China Leads Regional Tourism Choices for Singapore Travellers as New Data Reveals Growing Preference for Slower Travel, Longer Stays and Diverse Destination Experiences in 2026

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China continues to dominate travel demand among Singapore holidaymakers during the June 2026 school holiday period, reinforcing its position as the leading North Asian destination, according to booking data from Traveloka.

The data shows that Singapore travellers made 40% more bookings to China compared to Japan and 130% more than South Korea, highlighting a clear preference for China as a regional holiday choice during peak travel season. This marks the second consecutive year that China has held the top spot for North Asian destinations among Singapore travellers.

On a broader scale, China also ranked third globally in total bookings on the platform, trailing only Indonesia and Malaysia. The figures reflect strong regional travel demand across Asia, particularly during school holiday periods when family and group trips tend to peak.

A key trend behind this growth is the increasing willingness of Singapore travellers to extend their stay and explore deeper into China beyond the usual entry cities. Rather than limiting visits to short urban breaks, many travellers are opting for longer, multi-city itineraries.

Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou saw average stays of three to five nights during early 2026 travel periods, an increase compared with shorter trips earlier in the year. This shift suggests growing interest in more relaxed, experience-driven travel rather than fast-paced sightseeing.

Travel behaviour is also evolving as China becomes a more familiar destination for repeat Singapore visitors. Many travellers are now moving beyond traditional tourist hubs and exploring lesser-known regions, supported by improved transport links and wider availability of domestic travel routes.

China’s appeal is also being strengthened by its ability to serve as a substitute for longer-haul international holidays. With ongoing uncertainty in global travel conditions and rising costs in long-distance destinations, many Singapore travellers are choosing China for its mix of affordability, accessibility, and variety.

Rising interest in inland and scenic destinations

Beyond major cities, significant growth has been recorded in China’s interior regions, where demand is being driven by nature-based tourism, cultural exploration, and family travel.

Urumqi recorded a 40% year-on-year increase in bookings from Singapore travellers, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the market. Interest in Xinjiang is being fuelled by its dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity, and Silk Road heritage, which appeal strongly to group tours and family travellers.

Seasonal tourism has also contributed to growth in northern China. Harbin posted a 16% increase in bookings during the winter travel season, supported by strong interest in its annual Ice and Snow Festival. The city continues to attract visitors seeking unique winter experiences not commonly available in tropical Southeast Asia.

In the southwest, Kunming has emerged as a key entry point for broader regional exploration. Travellers are increasingly using the city as a base to visit surrounding destinations such as Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La, forming multi-stop itineraries across Yunnan province.

These destinations are gaining popularity for their combination of mountain scenery, historic towns, lakes, and cultural heritage. The region’s cooler climate and slower travel pace also make it attractive during the mid-year holiday season.

Overall, Traveloka’s data points to a clear shift in Singapore travel preferences toward more immersive and diversified trips within China. Instead of focusing solely on major urban centres, travellers are increasingly combining cities, nature destinations, and cultural regions within a single journey.

Family and group travel segments are playing a particularly important role in driving this trend, as China offers a wide range of experiences suitable for different age groups and travel styles. From modern cityscapes to remote landscapes, the country provides flexibility for both short holidays and extended itineraries.

Improved connectivity within China, including extensive rail and domestic flight networks, is also making multi-destination travel easier and more efficient. This has encouraged travellers to expand their itineraries and explore provinces that were previously less accessible.

As travel demand across Asia continues to recover and evolve, China is expected to remain one of the strongest choices for Singapore outbound travellers in 2026, supported by its diversity of attractions, competitive travel costs, and growing familiarity among regional visitors.