The Lunar New Year holiday triggered a massive surge in both domestic and international travel, with millions of Chinese tourists exploring destinations within China and abroad. From winter excursions in Harbin to beach vacations in Xiamen, travelers also took advantage of visa-free trips across Southeast Asia, fueling an unprecedented tourism boom.
China’s domestic tourism sector reached new heights, with total spending hitting 677 billion yuan ($93 billion). The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported a 5.9% increase in travel volume and a 7% rise in tourism revenue compared to last year.
This year’s celebrations were especially significant as it marked the first time the Lunar New Year was officially recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In response, many cities embraced this recognition by hosting cultural festivals, performances, and heritage-focused events.
Cities like Shijiazhuang, Fuzhou, and Xi’an, known for their historic landmarks and vibrant cultural festivals, saw substantial tourism growth. According to Trip.com Group, bookings for these destinations rose by 50%, 52%, and 97%, respectively.
