As China’s National Day holiday approaches, millions of people are preparing their travel plans. According to the Ministry of Transport, this year’s holiday will see a massive wave of travel, with an estimated 1.94 billion trips expected to be made across the country, averaging around 277 million trips per day—an increase of 0.7% compared to last year. Notably, over 80% of these trips are expected to be by car, totaling about 1.53 billion self-driving trips.

The average travel distance during the National Day holiday is projected to increase by 30% compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The heaviest traffic is expected on September 30, with peak outbound travel on October 1 and the return travel surge starting around October 5. Travelers are advised to plan their trips carefully to avoid traffic congestion.

Rising Demand for National Day Travel

The National Day holiday is expected to bring a fresh wave of excitement in the travel market. Various travel platforms have reported a surge in interest, with over 60% of travelers opting for long-distance trips. Both domestic and international travel bookings have seen significant year-on-year growth. According to data from online travel platforms, searches related to "National Day travel" have increased 27 times compared to the same period last year.

Top domestic destinations include Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Chongqing. Pre-sales of air tickets for the holiday have exceeded both last year’s numbers and those of the May Day holiday, showing that consumers’ enthusiasm for travel remains high.

Air Travel on the Rise

Aviation data shows that during the National Day holiday, over 15.65 million air passengers are expected to travel across China, with an average of 2.23 million passengers per day, marking a 7% increase from 2023. The peak travel days are anticipated before and after the holiday, with October 6 expected to be the busiest day, when passenger numbers could exceed 2.3 million.

Long-distance travel is especially popular, with over 60% of travelers choosing extended trips. Destinations for autumn sightseeing are seeing a surge in popularity, with airports in cities like Yining, Chifeng, and Zhangjiajie expecting significant increases in passenger traffic. Tourism to remote areas like Altay in Xinjiang has also seen a boom, with daily passenger traffic projected to rise by over 80% compared to last year.

A Two-Way Tourism Surge: Inbound and Outbound Travel

This National Day holiday, China is seeing a “two-way travel boom” between Chinese and foreign tourists. Inbound tourism growth is outpacing outbound travel, with inbound travel bookings surging by 60% year-on-year. Foreign tourists, particularly from countries like Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UK, are flocking to China. Notably, Thailand and Singapore, both benefiting from mutual visa-free agreements with China, rank among the top sources of inbound travelers.

At the same time, outbound travel is also thriving, with Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Osaka emerging as top destinations for Chinese travelers. Hong Kong, in particular, remains a highly popular choice, with the city’s immigration department predicting over 10 million crossings through its ports during the holiday.

The growing number of international flights and the subsequent reduction in ticket prices are also contributing to the rise in long-distance outbound travel. Popular destinations like Egypt, Hungary, and Kenya have seen ticket bookings triple compared to last year.

Inbound Travel Fueled by 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy

China’s 144-hour visa-free policy has been a significant driver of inbound tourism growth. Cities like Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Zhangjiajie have added new international flight routes, attracting large numbers of foreign tourists. Zhangjiajie, in particular, has seen a rise in visitors from 133 countries and regions in 2019 to 171 today.

The border inspection station in Zhangjiajie reported that the number of inbound tourists has remained high since the Mid-Autumn Festival, with around 1,200 foreign visitors entering daily. This number is expected to rise to 1,500 per day during the National Day holiday, a 20% increase.

Hot Tickets and Crowded Destinations

As the holiday nears, tickets for many popular tourist sites have already sold out. At the Palace Museum in Beijing, tickets for October 1 to 5 are fully booked, with the earliest available tickets for October 6. Similarly, the National Museum of China is also fully booked for the first five days of the holiday.

In Sichuan, the Jiuzhaigou scenic area has reached its maximum daily capacity of 41,000 visitors, with tickets for October 2 and 3 already sold out. Tourists are advised to keep an eye on ticket availability and adjust their plans accordingly.

Preparing for Outbound Flights

For those traveling internationally, it’s essential to be well-prepared. After purchasing tickets, travelers should confirm their flight details, such as the luggage allowance and the departure terminal. In cities with multiple airports, travelers must double-check their departure location to avoid missing their flight.

Additionally, it’s important to arrive at the airport at least three hours before an international flight to allow sufficient time for check-in, security checks, and customs procedures.

The Future of Travel During National Holidays

With inbound tourism growth outpacing outbound travel, China’s tourism industry is poised for a strong recovery. The country’s diverse travel offerings, from bustling cities to remote scenic spots, continue to attract both domestic and international tourists.

As National Day tourism reaches new heights, the travel industry is adapting to cater to the growing demand. From the expansion of visa-free policies to the launch of new flight routes, China is making it easier for foreign visitors to explore the country. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists are eager to discover both domestic and international destinations, contributing to a thriving global tourism market.

With increased accessibility, a variety of new destinations, and the rise of personalized travel experiences, the future of National Day holidays promises to be more exciting than ever before.