As the Qingming Festival approaches, China prepares for a historic surge in travel with an estimated 760 million cross-regional trips expected between April 4 and 6. The festival, blending ancestral remembrance with springtime activities, reflects both cultural reverence and modern mobility trends.
The Ministry of Transport predicts shorter trips will dominate this year's holiday, driven by improved intercity transport networks and a growing preference for long-weekend getaways. Rural tourism has emerged as a standout trend, with scenic countryside destinations gaining popularity among urban residents seeking nature escapes.
'Travel patterns show a shift toward decentralized, experience-focused itineraries,' noted CGTN's Dai Kaiyi, highlighting how infrastructure development enables smoother regional connectivity. Traditional tomb-sweeping ceremonies continue alongside festive outings, with high-speed rail and expressways expected to handle 80% of passenger traffic.
This year's travel volume marks a 25% increase from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, underscoring China's accelerating consumption recovery. Analysts suggest the data offers valuable insights into regional economic vitality and evolving leisure preferences across the Chinese mainland.
