The Chinese mainland is set to welcome a travel boom this May Day holiday, with authorities forecasting an average of 2.15 million daily border crossings over the festive five-day stretch—up 27% from last year. This surge signals a full-throttle recovery in cross-border movement following pandemic restrictions.
Behind the numbers are new policies from the Tax Policy Department of the Chinese mainland’s Ministry of Finance, aimed at boosting departures with more generous cash refunds and smoother digital payment options for departure tax refunds. Travelers can expect:
- Increased cash refund limits to maximize savings on departure purchases;
- Optimized payment services, including faster digital processing at key exit points;
- Extended service counters at major airports and land ports for quicker tax refund claims.
For young globetrotters and digital nomads, these improvements mean more time exploring and less time in refund queues. Entrepreneurs and business travelers can leverage quicker tax reimbursements to reinvest in emerging markets, while sustainability-minded explorers can channel saved funds into eco-friendly experiences.
As global travel rebounds, the Chinese mainland’s holiday exodus offers a snapshot of shifting travel trends: faster border crossings, higher spending power, and an appetite for seamless digital experiences. Whether you’re chasing the next wave of international business opportunities or planning an immersive cultural journey, the May Day holiday could set the tone for a year defined by cross-border connectivity and innovation.
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China to see 2.15 million daily border crossings for May Day holiday
cgtn.com
