Cross-border travel has played a major role in the Spring Festival travel market this year, with expanded visa-free policies contributing to a boost in both inbound and outbound tourism, according to travel agencies and experts.
A report by Trip.com highlighted a 30% overall increase in cross-border travel orders compared to last year. The growth in inbound travel was especially significant, with inbound ticket orders rising by 180% and hotel bookings growing by over 60%.
Qunar, another major travel platform, reported a 70% increase in the number of non-Chinese passport holders booking domestic flights during the Spring Festival. Many of these foreign visitors explored second- and third-tier cities in China.
Hainan Airlines also saw a notable rise in foreign travelers. Between January 28 and February 4, the airline transported over 20,000 foreign passengers, indicating a strong demand for travel to China during the holiday period.
While many foreigners visited China, a large number of Chinese citizens chose to celebrate the New Year abroad. According to Trip.com, short-haul trips to Japan saw a two-fold increase compared to last year. Long-haul destinations such as the United States, Spain, Italy, and France also experienced significant growth, with increases of 53%, 82%, 56%, and 50%, respectively.
Bookings from Qunar show that Chinese tourists visited over 2,100 overseas cities during the Spring Festival, marking a 50% increase from last year. Shanghai residents led the way in outbound travel, purchasing the highest number of flight tickets, reflecting a 57% year-on-year increase.
The rising popularity of outbound travel is linked to more countries offering visa exemptions, lower airfare and hotel prices, and an increasing number of new flight routes. This has made it easier for people in smaller cities to celebrate the holiday abroad.
“Residents from third-tier and smaller cities accounted for more than 30% of outbound flight purchases during Spring Festival, more than doubling compared to last year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar. “Cities with the highest growth rates include Zhangjiakou, Binzhou, Ordos, and Yangjiang, where residents saw more than double the bookings compared to last year.”
Thailand remained a top destination for Chinese travelers, due to its proximity, visa-free access, and affordable prices. However, Japan’s popularity surged this year, overtaking Thailand as the most popular destination during the holiday.
As Chinese travelers gain more experience, their travel habits have diversified. According to Trip.com, there was a 42% increase in overseas car rental orders and a 20% rise in overseas chartered tours during the Spring Festival. The platform also saw a record 58% increase in overseas airport transfer bookings.
Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand saw even more significant growth. In particular, Japan’s transactions surged by 120% compared to 2024.
Zhou Huijie, a researcher at Trip.com, noted that the combination of international visitors coming to China for the Chinese New Year and the global attention on “UNESCO intangible cultural heritage Spring Festival” on social media has raised the profile of the holiday. As a result, more Chinese citizens traveled abroad, and more foreigners came to China to celebrate.
In addition to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, destinations rich in cultural heritage, such as Shijiazhuang, Fuzhou, and Xi’an, saw significant increases in inbound travel. Shijiazhuang experienced a 50% rise, Fuzhou saw a 52% increase, and Xi’an’s inbound travel grew by 97% compared to last year’s Spring Festival.
Related topics:
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts Launches New Travel Advisor Platform
- Forbes Travel Guide Reveals 2025 Star Awards, Highlighting Global Luxury Trends
- TUI Musement and Travel Counsellors Join Forces to Offer Premium Travel Experiences Worldwide
