Move over, Beijing and Shanghai! China’s May Day holiday is sparking a travel revolution as young adventurers ditch big-city crowds for hidden gems in smaller urban hubs. 🌟 Data from leading platforms like Ctrip reveals a 140% surge in bookings for destinations like Tianshui, Xuzhou, and Zibo—outpacing traditional hotspots.
📈 Why the shift? Affordable experiences, unique cultural vibes, and Insta-worthy local charm (think fiery street food and historic temples 🏯) are drawing Gen Z and millennial travelers. County-level markets are booming, with hotel bookings up 68% and scenic area tickets skyrocketing by 151% year-over-year. 🏨🎟️
🚀 ‘Fourth-tier cities’ are becoming the new travel heroes, offering fresh tourism revenue streams. As one Ctrip analyst put it: “Travelers crave authenticity—and smaller cities deliver it without the chaos.” From lantern-lit night markets to serene countryside trails, these destinations are rewriting China’s holiday playbook. 🧳✨
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China's May Day holiday to see surge in travel to smaller cities
cgtn.com