Leave management software automates the tracking, requesting, and approving of employee time off — replacing spreadsheets and email chains with a centralised system that keeps balances accurate and managers informed. For Chinese businesses, the right tool must handle PRC Labour Law, annual leave (5–15 days based on cumulative service), sick leave, maternity leave, marriage leave, and public holidays. In 2026, Chinese teams have options ranging from local HR platforms (DingTalk, WeCom) to global tools adapted for the Chinese market.
China’s annual leave entitlements are based on cumulative years of service across all employment: less than 1 year = no annual leave; 1–10 years = 5 days; 10–20 years = 10 days; 20+ years = 15 days. Sick leave varies by municipality (typically 3–24 months). China observes 7 public holidays per year, but they include extended breaks (Chinese New Year, National Day). A good leave management tool handles these tiered entitlements.
:::note[Key Takeaways]
- Flat-rate tools like Leave Balance (USD $10/month, unlimited employees) are affordable for Chinese SMBs
- Slack and Microsoft Teams integration works for international companies in China
- Chinese compliance requires tiered annual leave and public holiday management
- Local tools like DingTalk/WeCom dominate but lack global integration :::
The Best Leave Management Software in China (2026)
1. Leave Balance — Best for International Companies in China
Leave Balance is a dedicated leave management tool with flat-rate pricing and native Slack and Microsoft Teams integration. It is ideal for international companies with teams in China that need a global leave management solution.
Pricing: USD $10/month flat rate (~CNY 72/month). Unlimited employees, unlimited leave policies. No per-seat fees, no minimums.
Key features:
- Native Slack and Teams integration
- Unlimited custom leave policies — configure tiered annual leave based on cumulative service years
- Chinese public holiday calendar (7 holidays including extended breaks)
- Team calendar with real-time absence visibility
- Analytics and reporting
- Multi-country support (China + other countries)
- CSV bulk onboarding
- 14-day free trial, no credit card required
Limitations: No DingTalk or WeCom integration. For Chinese-only companies that use DingTalk/WeCom exclusively, local platforms may be more appropriate.
Our take: For international companies with teams in China that use Slack or Microsoft Teams, Leave Balance provides an affordable global leave management solution. For Chinese-only companies on DingTalk/WeCom, local platforms are a better fit.
2. DingTalk — Best for Chinese-Only Companies
DingTalk (Alibaba) is China’s dominant workplace communication and HR platform. It includes leave management as part of its broader suite.
Pricing: Free for basic features. Enterprise plans from CNY 9,800/year.
Chinese compliance features:
- Annual leave tiered by cumulative service
- Sick leave management
- Marriage leave, maternity leave, paternity leave
- Chinese public holidays
- Integration with Chinese payroll systems
- WeChat/Alipay ecosystem integration
Pros: Dominant in China; deeply integrated with Chinese ecosystem; strong compliance; free basic plan.
Cons: Limited outside China; no Slack or Teams integration; Chinese-language focused; limited global support.
3. WeCom — Best Alternative for Chinese Companies
WeCom (Tencent) is another major Chinese workplace platform with HR features.
Pricing: Free for basic features. Premium plans available.
Chinese compliance features:
- Leave management integrated with WeChat ecosystem
- Annual leave and public holiday tracking
- Integration with Chinese payroll
Pros: WeChat ecosystem integration; free basic plan; popular with Chinese companies.
Cons: Limited outside China; no Slack or Teams integration; Chinese-language focused.
4. Zoho People — Best for International Teams
Pricing: ~$2/employee/month. A 30-person team pays ~$60/month (~CNY 432).
Pros: Multi-country support; part of Zoho ecosystem.
Cons: No Slack or Teams integration for leave; Zoho dependency.
Pricing Comparison
| Tool | 30 Employees (CNY) | 50 Employees (CNY) | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leave Balance | ~CNY 72/mo | ~CNY 72/mo | Flat rate |
| Zoho People | CNY 432/mo | CNY 720/mo | Per employee |
| DingTalk | Free–817/mo | Free–817/mo | Freemium |
| WeCom | Free | Free | Freemium |
For international companies, Leave Balance is the most affordable paid option. For Chinese-only companies, DingTalk and WeCom offer free basic plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best leave management software for a 30-person company in China?
For international companies using Slack or Teams, Leave Balance at USD $10/month (~CNY 72) is the best value. For Chinese-only companies, DingTalk or WeCom offer free basic leave management.
How does Leave Balance handle China’s tiered annual leave?
Leave Balance supports tiered leave policies based on cumulative years of service: 5 days (1–10 years), 10 days (10–20 years), and 15 days (20+ years). You can configure these tiers to match PRC Labour Law.
Can I use Leave Balance alongside DingTalk or WeCom?
Yes. Leave Balance works as a standalone leave management tool alongside any communication platform. Teams can use DingTalk/WeCom for daily communication and Leave Balance for leave management via Slack or Teams.
This article is general information, not legal advice.