Chongqing - As autumn settles across China, Chongqing is stepping into the spotlight as one of the country's most popular seasonal travel destinations. With crisp air, colorful landscapes, and a calendar full of cultural activities, the city draws visitors nationwide and redefines autumn tourism trends.

Drone light show in Chongqing. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Strong Demand for Autumn Travel

According to major online travel agencies such as Fliggy and Tongcheng Travel, Chongqing ranks among the top cities for autumn tourism. Searches for flights and hotels surged in September, with domestic air ticket demand up more than 30 percent year-on-year. High-quality hotels in downtown areas and boutique countryside lodges have seen booking growth of over 30 percent, while short-haul trips to scenic mountains, ancient towns, and theme parks remain highly popular.

Fliggy data also show that multi-destination trips are on the rise, with bookings for “train + flight” itineraries growing 7 percent from last year, and long-haul tours and car rentals increasing by 53 percent and 93 percent, respectively. Popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and notably, Chongqing.

Scenic Spots Roll Out Autumn Attractions

Local attractions have quickly pivoted to autumn-themed experiences. At Meixin Red Wine Town, the season opened with a “White Dew Feast” celebrating local harvests, followed by events such as a harvest festival, a red wine carnival, and immersive performances through October. Meanwhile, Happy Valley Chongqing is set to launch its “Wonderland Festival” with immersive shows, cosplay parades, drone light displays, and live performances by popular singers.

Beyond the city, mountain and canyon destinations such as Jinfo Mountain, Fairy Mountain, Simian Mountain, and the Three Gorges region have donned their “autumn coats,” offering diverse landscapes for visitors to explore.

Meixin Red Wine Town hosts a variety of autumn tourism activities. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Grand parade at Chongqing Happy Valley. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

New Tourism Trends Take Shape

Industry insiders note several emerging patterns in Chongqing’s autumn tourism market:

Festivals and Events as Key Drivers. Concerts, sports competitions, drone shows, and food festivals are fueling travel demand. For example, the city’s ongoing “Yuchao” football league is expected to turn sports audiences into active tourists.

County-Level Travel Gains Popularity. As big cities become crowded, smaller county destinations are attracting travelers seeking value and authenticity. Orders for county-level tourism have risen 40 percent, with some niche spots seeing growth of over 400 percent.

Travel Photography Boom. The season’s colors have made “travel + photography” products increasingly popular, from natural landscapes to cultural landmarks. Demand now spans both younger travelers and older groups.

Rise of “Laid-Back Travel” So-called “lie-flat tours,” which focus on relaxation rather than intensive sightseeing, are becoming a new trend. Tourists are increasingly choosing comfort and personalized experiences over fast-paced, checklist-style itineraries.

By combining cultural heritage with innovative tourism experiences, Chongqing is rapidly upgrading its appeal in the national travel market. From scenic mountains to immersive festivals, the city is creating new reasons for travelers to stay longer, spend more, and return again.

As Zhang Dawei, General Manager of Regional Government Affairs at Trip.com Group, notes: “Chongqing’s diverse tourism offerings—from large-scale events to niche countryside retreats—are making it one of the most dynamic destinations this autumn.”