Wednesday, April 8, 2026
China recorded 135 million domestic tourist trips during the three‑day 2026 Qingming Festival holiday from April 4 to April 6, according to official data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with total domestic travel spending reaching nearly 61.37 billion yuan (about $8.9 billion) — both figures representing a year‑on‑year increase in travel activity and tourism consumption during one of the country’s key spring holidays.
The Qingming Festival — culturally known as Tomb‑Sweeping Day — traditionally combines family remembrance and spring outings, and in 2026 it coincided with extended school breaks in many provinces, encouraging broader travel patterns. From bustling urban centres to scenic rural landscapes, Chinese families and solo travellers took advantage of the break to visit destinations near and far, contributing to strong travel numbers across the country.
Travel activity was buoyed by long‑distance journeys as well as short trips. Many regions reported heightened inter‑regional travel, with passenger transport volumes rising noticeably during the holiday period. Road travel remained the dominant mode, while rail and air travel saw significant increases in passenger flows, reflecting diversified travel preferences among holidaymakers.
Capital city Beijing saw a surge in visitors during the Qingming break, as travellers explored historic landmarks, parks and cultural attractions while also observing traditional holiday rituals such as visiting cemeteries and memorial halls. Cultural sites and parks across the city reported elevated footfall, reflecting both the festive observances and spring tourism demand.
Outlying provinces with well‑known cultural destinations, including Henan and Hebei, also hosted crowds at ancient towns, heritage parks and scenic gardens, with many visitors combining tourism experiences with family gatherings or ancestral commemoration.
In Guangdong Province, which encompasses major urban hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, tourist sites including parks, historical landmarks and scenic attractions witnessed high visitor numbers and strong revenue performance. Local transport stations and cultural attractions reported robust activity as travellers explored both metropolitan and rural destinations during the long weekend.
Central and southwestern provinces also posted notable travel data, with Sichuan Province recording double‑digit increases in visit numbers and ticket revenue at major scenic sites. This reflects a broader regional interest in nature‑focused travel, outdoor activities and cultural tourism experiences that appeal to families and groups on holiday.
The alignment of the Qingming Festival with school spring breaks in provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui expanded travel windows for families, resulting in longer visits and plans that combined multiple destinations. The extended holiday enabled many travellers to embark on long‑distance trips exceeding 800 km, contributing to increased flight and high‑speed rail bookings.
Domestic travel booking platforms reported strong performance for family trip itineraries, with bookings for flights, rail travel and hotels up significantly compared to previous years. Parent‑child travel accounts grew as a substantial share of total reservations, making family tourism an important segment of the Qingming travel surge.
From national parks and riverside promenades to botanical gardens and heritage zones, scenic spring outings were a prominent part of travel patterns during the Qingming Festival holiday. Regions with renowned natural attractions saw significant visitor numbers as travellers made the most of mild spring weather to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics and sightseeing.
Coastal cities and beach destinations also reported strong traffic, as both domestic and regional travellers combined cultural festivals with seaside relaxation and spring leisure travel. Landscapes that offer flowering gardens, lakeside paths and panoramic views were particularly attractive to tourists seeking fresh seasonal experiences.
Total tourism expenditure during the Qingming Festival holiday reached approximately 61.37 billion yuan (about $8.9 billion), reflecting a 6.6 percent rise compared with the same period in 2025. The increase in spending accompanied the rise in overall travel volumes, with tourists spending on transportation, accommodation, dining and entrance fees at cultural and natural attractions.
While the average spending per trip showed some minor variation, the overall growth in total spending highlights the strength of travel consumption during the holiday. Many regions linked tourism promotions, cultural events and outdoor leisure offerings to broader patterns of spring travel demand, enhancing travel experiences and encouraging extended stays.
Passenger transport data from the holiday period showed that railways, highways, waterways and air travel collectively supported the surge in mobility across regions. Railway passenger trips, in particular, rose markedly, underlining the role of high‑speed rail in facilitating efficient movement between provinces during peak travel periods.
Road travel also accounted for the majority of inter‑regional trips, as travellers opted for scenic road routes and self‑drive tours that connected urban gateways with countryside destinations. Airports across major cities managed increased flights and passenger loads, contributing to broader connectivity during the holiday.
The 2026 Qingming Festival holiday provides early momentum for China’s domestic tourism market in the spring season, indicating strong consumer interest in travel as weather warms and cultural holiday windows open. The extended break and diverse travel patterns reflect evolving preferences for both short getaway trips and multi‑destination itineraries that blend cultural, leisure and nature‑based experiences.
As travel demand continues beyond Qingming, tourism stakeholders and service providers are preparing for upcoming holiday peaks, offering packages, promotions and expanded services that cater to sustained interest in domestic travel throughout 2026.
Tags: 135 million Chinese travelers, Beijing travel, China domestic tourism growth, China Qingming Festival 2026, China spring travel boom, China tourism spending 2026, China travel 2026, Guangdong tourism, Qingming Festival tourism, Qingming travel statistics
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