During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from May 31 to June 2, the Chinese mainland witnessed a remarkable surge in travel and cultural excitement. With 657 million cross-regional trips recorded—averaging 219 million daily and a 3% year-on-year increase—the holiday showcased robust domestic consumption and a resilient economy.
Not only did travel statistics impress, but box office revenue also soared above 460 million yuan (approximately $63.9 million), far outpacing the previous year. Data from China Mobile's Wutong Big Data further indicated a 6% rise in domestic travelers, underlining the momentum of cultural and travel sectors.
The traditional festival also highlighted a growing passion for heritage. Searches for Dragon Boat Festival folk customs, including popular terms like "dragon boat" and "zongzi," more than doubled, with some keywords surging over 200% month-on-month. This cultural fervor is transforming ordinary festivities into booming consumer events.
Local destinations are riding this wave too. In Foshan, Guangdong Province, innovative events such as the "Longchao" dragon boat races have not only captivated nationwide interest but also translated spectator enthusiasm into impressive economic gains. According to Trip.com, overall tourism bookings in Foshan jumped by 167% year-on-year, hotel bookings rose by 145%, and flight reservations grew by 110%.
With vibrant traditions fueling modern travel trends, the Dragon Boat Festival stands as a testament to the cultural and economic strength of the Chinese mainland. 🚣♂️✨
Reference(s):
Dragon Boat Festival travel boom highlights China's economic strength
cgtn.com