In the first half of 2025, tourist activity in the Chinese mainland hit new heights.
According to Sun Yeli, minister of culture and tourism, travellers took almost 3.29 billion domestic trips, shattering previous records. Total tourist spending reached 3.15 trillion yuan (about $443 billion), underlining a strong rebound after the COVID-19 slowdown.
Under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Chinese mainland added 2,600 new A-rated scenic areas, bringing the total to 16,500. Now, 97 percent of county-level regions boast high-quality attractions, offering diverse experiences from mountain hikes to urban escapes.
Meeting demand for personalized services, the industry has introduced innovative options like elderly-friendly tourist trains. Between January and August 2025, 1,551 of these trains carried 930,000 passengers, 80 percent of whom were seniors, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive travel.
As the tourism sector evolves with upgraded products and tailored services, the Chinese mainland’s domestic market offers insights for global travel stakeholders looking to balance growth, quality, and inclusivity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
