Chongqing - On March 12, Fliggy, Alibaba's online travel platform, released its "2025 Spring Travel Snapshot Report", revealing that spring outings and flower-viewing trips have surged over fivefold in popularity since March compared to the previous month. Cities such as Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, Suzhou, and Chengdu have emerged as the top destinations for these activities.
As mid-spring brings a vibrant display of blooming flowers, "flower-chasing" trips have become a popular weekend activity for all ages. With warmer weather, the popularity of plum blossom viewing has slightly declined, while cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers are now in the spotlight. According to Fliggy's data, cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, peach blossoms, plum blossoms, azaleas, pear blossoms, and crabapple blossoms have become the "seven floral wonders" of this spring season, attracting the most attention.
In Chongqing, numerous scenic spots have welcomed a surge of visitors. At the Mutao Road community park in Liangjiang New Area, the slopes are adorned with blooming Japanese apricot trees, their delicate branches covered in pink flowers, creating a stunning and charming sight. The park has even set up special photo spots for visitors to capture the beauty.
Mutao Road community park in Tiangongdian Subdistrict, Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Liangjiang New Area)
Meanwhile, the early cherry blossoms at the Nanshan Botanical Garden have transformed the area into a pink fairy-tale world. The cherry trees lining the pathways are laden with blossoms, and a gentle breeze sends petals fluttering through the air. The park has also organized an anime-themed event, "Wandering in the Sea of Flowers," drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Nanshan Botanical Garden. (Photo/Shi Tao)
Beyond flower viewing, spring outings are equally refreshing. At the Fuling Mexin Red Wine Town, newly planted bamboo groves and palm trees sway in the wind, adding a lush green touch to this eco-friendly riverside town. The scenic area has leveraged its natural resources to create immersive experiences, such as the "palm forest castle homestay" and the "most beautiful eucalyptus forest train track," further enhancing its appeal.
Mexin Red Wine Town welcomes numerous visitors for spring outings. (Photo/Mexin Red Wine Town
Fliggy's ongoing "Global Travel Festival" has also seen strong sales for spring-themed travel products. Data shows that related activities and packages have already surpassed 40,000 in total sales.
In terms of travel preferences, spring trips are predominantly short to medium-distance, with high-speed rail and self-driving trips within a two-hour range being the most popular. Additionally, the combination of high-speed rail and car rentals has gained traction for its convenience and efficiency. Fliggy reports a year-on-year increase of over 30% in car rental bookings since March, with high-speed rail stations becoming the most popular pick-up and drop-off points. Families with children have shown the most significant growth in spring travel demand, with per capita bookings also on the rise.
For those still undecided about their spring travel plans or hesitant to plan their itineraries, AI assistants can come in handy. For instance, Fliggy's recently launched AI travel assistant can quickly generate a detailed itinerary. By simply asking, "Recommend a cherry blossom spot near Hangzhou for this weekend, within a two-hour drive," users receive a tailored guide, such as a day trip to the Anchang Ancient Town, complete with attractions, travel times, ticket prices, and tips.