Tourists pose for a selfie at the Xinhao Mountain scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 24, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chongqing - Graduation season is fueling a new wave of student spending in China, offering an opportunity for growth to businesses in sectors such as travel and medical aesthetics.

In June, as universities also entered graduation season alongside middle and high schools, online travel agency Qunar.com reported a 35% year-over-year increase in long-distance flight bookings for graduation trips since the start of the month.

Qi Xiaofang, an undergraduate from Central China Normal University, recently returned from a graduation trip with friends. Having already secured admission to a postgraduate program, she described her final days at the university as joyful. "I spent most of my time with friends," she said.

For her, graduation spending is a way to celebrate the end of campus life and mark a fresh new beginning. She also plans to take on an internship to make the most of her summer.

Fang Ying, a graduate of Hangzhou Dianzi University, said she would like to reward herself with a graduation trip and a concert by her favorite artist. "Once I start working, I won't have a long stretch of free time for trips like this again," she said.

The tourism platform Tongcheng Travel reported a notable rise in flight bookings that evening, with over half made by "1+1" groups—one graduate and one parent.

Some tourist attractions are offering free or discounted admission to students who have completed this year’s high school or college entrance exams. For instance, Huaqing Palace Scenic Area in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is granting free entry from June 9 to August 31 to eligible graduates who present their exam permit and ID at the ticket window.

Yuan Shuai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Z-Park Internet of Things Industry Alliance, told Securities Daily that such incentives help draw more graduates, enhance the visibility and popularity of scenic spots, and boost both foot traffic and revenue. They also stimulate surrounding industries, such as dining, lodging, and transportation, creating more jobs and broader economic benefits.

The seasonal boom in the medical aesthetics industry is driven by the graduation rush, as cosmetic procedures surge among students.

Bridging News reporters noticed that Bishan Maternal & Child Health Care Hospital, a local hospital in Chongqing, has issued a discounted acne treatment plan targeting students who need to present their high school and college entrance examination cards or admission offers at the hospital, valid from June 10 to August 31.

"Graduation gift! I give myself a new nose", posted by a Xiaohongshu user. (Photo/Xiaohongshu)

Many medical aesthetics agencies post their graduation season advertisements on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform with a dominant number of young female users.

Zhong Guanhong, Head of Hangzhou Yestar Medical Aesthetic Clinic, told Tide News that the number of student clients—both high school graduates and university students—seeking procedures in June and July is about five times the usual volume of procedures.