China's holiday travel surge is turbocharging its economy, with a record 1.36 billion trips recorded during this year's five-day Labor Day break! 🎉 From viral small-town hotspots to global adventures, here's how wanderlust is reshaping markets:
Small Cities, Big Impact 🏙️
Third- and fourth-tier cities saw travel orders outpace major metros, with county-level hotel bookings up 68% and scenic spot ticket sales jumping 151% year-on-year. Social media fame is turning hidden gems like Zibo (famous for BBQ) into must-visit destinations!
Gen Z Takes the Wheel 🚀
Travelers aged 18-25 now make up over 20% of holiday trips, driving demand for unique experiences. Think pottery workshops in Jingdezhen or desert stargazing in Ningxia – it's all about 'vibe tourism' over traditional sightseeing.
Going Global, Staying Local 🌐
While Japan and Thailand remain popular, bookings to Saudi Arabia and Egypt surged by 105% overall. Meanwhile, inbound tourism is booming too, with flights from Seoul and Tokyo bringing international visitors to Chinese cities.
As infrastructure improves and Gen Z prioritizes experiences, this travel revolution shows no signs of slowing down. Buckle up – the next viral destination might be just one TikTok away! 📱✨
Reference(s):
Why Labor Day travel trends are boosting the Chinese economy
cgtn.com