As October 1 dawned, Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao international airports buzzed with energy, marking the start of the Chinese mainland’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Golden Week. Local aviation authorities reported a significant surge in two-way passenger traffic – an upbeat signal for travelers, businesses and tourism operators alike.
At Pudong Airport’s sprawling terminals, digital kiosks flashed real-time flight updates as commuters and vacationers queued at security and boarding gates. Across town at Hongqiao, business travelers balanced briefcases and coffee cups, highlighting its dual role as a domestic hub and an international gateway.
What’s driving the spike? Young global citizens are blending holiday traditions with adventurous itineraries, mixing culinary tours with cultural experiences. Business and tech enthusiasts are using the break to explore emerging startup scenes beyond Shanghai, while sustainability-minded travelers seek eco-friendly stays and immersive local experiences.
Early indicators point to a mix of domestic hotspots—from beach retreats to mountain escapes—alongside international getaways across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Airlines have added extra flights to meet demand, and digital nomads are taking advantage of flexible visa options and coworking hubs in nearby cities.
We’ll be tracking travel trends throughout Golden Week, diving into data-driven insights on booking patterns, emerging routes and sustainable tourism. Stay tuned as we unpack what these shifts mean for businesses, cities and the future of global wanderlust.
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Shanghai's airports see two-way passenger surge as holiday begins
cgtn.com
