only historical but also contemporary significance, as the country remains one of the world’s leading maritime powers.

Another notable aspect of this date is that July 11 is the official date for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) World Maritime Day, specifically in China. In other countries, this international observance is often celebrated in the fall, but China uses National Maritime Day specifically for this purpose.

Who Was Zheng He

The main historical figure behind this holiday is Zheng He—a legendary Chinese navigator from the Ming Dynasty. Between 1405 and 1433, he undertook seven major maritime expeditions. His fleet traveled to Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the east coast of Africa.

According to historians, Zheng He’s ships were among the largest in the world at that time. They carried thousands of people, goods, diplomatic missions, and scientific expeditions. In China, Zheng He is regarded as a symbol of the development of seafaring, openness to the world, and peaceful international relations. That is why his name is commemorated every year during the celebration of National Maritime Day.

How National Maritime Day Is Celebrated

Dozens of themed events take place in various cities across China on this day. Large forums are organized to discuss the development of shipping, maritime logistics, ports, shipbuilding, and environmental protection.

For schoolchildren and students, open lectures on the history of seafaring are held, along with contests, quizzes, and exhibitions. In many ports, modern vessels, icebreakers, training ships, and rescue boats are opened to visitors. In some cities, there are naval exercises and demonstrations of coast guard operations. Traditionally, on July 11, ships in Chinese ports are decorated with signal flags and simultaneously sound their horns as a sign of unity within the country’s maritime industry.

Interesting Facts

China has one of the longest coastlines in the world—over 18,000 kilometers, not including islands. The country is home to some of the largest seaports on the planet. For example, the Port of Shanghai has been the world’s largest container port by cargo throughput for many years running.

China is also among the world leaders in shipbuilding. Merchant ships, container ships, tankers, passenger ships, and specialized offshore platforms are built here. Each year, a specific theme is chosen for National Maritime Day. For example, it might focus on digital technologies in shipping, environmental protection, port development, or maritime safety. For 2026, the official theme is “Digital Technologies—A Course Toward the Future.”

Why This Holiday Is Important

For China, the sea has always been of strategic importance. A significant portion of the country’s foreign trade passes through seaports, and shipping is one of the key sectors of the economy. That is why National Maritime Day is not dedicated solely to history. It is also intended to draw attention to the development of marine science, navigation safety, marine environmental protection, modern shipbuilding, and the training of future specialists.

According to the event’s organizers, its main goal is to preserve maritime heritage, promote knowledge about the sea, and highlight its importance for the country’s future.