Spring Travel Surge in China: Qingming Festival Sparks Increase in Tourism

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is set to ignite a three-day holiday frenzy from April 4 to 6, sparking a surge in spring travel across China. According to data from Tujia Guesthouse, popular cities are experiencing a 3.4-fold increase in guesthouse bookings compared to last year, indicating a booming tourism sector.

One of the driving factors behind this travel boom is culinary exploration, with food enthusiasts flocking to cities known for their local cuisines. Gansu Province’s Tianshui malatang, a hotpot delicacy similar to Northern China’s, has become a sensation, leading to a 50-fold increase in bookings for Tianshui accommodations. Younger generations, particularly those born post-90s and post-00s, are fueling this culinary tourism trend.

In Chongqing, known for its iconic hot pot, guesthouse bookings have quadrupled in anticipation of the upcoming festival, surpassing the national average. Additionally, flower appreciation remains a popular festival activity, with a 350% increase in related searches on the platform. Destinations like Luoyang and Chongqing’s rapeseed fields are attracting visitors seeking natural beauty.

Fuling District’s Linshi Town offers a breathtaking golden landscape of rapeseed fields, while Tongnan District’s Chongkan Town has become a floral hotspot with various transport options for visitors to enjoy the blooming rapeseed. Tujia Guesthouse’s data also reveals the top spring outing cities, including Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou, showcasing the diverse and vibrant landscape of China’s domestic tourism during the enchanting spring season.

As the Qingming Festival approaches, travelers are gearing up for a memorable holiday filled with culinary delights, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. With the tourism sector booming, it’s clear that spring travel in China is in full swing.