Amanze Chinonye
China’s recently concluded eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday has set new records for travel and spending, reaffirming the growing momentum of domestic consumption and mobility across the world’s second-largest economy.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Chinese residents made 888 million domestic trips between October 1 and 8, 2025, up by 123 million from 2024 a 15.9 percent increase year-on-year.
Tourism spending reached ¥809 billion (approximately $113.6 billion), up by ¥108 billion from last year, underscoring the country’s renewed appetite for leisure and local travel.
The Ministry of Transport further reported a total of 2.43 billion cross-regional passenger trips during the same period a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year with a daily average of over 304 million journeys, the highest since records began.
Meanwhile, the National Immigration Administration disclosed that 16.34 million entries and exits were recorded at China’s borders, averaging 2 million per day, a rise of 11.5 percent year-on-year. Analysts attributed the surge partly to new visa-free policies and expanded international flight routes, boosting inbound and outbound tourism alike.
Golden Week: A Convergence of Culture and Consumption
This year’s Golden Week coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating an extended eight-day holiday one of the longest in recent years. The overlap spurred a national travel wave, with railways, highways, and airports operating near capacity.
Major tourist hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an saw hotel occupancy rates soar, while lesser-known destinations like Guizhou and Gansu reported record visitor numbers driven by affordable travel options and strong online promotion campaigns.
“Golden Week has become more than a vacation period it’s now a barometer of domestic confidence and spending power,” said an economist at the China Tourism Academy, noting that travel activity “reflects an improving consumption environment, even amid broader economic adjustments.”
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Momentum Amid Moderation
While total spending figures set new highs, economists noted that average per-trip expenditure grew more modestly, as price competition among travel operators, airlines, and retailers kept costs stable.
“The strong overall numbers mask a certain frugality among travelers,” said a Beijing-based financial analyst. “People are still spending, but they’re seeking value discounts, family packages, and nearby destinations are key trends.”
Retail, catering, and entertainment sectors all reported robust sales, while cultural tourism including museums, ancient towns, and festival-themed light shows gained popularity among younger travelers.
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Reconnecting a Nation on the Move
Beyond the economic figures, the 2025 Golden Week embodied a sense of reconnection. Parks and historical sites filled with families, urban centers buzzed with performances, and transportation networks carried a record volume of passengers with relatively smooth logistics.
The strong domestic tourism data, experts say, may contribute to China’s fourth-quarter growth targets, as the government continues to promote consumption-driven recovery. Still, most analysts caution that sustained growth will depend on longer-term reforms and wage-driven spending, rather than short-term holiday booms.
China’s eight-day holiday generated:
- 888 million domestic trips, up 15.9% year-on-year.
- ¥809 billion in domestic tourism revenue, up ¥108 billion.
- 2.43 billion cross-regional passenger trips, a 6.3% rise.
- 16.34 million international crossings, averaging 2 million daily.
For a nation balancing economic recalibration with renewed consumer optimism, this year’s Golden Week was both a celebration and a statement that China’s domestic vitality remains one of its most reliable growth engines.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
