With the Chinese New Year holiday season approaching from January 28 to February 4, travel agencies and industry experts are projecting a surge in both inbound and outbound tourism. The upcoming Spring Festival is expected to break records, fueled by favorable visa policies, pent-up consumer demand, and a strong recovery in international travel.
China’s outbound travel market is expected to thrive, with popular destinations including Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, and the UK. Short-haul destinations like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are especially favored by Chinese travelers, according to Trip.com, China’s online travel agency. The report suggests that consumer enthusiasm for travel is at an all-time high, with both outbound and inbound tourism showing strong growth.
This upward trend is attributed to several factors. First, many countries have introduced visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival policies, making travel more accessible to Chinese tourists. Furthermore, the recovery of international flights, which is expected to reach 74.8% of 2019 levels in 2024, continues to boost travel. Southeast Asia remains the most popular region, with affordable short-distance travel options drawing more Chinese tourists.
Inbound Tourism Gains Momentum
Inbound tourism is also on the rise, thanks to China’s updated visa-free policies, which have been extended to allow foreign visitors to stay for up to 240 hours, up from the previous 72 and 144-hour limits. This move is expected to attract more international travelers, particularly during the Spring Festival holidays. According to Trip.com, travel bookings for foreign tourists visiting China in 2025 are projected to increase by 203% compared to the previous year.
The most significant influx of foreign tourists is expected from countries like South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, with top domestic destinations being Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Harbin. The ease of entry due to visa-free policies, combined with the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, will likely attract many foreign nationals, including those visiting family or seeking to experience the country’s rich cultural traditions.
Ticket Prices and Popular Routes
During the Spring Festival travel rush, international flight prices are expected to rise by nearly 20%, with average ticket costs around 4,000 yuan ($548), compared to regular ticket prices. Popular routes for international travelers include flights from Shanghai to Tokyo and from Guangzhou to Bangkok, according to ly.com, a Chinese travel ticketing platform.
A Strong Year for Travel
The combination of relaxed visa policies, the steady recovery of international air travel, and the increasing release of China’s consumption potential suggests a positive outlook for the travel industry in 2025. Both inbound and outbound travel during the Spring Festival are set to show impressive growth, with Southeast Asia leading the way for Chinese tourists and international visitors flocking to China to experience the cultural richness of the Chinese New Year.
