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China’s Golden Week sees surge in lower-tier city travel

National Day holiday travelers from smaller cities are venturing abroad in record numbers, with outbound bookings from third-tier cities more than doubling compared to last year, driven by cheaper flights, visa-free destinations, and increased disposable income among younger travelers. The Golden Week holiday, running from October 1 to October 7, is traditionally a peak travel period, with government estimates projecting 15.65 million air passengers and 175 million rail travelers this year. Data indicates that 28% of all trips during this time will be international, with popular destinations including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Notably, residents from lower-tier cities now account for over 40% of long-distance outbound travelers, with significant booking increases observed in second-tier cities as well. While these lower-tier travelers are exploring international destinations, those from first- and second-tier cities are opting for domestic getaways, contributing to a surge in rural tourism.

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