China’s extended nine-day Spring Festival holiday has catalyzed an extraordinary surge in domestic and international travel, marking the longest break in recent years and significantly altering travel patterns nationwide. According to comprehensive data from the China Association of Travel Services and leading travel agency Tuniu, the prolonged vacation period has directly correlated with increased travel duration, with tourists now averaging 5.9 travel days—a substantial 1.1-day increase compared to previous years.
The travel phenomenon manifests in distinct waves, with initial departures commencing mid-week and reaching peak intensity during the holiday’s opening days. Qi Chunguang, Vice-President of Tuniu, indicates that sightseeing and entertainment travel will climax on February 18th, following traditional family reunion activities.
Domestically, destinations offering authentic cultural experiences have gained remarkable popularity. Fuzhou in Fujian province emerged as a top-five hotel booking destination for the first time, largely driven by its centuries-old ‘youshen’ (Parade of the Gods) ritual. This cultural spectacle, featuring elaborate deity processions to ward off evil spirits, has propelled hotel bookings by over 80% compared to last year’s holiday period.
Similarly, Huangshan in Anhui province has witnessed a 150% surge in accommodations reservations, attributed to its captivating fish-shaped lantern exhibitions and interactive lantern-making activities. The destination’s appeal is exemplified by travelers like Wang Lixin from Zhengzhou, who booked a four-day family excursion after discovering the city’s visual charms through social media platform Xiaohongshu.
Climate-based travel preferences reveal intriguing regional patterns: northern residents seek warmer southern climates in provinces like Hainan and Guangdong, while southern tourists increasingly venture northward for winter experiences in ice and snow destinations.
Internationally, the extended holiday has dramatically boosted overseas travel. Traditional favorites Thailand, South Korea, and Malaysia remain popular for their perceived value, while previously niche destinations like Türkiye and Uzbekistan have experienced exponential growth following visa-free policies for Chinese passport holders. Türkiye’s 90-day visa-free access, announced in January, has resulted in a 150% increase in holiday bookings, while Uzbekistan witnessed a fourfold surge in Chinese tourist reservations.
The National Immigration Administration projects daily cross-border movements exceeding 2.05 million during the holiday period, representing a 14.1% year-over-year increase, with outbound traffic peaking on the holiday’s commencement and inbound peaks anticipated during the concluding days.