For many years, families in China stayed home for the Lunar New Year 2024, also called Spring Festival. But this year, something different is happening! Many people are packing their bags and heading out to explore new places instead. The number of people traveling during the Lunar New Year this year increased by over 100% compared to 2019!
Chinese people are choosing to travel more during the Lunar New Year 2024, also known as the Spring Festival, which is the most important festival in China. Popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Kunming, and Harbin. People are choosing beaches, mountains, historical sites, and even international trips!
Traditionally, families stay home during this time, but now many are going on trips. They’re attracted by cultural events like lantern shows, flower markets, and temple fairs all over the country. Some are even going abroad to explore new places.
In Beijing’s Beihai Park, visitors can get red posters with the Chinese character “Fu,” which means happiness, written on them. These are traditional blessings for the New Year.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Beijing’s parks had over 250,000 visitors, which is a lot more than last year. The number of people traveling during the Lunar New Year this year increased by over 100% compared to 2019!
Shanghai has over 200 cultural events during the eight-day holiday, including art exhibitions and food fairs. On New Year’s Day, 1.73 million people visited Shanghai, more than last year.
In Xi’an, Shaanxi province, 20 lantern shows are celebrating the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of good luck. Even though it’s crowded and cold, people think it’s worth it to see the shows.
Some people are also traveling abroad for the New Year. China’s National Immigration Administration expects about 1.8 million trips in and out of the country each day during the holiday, which is a lot more than last year.
This increase in travel is also benefiting countries like Singapore and Thailand, which have visa-free policies for Chinese tourists. These trips are expected to boost tourism spending.
