China’s Qingming Festival holiday ignited a remarkable surge in travel and consumption, signaling a robust rebound in domestic tourism and economic activity.
The three-day Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, concluded on Saturday, marking a significant occasion for Chinese families to honor their ancestors. Traditionally observed by visiting ancestral graves, the festival has also become an opportunity for leisure travel, with many citizens taking advantage of the public holiday to explore different regions of the country.
According to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China recorded approximately 119 million domestic passenger trips during the holiday period, an increase of 11.5 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Domestic tourism revenue reached 53.95 billion yuan (around $7.6 billion), up 12.7 percent from 2019 levels.
The surge in travel was not limited to domestic destinations. The Chinese mainland saw 1.04 million inbound trips and 992,000 outbound trips, reflecting a significant uptick in international travel. Many residents from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, as well as overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia, returned to their hometowns to pay respects to their ancestors, visit relatives and friends, and engage in sightseeing activities.
Popular cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Kunming emerged as top destinations for inbound travelers, according to data from travel platform LY.com. Meanwhile, overseas travel also experienced a boost, with Thailand, Japan, and the Maldives ranking as the top three international destinations for Chinese travelers, as reported by travel portal Tuniu.
The significant increase in travel and consumption during the Qingming Festival underscores the resilience of China’s tourism industry and its vital role in stimulating economic growth. Industry analysts believe that this positive trend may continue throughout the year, bolstered by pent-up demand and supportive government policies.
As China continues to recover from the global challenges of recent years, the revitalization of travel during traditional holidays like the Qingming Festival offers a glimpse into the country’s societal and economic rejuvenation. The blend of cultural heritage and modern leisure activities reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape that resonates with both domestic and international communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
