China Records Nearly 17.8 Million Cross-Border Trips During Spring Festival Holiday

Record-Breaking Travel During Spring Festival 2026

China experienced a significant surge in cross-border travel during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, with the National Immigration Administration (NIA) reporting a total of 17.796 million trips. This figure represents an average daily increase of 10.1 percent year-on-year compared to the same period last year. The nine-day holiday, which ran from February 15 to February 23, saw an average of nearly 2 million trips per day, highlighting a robust recovery and growth in international exchanges.

Detailed Breakdown of Traveler Demographics

The NIA's statistics provide a comprehensive look at the diverse groups contributing to this travel boom. Mainland residents accounted for the majority of trips, making 9.51 million cross-border journeys, an increase of 10.2 percent in daily average year-on-year. Residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan collectively made nearly 7 million trips, showing an 8 percent year-on-year rise.

Notably, foreign nationals contributed 1.31 million trips, marking a substantial 21.8 percent year-on-year increase in daily average. Among inbound foreign travelers, 460,000 entered under visa-free policies, demonstrating a 28.5 percent year-on-year increase. Border authorities also inspected 705,000 vehicles, vessels, trains, and aircraft during the holiday period, reflecting a 19.4 percent increase in daily average compared to the previous year.

Factors Driving the Surge in Cross-Border Movement

Several factors contributed to the heightened travel activity during this year's Spring Festival. The expansion of mutual visa-free arrangements between China and various countries, including Russia and Brazil, played a crucial role in making overseas travel more accessible for holidaymakers. China's broader visa-free policies and facilitation measures have actively fueled the inbound tourism sector.

Furthermore, the inscription of 'Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year' on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024 has enhanced its global influence, attracting more international visitors keen to experience Chinese culture. The extended nine-day holiday period also provided more opportunities for both domestic and international travel. Online travel platforms reported significant increases in bookings, with flight bookings by foreigners soaring by as much as 400 percent year-on-year in the fortnight leading up to the holiday, according to Fliggy.

Popular Destinations and Cultural Immersion

Chinese tourists traveling abroad favored destinations with shorter flight times, friendly visa policies, and milder climates. Popular outbound destinations included Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City, Macau, and Phuket. Many travelers opted for four to five-day trips, often combining traditional customs with overseas holidays.

For inbound visitors, there was a growing interest in immersive 'very Chinese time' experiences, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to engage with local culture, such as participating in city walks, trying calligraphy, and making dumplings. This desire for deeper engagement is also translating into increased consumption, with a notable rise in tax refunds claimed by overseas travelers.