China Tourism Sees Transformative Change with More Than Ninety Million Plane Trips, Over Ten Mln Train Journey, What Makes Lunar New Year Travel More Successful in This Year of Snake

Friday, January 31, 2025

Lunar New Year Travel in 2025 has brought with it not just festive celebrations across Asia, but a travel boom of unprecedented proportions. As the Year of the Snake unfolds, the world is witnessing an extraordinary shift in the global tourism landscape, with China leading the charge in Travel Industry. This year’s Lunar New Year travel surge is not only creating record-breaking numbers within China but is also triggering a massive uptick in outbound tourism that is shaking the very foundations of the global travel industry.

In China, Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival, is always the busiest travel season of the year. It’s a time when families return to their hometowns, cities are emptied out as people rush to reunite with relatives, and millions of people hit the roads, rails, and skies. However, what sets this year apart is the sheer scale of the travel rush, which experts are predicting will break every previous record in China’s history.

For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter.

According to state-run news agency, an astonishing 9 billion trips are expected to be made within China during this year’s Spring Festival Travel Season. This will span a 40-day period, covering travel both before and after the Lunar New Year celebrations. Of these trips, over half a billion will be by train, another 90 million by air, and the rest will be made by car. This travel frenzy is a hallmark of China’s ever-growing tourism sector, but this year’s numbers are set to redefine what is possible in terms of domestic mobility.

However, the real twist in this year’s travel story is the surge in outbound travel. While many are accustomed to the high volume of domestic travel, there is an increasing demand for international travel, and the numbers are nothing short of staggering. Travel agency Trip.com reported a jaw-dropping 70% increase in Chinese demand for overseas travel this year compared to the previous Lunar New Year. The surge is not only in flight bookings but also in car rentals, hotel reservations, and even tickets for cultural and recreational activities abroad.

The Travel Boom Beyond China: A Global Tourism Shift

International travel and tourism destinations like Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong have quickly emerged as the most popular choices for Chinese travelers this year. This surge in Chinese outbound tourism is significantly affecting the global tourism industry, pushing these destinations to rethink their strategies and infrastructure to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.

What is perhaps even more remarkable is the record-breaking number of visitors arriving in China during the same period. This year, China is set to welcome a staggering number of overseas tourists, with visitors from South Korea leading the charge. According to reports, the number of South Korean tourists visiting China during the Lunar New Year has tripled compared to the previous year. In fact, data from travel agencies indicates that one out of every five overseas visitors to China during this holiday season is from South Korea.

For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter.

This unexpected influx of tourists from South Korea is a testament to the growing cultural and economic ties between the two countries, and it also highlights the immense appeal of China’s tourism offerings, particularly during such a culturally significant time of the year. South Korea’s close proximity to China, coupled with the strong cultural and historical connections between the two countries, has made it a major player in the Lunar New Year Travel and tourism surge.

What’s Driving the Surge in Chinese Outbound Tourism?

Several key factors are behind the rapid growth in Chinese outbound travel this year. First and foremost is the sheer size of the Chinese middle class, which continues to grow at an astonishing rate. As more and more Chinese citizens find themselves with disposable income and the desire to explore the world, outbound tourism has become a major part of China’s travel culture.

This year, the combination of economic prosperity and a desire for new travel experiences has pushed the numbers to new heights. The trend toward more leisure-focused travel, as opposed to purely visiting family during the holiday season, is helping drive the international demand.

Another contributing factor is the changing nature of Chinese tourism. In the past, Chinese tourists often traveled within Asia, primarily to destinations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. However, the market is now diversifying. There is a growing interest in European and North American destinations, driven by the availability of cheaper flights, increased global connectivity, and the broader interest in international culture.

Destinations Reap the Rewards of Chinese Tourism

Countries like Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong are reaping the benefits of this unexpected surge in Chinese tourists. These nations, which have long been popular among Chinese travelers, are seeing a significant boost in hotel bookings, tour reservations, and spending during the Lunar New Year period.

In Japan, famous for its cherry blossoms and ancient temples, Chinese tourists are flocking to the country in greater numbers than ever before. The Japanese government has capitalized on this influx by offering tailored experiences for Chinese visitors, including special discounts, cultural events, and enhanced travel services.

Malaysia and Singapore are also seeing an increase in bookings from Chinese travelers, particularly those looking for tropical escapes, high-end shopping experiences, and cultural exchanges. These countries are leveraging their proximity to China, and the rich mix of cultural and leisure offerings, to attract more Chinese visitors during the holiday season.

For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter.

Hong Kong, which has traditionally been a hub for Chinese tourists, is witnessing an even greater spike in the number of visitors this year. With its blend of modernity and tradition, it continues to draw Chinese tourists in search of both shopping extravaganzas and cultural experiences. Similarly, South Korea’s rise as a key player in China’s outbound travel surge is reshaping the country’s tourism offerings. South Korea has long been a favorite for Chinese tourists, and this year, the number of visitors from China has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels.

The Global Impact: What Does This Mean for the Travel Industry?

The effects of this massive surge in Chinese tourism are far-reaching. Not only are individual countries and destinations experiencing unprecedented growth, but the global travel industry is being forced to adapt to this new reality. Airlines, travel agencies, and hotel chains are all scrambling to meet the demand from Chinese travelers, offering new services and packages to cater to their needs.

The travel industry, which has faced multiple challenges in recent years, is now seeing a significant rebound, thanks in large part to the growth in Chinese outbound tourism. Destinations that have long catered to Chinese tourists are reaping the benefits, while others are scrambling to develop strategies to attract this lucrative market. It is clear that China’s impact on the global tourism industry cannot be underestimated.

For the latest travel news, travel updates and travel deals, airline news, cruise news, technology updates, travel alerts, weather reports, insider’ insights, exclusive interviews, subscribe now to the daily TTW newsletter.

Conclusion: The Year of the Snake and the Future of Chinese Tourism

The Lunar New Year of 2025 has proven to be a defining moment for both domestic and international tourism. With record numbers of trips taken within China and a stunning rise in outbound travel, the travel industry is witnessing a profound transformation. This year, the Year of the Snake, has sparked a renewed interest in global travel, reshaping tourism trends and redefining the future of the travel industry.

As Chinese tourism continues to grow, countries across Asia and beyond will need to adapt to the changing dynamics, offering unique experiences that cater to the desires of Chinese travelers. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a long-lasting and transformative shift in the world of travel and tourism.

In case you missed it:

Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional platforms

Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here.

Watch Travel And Tour World  Interviews  here.

Read more Travel News, Daily Travel Alert, and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.

• Thailand with 35 Million Passengers Surpassing South Korea, Vietnam, Japan and China, Everything You Need to Know About New Flight Routes and Airline Industry Update

• Shaanxi’s Emperor Qinshihuang Mausoleum, Dunhuang’s Mogao Grottoes, and Shanxi’s Temples See Record Visitors Amid China’s 2025 Holiday Boom : What You Need to Know

• Bali’s Airport Expansion How New Flight Routes with Airlines Like IndiGo, Aeroflot, and Garuda Indonesia Will Transform Connectivity and Tourism Opportunities

• Why is Nami Island an Unforgettable Autumn Escape, Joining Renowned Destinations Like China, England, Taiwan, and Switzerland?

• China And International Association Of Exhibitions And Events (IAEE) Unite To Drive Innovation In The Exhibitions Industry