China experienced an unprecedented surge in travel and consumption during the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday. From September 27 to October 6, over 160 million passenger trips were made via the country's railway network, according to the Chinese Ministry of Transport. On September 29 alone, a record-breaking 20.09 million railway passenger trips were recorded.
Data from a leading tourism platform revealed that outbound travel orders during the holiday week skyrocketed, increasing by more than eight times compared to the previous year. This significant uptick underscores the growing appetite for travel among Chinese citizens.
CGTN Stringer spoke with travelers in Hong Kong and Shanghai to gather insights into their holiday plans. Many expressed a preference for outbound travel or exploring niche destinations, indicating a shift from the traditional budget-friendly or \"special-forces-style\" travel. Instead, more travelers are now seeking to upgrade their tourism experiences and prioritize relaxation during their journeys.
\"We're looking to explore more unique and less crowded places this year. It's not just about seeing new sights, but also about enjoying a more comfortable and leisurely trip,\" shared one traveler from Shanghai.
This trend towards higher-quality travel experiences reflects a broader change in consumer behavior, where quality and comfort are taking precedence over quantity. As China continues to recover from the pandemic, the travel industry is adapting to meet the evolving demands of its travelers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
