Generally speaking, the Chinese embassies or consulates in foreign countries/regions will be closed on public holidays of China and the resident country in order to celebrate the holidays. Because the holidays of resident countries vary greatly, only the public holidays of China in 2011 is listed here. If you will apply for Chinese visa, you'd better read the holiday notice released on its official website beforehand because some Chinese embassies/consulates will be closed on different dates during public holidays. 

Note: When a public holiday falls on Sunday, the embassy is closed on the following Monday; when a public holiday falls on a Saturday, the embassy is closed on the preceding Friday. For example, the International Labor Day is on May 1 (Sunday), in fact, the Chinese embassy or consulate will be closed on May 2, the following Monday.  

Please be advised that generally there are more applicants than usual during the first two business days after the holidays and longer waiting time will be expected.

Every country has its own public holidays; most European countries celebrate Good Friday, Easter Day, Christmas Day and their National Day. Some Muslim countries celebrate its Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and Eid Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice or Kurban Bairam). 

According to tradition, the Chinese embassies or consulates in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany will also be closed in the following days.
1. USA: Martin Luther King's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 
2. UK: Good Friday, Easter Day, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday and Christmas Day.
3. Canada: Good Friday, Easter Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civil Holiday, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas Day
4. Australia: Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Day, Queen's Birthday and Christmas Day.
5. Germany: Good Friday, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost Day (Whit Sunday), German Unity Day and Christmas Day

 Holiday Schedule of China Embassies and Consulates
2011 Holiday Schedule of China Embassy in USA
2011 Holiday Schedule of China Embassy in UK
2011 Holiday Schedule of China Embassy in Canada
2011 Holiday Schedule of China Embassy in Australia