As the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaches from May 31 to June 2, local and short-distance self-driving trips are expected to dominate travel plans, according to recent data.
Online tourism platform Mafengwo reported a significant surge in travel interest, with searches for local travel increasing by more than 50 percent and road trip inquiries rising 65 percent week-over-week as of May 21.
The festival coincides with Children’s Day, prompting a notable rise in family-oriented travel. Mafengwo data indicates a 152 percent weekly increase in searches for family trips, with popular choices including theme parks, zoos, museums, and traditional Dragon Boat Festival events.
Top Destinations and Travel Trends
Leading holiday destinations this year are Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu in Sichuan province, and Guangzhou in Guangdong province.
Travelers from Beijing show a preference for road trips to Inner Mongolia’s expansive grasslands and volcanic geological parks, as well as the ancient architectural sites in Shanxi province. Meanwhile, residents of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang are drawn to scenic drives along Qiandao Lake and the Fuchun River, renowned for their picturesque landscapes.
Cultural Experiences and Festival Highlights
Cities such as Foshan in Guangdong, Chongqing, and Tongren in Guizhou host traditional dragon boat races during the festival, attracting visitors eager to soak up the festive atmosphere. Across the country, scenic areas offer intangible cultural heritage activities, including making zongzi — the customary sticky rice dumplings enjoyed during the holiday.
Outbound Travel and Emerging Trends
Despite a strong focus on domestic travel, visa-free destinations like Jeju Island in South Korea and Singapore remain popular among outbound travelers. Many are leveraging artificial intelligence tools to customize their itineraries, seeking immersive cultural and culinary experiences abroad.
