Lunar New Year Travel Boom: Record Bookings Into and Out of China
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China. Each year, millions of people embark on trips to reunite with family, take vacations, and explore new destinations. As travel restrictions have eased and demand has surged, 2025 is witnessing an unprecedented increase in both domestic and international travel for the Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year Travel Surge: The Largest Migration on Earth
The Spring Festival travel season, known as Chunyun, typically lasts for 40 days, making it the largest human migration on Earth. In 2025, it is expected that nearly 9 billion trips will be made across various modes of transportation, surpassing previous records.
According to China’s Ministry of Transport, most of these journeys are domestic, with over 7.2 billion trips occurring via private vehicles. Railways are projected to accommodate more than 510 million passengers, while air travel is expected to serve over 90 million travelers during the festive period.
This surge is driven by a mix of factors, including increased consumer confidence, eased travel restrictions, and pent-up demand from the years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outbound Travel: China’s International Tourism Boom
China’s outbound tourism has also surged significantly. Trip.com, China’s leading online travel agency, reports that international flight bookings have more than doubled compared to last year. Many travelers are choosing nearby Asian destinations such as:
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
These destinations have been aggressively marketing to Chinese travelers, offering discounts, streamlined visa procedures, and cultural festivities aligned with Lunar New Year traditions.
International flights from China are seeing near-full occupancy, with prices soaring due to high demand. Many airlines, including China Eastern, Air China, and Cathay Pacific, have increased the number of flights to meet the growing demand.
Inbound Travel to China: A Rising Trend
While outbound travel is booming, China itself is experiencing a surge in inbound tourism. The Lunar New Year is an attractive time for international visitors who want to witness traditional celebrations, including dragon dances, temple fairs, and grand fireworks displays.
Hong Kong and Macau are among the most visited destinations by both domestic and international travelers. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the city expects over 1.5 million visitors during the Spring Festival, with hotels reporting occupancy rates above 90%.
Similarly, luxury hotels and resorts in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are seeing a massive increase in bookings. Many hotels are offering themed Lunar New Year packages, including traditional feasts, red envelope giveaways, and exclusive cultural performances.
Sydney’s Record-Breaking Lunar New Year Tourism
In Australia, Sydney is emerging as a top destination for Chinese travelers during the Lunar New Year. Reports indicate that over 500,000 Chinese visitors are expected in Sydney, potentially contributing up to $1 billion to the local economy.
Sydney Airport has increased the frequency of direct flights from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Currently, 97 weekly flights from China are landing in Sydney, with an additional 40 flights from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
To accommodate the influx, Sydney’s Chinatown, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour are hosting large-scale Lunar New Year celebrations. Shopping districts are also rolling out exclusive New Year promotions targeted at Chinese tourists.
Gold Coast Benefits from Lunar New Year Travel
Hong Kong Airlines recently resumed direct flights from Hong Kong to the Gold Coast for the first time in six years, strategically aligning with the Lunar New Year travel period. The seasonal service is expected to bring approximately 5,000 travelers to the Gold Coast, benefiting the region’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Major attractions such as theme parks, beaches, and shopping centers have introduced special promotions and experiences tailored to Lunar New Year tourists. Businesses in the Gold Coast expect a 20% rise in sales due to this influx.
Economic Challenges vs. Travel Demand
Despite China’s economic slowdown, including a prolonged property slump and concerns over job security, travel remains a high priority for many Chinese citizens.
- Government Support: To stimulate travel and consumer spending, the Chinese government has extended the official public holiday from seven to eight days.
- Rising Middle-Class Demand: Many middle-class travelers view the Lunar New Year as the perfect time to reconnect with family or experience international destinations.
- Flexible Travel Options: Budget airlines and online travel agencies have introduced installment payment plans, making travel more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Although affordability remains a concern for some travelers, the desire for meaningful experiences, cultural exploration, and family reunions continues to drive high booking volumes.
Future Outlook for Lunar New Year Travel
The record-breaking travel numbers in 2025 indicate strong post-pandemic recovery for both China’s domestic and international tourism industries. Travel experts predict that 2026 will see even higher demand, particularly with China strengthening visa-free agreements with multiple countries.
Key trends to watch for the next Lunar New Year include:
- Increased AI-driven Travel Planning: Many Chinese travelers are using AI-powered apps for personalized itineraries, price tracking, and last-minute booking recommendations.
- Expansion of High-Speed Rail Networks: China continues to develop its high-speed rail network, making domestic travel more convenient.
- Sustainable Tourism Growth: More travelers are seeking eco-friendly experiences, including rural tourism and cultural immersion trips.
- Rising Popularity of Cruise Vacations: Cruise lines targeting Chinese consumers are expanding routes during the Lunar New Year period, especially within Southeast Asia and Japan.
- Digital Payment Expansion: Destinations catering to Chinese tourists are increasing their support for Alipay and WeChat Pay, ensuring seamless transactions for travelers.
Conclusion: A Prosperous Year for Travel
The 2025 Lunar New Year travel boom highlights the strong rebound of China’s travel industry, both domestically and internationally. With more affordable flight options, high-speed rail expansions, and AI-driven travel solutions, the future of Lunar New Year tourism looks bright.
For destinations welcoming Chinese travelers, adapting to their preferences—such as digital payment integration, language-friendly services, and culturally relevant promotions—will be crucial in attracting more visitors in the years to come.
As China continues to open up and travel demand remains high, the Lunar New Year will remain a key driver of the global tourism economy, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest annual human migration event.
