(Yicai) May 6 -- Tourism spending in China during the recent five-day Labor Day holiday rose 8 percent year-on-year to CNY180.3 billion (USD25 billion), driven by strong demand for road trips and cultural tourism.

The number of domestic trips increased by 6 percent from a year earlier, reaching 314 million, according to estimates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The five-day holiday concluded yesterday. 

On May 2 alone, road traffic reached 233 million journeys, a 2 percent increase from the same period last year, according to transportation authorities.

Data from travel platforms Trip.Com and Fliggy indicated that rental car bookings remained high due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Fliggy also noted a rise in visits to niche destinations located within one to two hours of major cities, which have become increasingly popular among travelers.

Tongcheng Travel reported a notable increase in last-minute bookings for nearby getaways. Instant reservations for local travel packages—including accommodations and activity bundles—doubled compared with normal days.

Regional authorities across China have been introducing creative travel experiences to stimulate holiday spending. In Suzhou, Jiangsu province, authorities employed AI-powered tools to help tourists avoid peak crowds and optimize their itineraries. In Sichuan, Qingcheng Mountain rolled out innovative features like exoskeleton robots and drone delivery systems to enhance the visitor experience. 

Moreover, the Guangxi region in southern China expanded its nighttime economy by offering light shows and themed music festivals. Across the country, nearly 76 million nighttime visits were recorded in cultural and tourism hubs during the holiday, marking a 5 percent increase from last year.

Major events also played a role in boosting consumer activity. The Longines Global Champions Tour 2025, an international show jumping competition, drew significant crowds during the break and stimulated spending in dining, accommodations, and shopping.

Inbound tourism showed further signs of recovery. Visitors from Myanmar, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Thailand, the Philippines, Russia, Vietnam, and Japan made up over 57 percent of foreign arrivals during the period.

Outbound travel also surged. According to data from Fliggy, bookings for overseas attractions more than doubled on May 1, while international cruise orders jumped by 149 percent. Top outbound destinations included Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Cambodia, and Russia, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Editor: Emmi Laine