Beijing, 2 September 2024 (TDI): As the sweltering summer heat begins to wane, China’s two-month-long summer travel season has come to a close, marking a significant triumph for the nation’s tourism sector and a robust display of its economic vitality.
The vibrant scenes of bustling railway hubs, crowded scenic spots, and soaring tourism statistics, both domestic and international, have highlighted the season’s success.
According to data from China’s Ministry of Transport, the country recorded approximately 10.917 billion passenger trips between July 1 and August 31, averaging 176 million trips per day.
Notably, there were 887 million railway passenger trips nationwide, representing a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase and a daily average passenger flow exceeding 14.31 million—a record high, according to China Railway.
These figures are a testament to China’s significant potential for domestic demand and thriving consumption dynamics.
As the season ends, multiple online travel platforms have reported substantial growth in bookings and visitor numbers for summer travel products.
Spring Travel reported that the number of domestic travelers in the summer of 2024 surpassed those in the same period in 2023.
Data from other platforms like Fliggy also indicated year-on-year growth in per capita bookings and spending, with a greater focus on immersive travel experiences.
Xu Fan, a tourism enthusiast from Henan Province, shared his experience of visiting Guizhou Province in Southwest China, highlighting the allure of local handicrafts and unique souvenirs that embody Guizhou’s cultural heritage.
“I was impressed by the diverse range of creative products available, which have expanded beyond traditional clothing and textiles”, he said.
New Trend in Tourism
In Northwest China’s vast desert regions, a new trend has emerged, with tourists flocking for romantic, immersive travel experiences that include stargazing.
Searches for “desert hotels,” where visitors can spend the night observing the stars, surged by 270 percent on Meituan in early August, while searches for “desert coffee” skyrocketed by 518 percent.
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Meanwhile, the popularity of the hit game Black Myth: Wukong has breathed new life into tourism in regions like Shanxi Province, where real-world settings from the game have attracted visitors.
According to Trip.com Group, the Xiaoxitian scenic spot, a filming location for the game, saw a 261 percent year-on-year increase in ticket orders since the game’s release.
The record-breaking summer travel season underscores the resilience and potential of China’s tourism sector, reflecting a surge in both domestic and international interest in the country’s diverse attractions.
