Chongqing - As the curtains close on the 2024 Spring Festival holiday, recent data from Qunar unveils Chongqing's ascension as a premier travel hotspot in China, with its hotel bookings securing a coveted fifth place nationally.
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On February 12, a foreign visitor snapped a photo of a train passing through a building at Liziba Station in Yuzhong District with her cell phone. (Photo/Li Yuheng)
The surge in popularity is attributed to attractions such as the Chongqing Zoo, Three Natural Bridges, Happy Valley Theme Park, Dazu Rock Carvings, and Wulong Fairy Mountain, drawing tourists from across the country.
Travel during the Spring Festival break saw air bookings rise 123% from last year, with 70% of travelers starting their trips on the second day, marking the first five days as the peak tourism period.
According to Xiao Peng, a researcher at the Qunar Big Data Research Institute, the extension of the holiday to eight days has transitioned the focus from traditional homecomings to travel. This shift was especially evident on the second day of the Lunar New Year, which saw more travelers opting for flights than those returning home on Lunar New Year's Eve.
Chongqing saw a surge in popularity, ranking second nationally for B&B bookings according to Tujia B&B on February 17, with Jiefangbei and Hongyadong among the top five destinations, showcasing its appeal as a travel spot.
Furthermore, traditional festive activities like fireworks and lantern viewings have also grown, with bookings for such events up by 120% compared to 2023. This revival of cultural experiences is part of a nationwide effort to promote immersive travel and explore the richness of local traditions.
The surge in B&B bookings reflects a growing interest in authentic travel experiences, with Dali, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi'an leading the pack of favored destinations. Harbin, a winter wonderland, continued to attract visitors, securing a spot in the top ten.
China's expanded visa-free policies have also spurred outbound travel during the Spring Festival, turning it into a global tourism event. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, recently added to the visa-free roster, have seen significant booking surges, with Singapore's bookings increasing 29-fold over the previous year.
In a testament to the global footprint of Chinese tourists, more than 1,700 cities across 125 countries welcomed travelers from China during the festival, showcasing the expansive reach and evolving preferences of Chinese holidaymakers.