Journalists' Day in China Date in the current year: November 8, 2024

The history of Journalists' Day in China begins in 1934. It was celebrated on September 1 to commemorate a reporter who was prosecuted for writing an investigative report criticizing local government. Taiwan still celebrates its Journalists' Day on September 1. In the People's Republic of China, the date was changed to November 8 to commemorate the founding of the China Young Journalist association in 1937.

Some observers claim that the establishment of this professional holiday should be regarded as an act of hypocrisy, as the media of China is heavily monitored by government. China is consistently ranked very poorly in the Press Freedom Index compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders. For example, in 2014 Mainland China ranked 175 out of 180 nations. For comparison, Taiwan ranked 50 and Hong Kong ranked 61.

On their professional holiday, Chinese journalists receive congratulations from their superiors and government officials. It is a working holiday, and media employees are not given a day off.