Hungary Unites With Spain, Uzbekistan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, And More As Chinese Travelers Surge In Long-Haul International Bookings This National Day Holiday: What You Need To Know

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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September 24, 2025 12:31 PM

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Hungary unites with Spain, Uzbekistan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and several other countries are witnessing a remarkable surge in bookings from Chinese travelers this National Day holiday due to an increased interest in long-haul international trips and easier visa policies. With the holiday extended by an additional day this year, more Chinese consumers are opting for longer, more adventurous vacations, many of which involve travel to emerging destinations and new global hot spots. This shift reflects not only a growing demand for international travel but also the broader trend of diversifying travel preferences among Chinese tourists.

The upcoming National Day holiday in China, extending one day longer than usual, has set the stage for a massive surge in both domestic and international travel. Chinese consumers are displaying unprecedented enthusiasm for long-haul travel, with long-distance international trips proving extremely popular. This trend has been supported by various countries rolling out more accessible visa policies, which have made international travel more convenient for Chinese tourists.

As of early September, the number of Chinese travelers planning to travel during the holiday has increased by 130 percent year-on-year, according to U-tour, a leading Chinese tourism services firm. The trend suggests that the Chinese travel market is recovering at an accelerated pace, with a notable focus on long-haul destinations. Bookings for trips to both familiar and new destinations have already reached new heights, with travelers increasingly booking further in advance.

Significant Growth in International Travel

For the first time in years, long-haul international travel has become a central feature of Chinese tourism, especially as the country enjoys an additional day off during its National Day break. The holiday this year, falling between September 29 and October 12, is being viewed by many as an opportunity to take longer vacations. As part of a growing trend, Chinese office workers have increasingly been requesting three days off, creating a 12-day holiday window. This has made international trips more feasible, particularly for destinations that are further away.

According to Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency, some of the most popular international destinations for Chinese travelers this year include Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These destinations have long been popular with Chinese tourists, but they are now witnessing even higher levels of booking activity compared to previous years. This surge is largely fueled by better accessibility, including relaxed visa restrictions, making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit these countries.

However, it is not just the usual destinations that are experiencing higher booking volumes. Several countries have reported extraordinary growth in hotel bookings from Chinese tourists, with Egypt, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, and Sweden seeing the highest year-on-year increases. This shift represents a broader diversification in the travel preferences of Chinese consumers, with more people seeking out novel experiences and destinations off the beaten path.

Visa-Free Policies Boost International Travel

The growing trend of long-haul travel can also be attributed to the introduction of visa-free policies by multiple countries. For many years, Chinese travelers faced significant barriers when it came to securing travel visas for certain countries. However, recent changes in visa policies have removed many of these barriers, particularly for destinations that are often favored by Chinese tourists.

Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have introduced reciprocal visa-free policies with China, allowing travelers to enter these countries without the need for a visa. This change has proven particularly attractive for those seeking last-minute trips or those who wish to avoid the time-consuming and expensive visa application processes. Additionally, South Korea and Russia have also expanded their visa-free entry programs, specifically for group tours, which has encouraged more group travel from China.

These more accessible visa policies have made it easier for Chinese tourists to venture abroad, especially for those planning extended holidays. This trend has been particularly noticeable during the National Day holiday, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in China. With more destinations becoming visa-friendly, travelers have expanded their horizons, opting for international vacations that were once considered difficult or expensive to organize.

The Growing Appeal of African Destinations

One of the most significant shifts in Chinese travel patterns this year is the growing interest in African destinations. Countries like Kenya and Tanzania, which have historically been niche destinations for Chinese tourists, have now seen a surge in bookings. According to Trip.com, the booking volume for travel products to Kenya and Tanzania during the National Day holiday has increased by 130 percent compared to the same period last year.

This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the allure of Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. African safari tours, in particular, have captured the imagination of Chinese travelers, especially those looking for something more adventurous and immersive. In recent years, more Chinese tourists have been seeking trips to regions that offer natural beauty and exotic experiences, rather than just the familiar cities of Europe or North America.

In addition to Kenya and Tanzania, other African nations are also experiencing an uptick in interest from Chinese tourists. These emerging markets are becoming increasingly popular due to their natural beauty and cultural diversity, along with growing promotional efforts by local tourism boards. The rise of African tourism is expected to continue, as more Chinese travelers seek authentic experiences that take them far beyond the usual tourist destinations.

Domestic Travel Trends: A Boom in Inbound Tourism

While outbound tourism is experiencing rapid growth, there is also a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting China during the National Day holiday. This year, Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen are expected to see a substantial influx of international visitors. Qunar reports that foreign tourists are flocking to these cities, with Shanghai and Beijing being the most popular destinations.

As a result, China continues to maintain its position as one of the world’s top travel destinations. The increasing number of inbound tourists reflects the country’s global appeal as a hub for cultural, business, and leisure tourism. Major cities are benefiting from a revitalized tourism sector, with travelers eager to experience the country’s rich heritage, modern architecture, and unique cuisine. This growing interest in China as a destination for international tourists has created new opportunities for the country’s tourism industry, as more foreign visitors are choosing China as their vacation spot.

In terms of source markets, Qunar found that Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Spain, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia were among the countries with the highest growth rates for inbound tourism during the National Day holiday. These countries are seeing a sharp increase in outbound travel to China, which is expected to boost the country’s tourism revenue.

Key Source Markets for Inbound Tourism

China’s strong inbound tourism performance is also reflected in the rise of visitors from specific countries. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Spain, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia have emerged as key source markets for tourists visiting China during the holiday season. As Chinese cities continue to grow in prominence as international tourist destinations, these countries are playing an important role in driving the flow of visitors to China.

The influx of tourists from these countries reflects the growing international interest in China’s rich cultural offerings, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. Moreover, China’s efforts to position itself as a global tourism powerhouse through events like the China International Import Expo and the Shanghai Tourism Festival have bolstered its attractiveness as a top destination for international travelers.

The National Day holiday in China is shaping up to be a transformative period for both outbound and inbound tourism. With long-haul travel surging, emerging destinations like Africa gaining prominence, and more convenient visa-free policies being rolled out, Chinese travelers are embracing international travel in ways that have never been seen before. Meanwhile, China remains a top destination for international tourists, with an influx of visitors from countries like Uzbekistan, Spain, and Saudi Arabia.

Hungary unites with Spain, Uzbekistan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and other countries are experiencing a surge in Chinese bookings this National Day holiday due to an extended break and the introduction of more accessible visa policies, fueling a rise in long-haul international travel.

This year’s holiday season marks a shift in travel patterns, as Chinese tourists venture further than ever before, exploring new regions and countries. With the support of more accessible travel policies and an appetite for unique experiences, the future of Chinese tourism looks brighter than ever, offering immense potential for both domestic and global tourism markets. As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, China’s role as a key player in both inbound and outbound tourism is only set to grow.