Chinese Lunar New Year Travel Boom Drives Record Tourism Spending and Domestic Travel Growth

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The Lunar New Year holiday sparked a massive surge in travel, with millions of Chinese tourists exploring destinations within China and abroad. From snowy adventures in Harbin to sunny getaways in Xiamen, travelers also seized the opportunity for visa-free trips across Southeast Asia, contributing to an unprecedented tourism boom.

Domestic Travel Breaks Records in Spending and Volume

China’s domestic travel sector saw remarkable growth, with tourism spending reaching 677 billion yuan ($93 billion). The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported a 5.9% rise in travel volume, accompanied by a 7% increase in tourism revenue compared to the previous year.

This year’s Lunar New Year celebrations were particularly special, as they marked the first time the festival was officially recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Capitalizing on this international recognition, many cities highlighted their cultural traditions by organizing festivals, performances, and heritage-focused events.

Shijiazhuang, Fuzhou, and Xi’an, known for their historic landmarks and cultural festivals, experienced significant tourism growth, with bookings rising by 50%, 52%, and 97%, respectively, according to Trip.com Group.

Fliggy’s 2025 Spring Festival Travel Report noted a 40% increase in demand for intangible cultural heritage tours, while interest in folk performances like Chinese opera and firework shows surged by 36%.

Homestay bookings by international tourists grew by 3.7 times compared to last year, with 51 townships welcoming foreign visitors for the first time, according to Tujia.

While major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou remained top travel hubs, smaller cities and heritage-rich destinations saw a growing number of visitors, underscoring China’s shift toward immersive cultural experiences.

Inbound Tourism Surges as China Eases Visa Policies

The number of international visitors to China saw a notable rise, driven by loosened visa restrictions and growing global interest in Chinese heritage and culture.

China recorded 14 million cross-border trips during the Lunar New Year period, an increase of over 6% compared to the previous year, according to China Trading Desk.

Foreign visitors exceeded one million, reflecting a 23% year-on-year increase, as reported by the National Immigration Administration.

Trip.com Group recorded a 180% surge in inbound tour ticket bookings, while hotel reservations for international visitors grew by more than 60%.

The top inbound markets included South Korea, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Russia, Australia, and France.

China’s easing of visa policies in 2024 has significantly contributed to the growth of inbound tourism, making the country more accessible for international travelers.

Outbound Travel Sees Record Growth

Chinese travelers also ventured abroad in record numbers, visiting over 2,100 cities worldwide—a 50% jump from last year, according to China Trading Desk.

Japan was the most-visited destination, with Trip.com reporting a twofold increase in bookings.

Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, remained top choices due to their visa-free entry policies and affordability.

Long-haul travel gained momentum, with trips to the United States increasing by 53%, and travel to Europe—especially Spain, Italy, and France—rising by more than 50%.

While the official eight-day Lunar New Year holiday concluded on February 5, the extended travel season is expected to continue through February 22, with cross-regional travel projected to reach 9 billion trips.

This year’s Lunar New Year travel surge highlights the resilience and expansion of China’s tourism industry, emphasizing the growing demand for both domestic and international travel. With cultural heritage, global connectivity, and ease of travel playing pivotal roles, China’s travelers are set to remain a driving force in the global tourism market.