Travelers across China are enjoying a whirlwind of activity during the National Day holiday, with the country witnessing a remarkable surge in travel. According to data released by the Ministry of Transport, the early days of October saw over 17.6 million train trips taken on just the third day of the holiday, marking an 8 percent year-on-year rise. Notably, road traffic dominated the travel scene, with 261.71 million passenger trips recorded, which is up 3.9 percent from last year.
The National Day holiday, celebrated annually from October 1st, is known for family gatherings and traveling. This years' celebrations reflect not only the joy of reuniting but also the resilience of the transportation sector, which is managing the impressive influx of travelers effectively. Ministerial officials have called on regional transportation departments to continue ensuring smooth operations.
Cultural tourism has emerged as one of the most popular activities during this holiday. Data from travel agency Qunar indicates hotel bookings have spiked, particularly in regions known for their historical significance. For example, the province of Shanxi, steeped in rich architectural heritage, has seen bookings double compared to last year. Highlights include the famous Jinci Temple complex, which is drawing attention not just for its history but also for the connections it shares with popular cultural narratives like the video game "Black Myth: Wukong," based on the beloved character Sun Wukong from Chinese literature.
Travel agencies are reporting heightened interest in cultural tours across the nation. "While ensuring the protection of cultural relics, we aim to shift from static sightseeing to more dynamic experiences, bringing history and culture to life," expressed Qiu Ping, vice curator of the Jinci Museum. The surge in visitors has also prompted museums and cultural institutions, especially in major cities like Shanghai and Nanjing, to extend operating hours to accommodate tourists eager to explore.
The mix of entertainment and education is evident through various study tours, such as one involving 18 students from Sichuan province, who toured traditional architectural sites as part of their learning experience. Their teachers emphasized the importance of instilling cultural appreciation among students through firsthand exposure to China's historical splendor.
Even more, tourism interests have diversified, with international travel resurging as well. Online platform Fliggy reported significant increases in bookings for outbound travel, particularly to countries like Japan and Thailand, as hopeful travelers seek to explore the world beyond China. This trend is attributed to optimized visa policies and the infectious enthusiasm for tourism showcased on social media platforms.
The current atmosphere suggests the era of post-pandemic travel recovery is blossoming. China is poised to see approximately 1.75 million inbound and outbound trips daily during the National Day holiday, representing an impressive 18.5 percent increase from last year. This fevered pace of travel provides not only leisure and connection for countless families but significantly contributes to the rejuvenation of local economies.
Beyond traditional tourism, unique cultural experiences have captured the imagination of many travelers this holiday season. An example can be found within Guizhou province, where the local Guizhou Village Super League has been creating buzz not just for football but for the backdrop of rich ethnic traditions. During the match, the Dong ethnic group showcased their folk songs and dances, offering tourists authentic local cultural engagement.
This kind of blended engagement is paving the way for rural tourism's growth, with reports indicating over 60 percent increases in bookings for rural tours this holiday compared to previous years. First and second-tier city residents are now venturing out to explore less-traveled but captivating localities, showing increasing interest and willingness to experience local cultures.
The driving motivation behind many of these trips has been the rich integration of contemporary popular culture with historical tourism. Just as "To the Wonder," the breakout drama, revitalized the interest in Xinjiang’s Altay prefecture, various destinations leverage storytelling to attract visitors. Travel agencies see this trend as having vast potential, shaping tourism experiences beyond merely visiting new places.
Beijing’s addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List has also stimulated interest, with reports indicating orders for tourism products related to the capital's Central Axis have increased significantly during the holiday. Families and young travelers from various backgrounds are drawn to historical sites like the Drum Tower and Jingshan Hill, blending educational exploration with leisure.
Indeed, this National Day holiday is much more than just travel; it serves as an occasion for cultural exchange and economic revitalization. Travelers are not just experiencing new places; they are engaging deeply with the cultural narratives and historical significance underpinning those experiences, which stands to benefit China's tourism sector as it continues to rebound.
