What Drove China’s Lunar New Year Tourism

Chinese travelers spread across China this Lunar New Year, chasing snow in Harbin, warmth in Xiamen, and visa-free trips in Southeast Asia.

The trips generated 677 billion yuan ($93 billion) in domestic tourism spending. There was a 5.9% increase in travel volume and a 7% rise in revenue compared to last year, according to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

China saw significant numbers in both inbound and outbound tourism, with around 14 million total cross-border travelers — up over 6% from the previous year, according to China Trading Desk. 

Foreign visitors made up nearly one million of that total, up 23% from the same period last year, China’s National Immigration Administration said. 

Trip.com Group witnessed a 180% increase in inbound tour ticket orders, while hotel book