In the first half of the year, Chongqing's tourism market regained momentum during the summer holidays. According to Ctrip's Report on Family Trips in the Summer of 2022, family trips accounted for 30% of all orders this summer.
The high demand for family vacations played a crucial role in the rapid recovery of summer tourism. According to the report, travel orders in Chongqing increased by nearly 40% from June to July. Affected by the high temperature of around 40℃, the family trip to Chongqing this summer saw some changes. Families prefer water sports to escape the summer heat while on vacation with their children. In addition, the study tour market showed significant signs of recovery.
Playa Maya Water Park. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Water sports are preferred for the summer holiday
In contrast with past years, canyoning has become popular among young parents besides traditional popular entertainments, such as swimming, water parks, and rafting.
Rock climbing, diving, and gliding down the water - the sport not only allows us to feel cool but also trains children's willpower and adventurous spirit. A mother born in the 1990s said that her family recently enjoyed canyoning in the Jindao Gorge Scenic Area and that it was a fun experience. According to statistics, canyoning in Jindao Canyon Scenic Area was the tenth most popular Chongqing choice for family trips.
Tourists are playing with water in Mexin Water Park. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
In the summer, the water park is a paradise for children. A live concert was held at Playa Maya Water Park's "Electronic Music Party on Water" in July. The Mexin Wine Town introduced mahjong and chess games on water.
As of August 29, the number of tourists to Mexin Wine Town had increased by about 40% year-on-year. Of them, 60% headed to the water park, an increase of 20% from last year. The Playa Maya Water Park has become one of Chongqing's top ten scenic spots for a summer family vacation.
Chongqing is the capital of hot springs, with high-quality spring water resources. Parents prefer hot springs to water parks. "There are more choices for bathing in summer, with cool and hot water provided, and also ponds for the kids. The needs of different family members can be satisfied." According to Wu Hongyan, a citizen here in Chongqing, bathing in summer helps relieve heat, dispel dampness and maintain health.
Pursue high-quality leisure and vacation services
Many people wanted a quiet and cool vacation in the mountains to escape the city's heat.
"Every summer, my daughter and I would stay at Fairy Mountain for a month." A summer vacation in the mountains of idyllic beauty far from the city's hustle and bustle, where meals and accommodations are provided in an agricultural farmhouse, is the preferred leisure choice for Chen Yuan, another citizen.
Tourist lodgings other than farmhouses have gained incredible popularity. Many families choose tourist lodgings when considering the facilities and services during short trips. The bookings for tourist lodgings on the Tujia platform in July increased by 132% from June, with 60% from family trips.
"The tourist lodging we stayed in Youyang is equipped with smart home appliances. There is also a swimming pool outdoors in the middle of the forest with clean water. My kid loves it." A Ms. Li said that the tourist lodgings nowadays are friendly and well-equipped. Her family met many like them there, which made it a memorable vacation.
According to the owner of Zuiyuelou Guesthouse in Gongtan Town, Youyang County, the number of orders increased daily during the summer. As of August, the average occupancy rate reached 90%, a 33% increase from the previous year. "Most tourists this year were from Chongqing, and 60% came with their families."
Camping reached its fever pitch in Chongqing in the early summer of this year. Many families spent time camping with the enthusiasts.
Citizens camp in Qingxi Valley, Jiangjin. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Driving tours usually include a tent, a barbecue grill, and folding chairs. Many people brought their children to the alpine meadow for a close encounter with nature. A night under the stars is romantic and pleasant. The report shows that Chongqing ranks among the top ten Chinese cities for family camping trips.
Study tours see a robust recovery
In recent years, study tours have gained more recognition among the general public. The market offers great opportunities for recovery during the summer holiday. Data from Ctrip show that the number of orders for study tour products in July increased fourfold from that in June.
Chongqing is the birthplace of the Hongyan spirit and has many advantages for study tours. The Hongyan Study Tour and Education Base launched five large-scale events for the first time this year, such as Red Classics Salon, Hongyan Summer Art Education Program, and Hongyan Teenager Training Camp. Over 12,000 participants have signed up so far.
The children are sketching statues of Hongyan in the summer study tour. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Parents highly praised Hongyan Summer Art Education Program. "Courses such as DIY tie-dying, notebook making, and Hongyan-themed sketching have led children to a completely different world." "The study tours are special by fully arousing children's enthusiasm for learning, and we will return." Some parents were pleased with what the children could get from the events.
In addition to schools, many parents participated in study tours with their children out of their own free will.
Tourists from Chongqing took an active part in the study tours this summer. Family members accompanied over 50% of participants. Several study tours have been organized for handwork and parent-child fun in Mexin Wine Town. The tourists learned how to make cakes and wine, which made these events highly popular. According to statistics, parent-child tourists accounted for 40% of the total.