Planning a trip to China for the Spring Festival? You're not alone! Over 13.5 million travellers entered or exited China this year. This guide answers your questions and offers tips for navigating the busy holiday.

In an unprecedented rebound, China experienced a surge in travel during the Spring Festival holiday of 2024. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported that over 13.5 million individuals crossed in and out of China, significantly increasing from the previous year and signalling a return to pre-pandemic mobility levels. This surge is nearly triple the figures from last year and approaches the bustling travel statistics of 2019.

Record-Breaking Daily Movements

Daily travel statistics were equally impressive, with an average of 1.7 million people traversing the country's borders. The NIA highlighted an uptick in vehicle crossings at national borders, with over 459,000 checks conducted, indicating a robust 1.6-fold increase over the prior year. Most of these crossings occurred via land ports in the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau regions, emphasising their pivotal role in facilitating travel.

Domestic Travel and Tourism Flourish

The domestic sector was included, as 474 million trips were recorded, surpassing last year's figures by 34.3%. Spending during the holiday soared, with tourists splurging over CNY 632.6 billion, showcasing nearly a 50% increase in expenditure. Such statistics underscore the vibrant recovery and enthusiasm of domestic tourism in China.

Ports Witness Unprecedented Traffic

Zhuhai's Gongbei Port, Shenzhen's Luohu, and Futian ports emerged as hotspots for travellers, with daily averages reaching staggering heights. Gongbei Port alone saw over 2.08 million people crossing between Zhuhai and Macau, marking a significant increase from the previous year and highlighting the allure of cross-border travel. Here's the chart detailing the popular global self-driving destinations during China's Spring Holiday 2024, categorised into Domestic Top 10 Destinations, International Top 10 Destinations, and Fastest fastest-growing international Destinations:

Air travel was no less dynamic, with significant airports like Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Beijing Capital International experiencing a remarkable surge in passenger numbers. This trend indicates a broader resurgence in the desire for air travel, further fueled by the Spring Festival's timing.

Innovations in Travel: The Rise of Self-Driving Tours

The festival period also saw a revolutionary change in travel preferences, with a notable pivot towards self-driving tours. Platforms like Zuzuche reported a dramatic increase in tourists opting for self-driven international trips, with destinations like Christchurch and Gold Coast witnessing unprecedented visitor numbers.

ASEAN Countries Top the List for Spring Festival Destinations

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were the most favoured destinations for Chinese travellers during the Spring Festival, benefiting from visa-free policies and proximity. The inclination towards these ASEAN countries reflects a broader trend of seeking accessible international travel experiences.

Best places to visit in China during Spring Festival

While many places close down during this period, there are some truly unique experiences in China if you're willing to embrace the festive atmosphere. Here are some of the best places to visit in China during Spring Festival:

• Beijing: The heart of China comes alive during Spring Festival. Witness the Forbidden City adorned in red decorations, watch a dragon dance parade, or soak up the festive atmosphere at a temple fair.
  
  
• Harbin: For a winter wonderland experience, head to Harbin in China's Heilongjiang province. The yearly Harbin International Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival occurs during the Spring Festival and showcases incredible ice sculptures and winter activities.

• Yunnan:  Escape the chills in tropical Yunnan. Explore the colourful towns of Lijiang and Dali, or witness the mesmerising spectacle of the Plowing Festival in the Longji terraced fields.

• Luoyang: This ancient capital in Henan province is known for its peony gardens. The Luoyang Peony Culture Festival is a visual treat, showcasing these beautiful blooms during the Spring Festival.

• Wuyuan: Nicknamed "Huangshan in Bloom," this scenic region in Anhui province boasts mesmerising landscapes carpeted in vibrant yellow canola flowers during the Spring Festival.

Family and Long-Distance Travel Trends

The Spring Festival also highlighted changing travel dynamics, with family and long-distance travel emerging as the predominant trends. Data from Ctrip pointed to a significant rise in family and child-accompanied travel, emphasising the growing preference for shared travel experiences among the Chinese population.

This remarkable surge in travel activity during the Spring Festival of 2024 reflects China's recovery from the pandemic's travel restrictions and a renewed zest for exploration and cultural exchange, both domestically and internationally.

Tips for travelling to China during Spring Festival crowds

Here are some tips for travelling to China during the Spring Festival crowds:

• Plan: Spring Festival is a popular travel time, so booking flights and accommodation well in advance is essential. Transportation and popular attractions will sell out quickly.
  
  
• Embrace the offbeat path: Consider visiting lesser-known destinations to avoid the peak crowds. Places like Yunnan, with its colourful towns of Lijiang and Dali, or Guangxi, home to the mesmerising Longji terraced fields, offer a unique Spring Festival experience.

• Choose your travel dates with flexibility: Travel during the shoulder seasons before or after the official Spring Festival holidays. This can help you avoid the peak crowds and find better deals on flights and accommodation.

• Learn some basic Mandarin: A few basic Mandarin phrases can go a long way during your travels in China. Being able to ask for directions, order food, and greet people will help you navigate the crowds and enhance your experience.

• Be patient and prepared for delays: With millions travelling during Spring Festival, expect crowds and delays everywhere. Be patient, take extra transportation time, and embrace the festive spirit!

FAQS

What caused the surge in travel during China's Spring Festival?

The surge was due to 13.5 million visitors, driven by the cultural importance of the Lunar New Year, encouraging domestic and international family reunions.

What travel innovations emerged during the Spring Festival?

Self-driving tours became popular, offering travellers a more personalised and flexible way to explore destinations.

Which destinations were favoured during the Spring Festival?

ASEAN countries were preferred due to their proximity, diverse cultures, and warm climates, appealing to Chinese travellers.