As the grass turns green and orioles fill the air with song, the Chinese mainland is bursting with spring energy. With the Qingming holiday on the horizon, leading online travel platforms report a surge in travel intentions\u0010\u0012especially for self-driving adventures and fit escapes. But it's the 2-to-3-hour high-speed rail circle that's stealing the show, setting the stage for a spring travel peak in 2025.
At its April 1 press conference, the China Meteorological Administration shared that most regions will enjoy ideal conditions in the coming week. From Yunnan and Guangxi to Guangdong, Fujian and beyond, comfort levels are set to soar\u0010\u0012perfect for outdoor exploring and camping. That said, midday UV levels will hit their stride, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a savvy schedule to beat the burn.
Online platforms confirm a clear favorite: self-driving and free independent travel (FIT). In response, the Ministry of Public Security rolled out safety pointers on March 31:
- Check weather and road conditions before departure
- Plan routes to dodge peak-time traffic
- Maintain safe distances and avoid emergency lanes
- Pull over safely for breaks or in case of mishaps
- Fasten seat belts and skip unlicensed or overcrowded vehicles
Meanwhile, high-speed rail tours are riding a wave of popularity. Data from Tuniu.com show bookings surging since late March on 2-to-3-hour routes linking major clusters\u0010\u0012think Beijing\u0011Tianjin, Chengdu\u0011Zigong and Xi\u0011an\u0011Hanzhong. By pairing high-speed rail with homestays, car rentals and curated group tours, these "rail+" packages are redefining flexibility and depth, letting travelers chase blooms with ease.
Flower viewing remains the star of spring tourism. From A Journey of Blooms in Shunyi in Beijing to Spring Along the Shu Road in Sichuan Guangyuan, and from Yan-Zhao Floral Rhythms in Hebei Handan to Drunken in Pavilion City in Anhui Chuzhou, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has unveiled 32 premium rural routes under its Flower Season Encounters series, weaving a colorful network of blooms across the countryside.
To meet this floral frenzy, travel platforms have rolled out various flower-themed bundles. Since March, composite flower-viewing+ products have seen bookings leap year-on-year. Experts call this a scene revolution\u0010\u0012a fusion of culture, tourism and multiple industries that fuels a virtuous cycle of immersive experiences, local dining, transport innovation and intangible cultural performances.
The travel rush isn\u0011t just domestic. The National Immigration Administration forecasts a 21.4% year-on-year jump in daily passenger flows through national ports during Qingming 2025. Airport highs include 81,000 at Shanghai Pudong and 48,000 at Guangzhou Baiyun, while land ports adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao could see over 300,000 travelers daily.
As you plan your Qingming getaway, experts urge you to:
- Book with licensed agencies and verified platforms
- Follow fire safety rules at attractions and heritage sites
- Inspect vehicles, steer clear of fatigue and never drink and drive
- Wear life jackets on boats and avoid vessels lacking safety gear
- Avoid tours priced unrealistically low and choose products wisely
This spring, the blend of blossoms and high-speed rails is not just about moving fast\u0010\u0012it’s about unlocking deeper stories, richer experiences and the joy of discovery. Are you ready to bloom?
Reference(s):
April’s Floral Splendor: ‘High‑Speed Rail+’ Enriches Spring Travel Experiences
cctv.com
