Particle.news
Download on the App Store

China’s Super Golden Week Sets Travel Record as Spending Per Trip Slips

Official tallies show unprecedented passenger flows alongside softer per‑trip outlays and widespread discounting across travel services.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Transport reported 2.432 billion cross‑regional trips during Oct. 1–8, a 6.2% year‑on‑year rise and the highest on record.
  • Domestic tourism reached 888 million trips and 809 billion yuan in revenue, while average spending per trip was 911 yuan, down 0.55% to the lowest since 2022, according to government data and Reuters calculations.
  • Rail operators prepared for a peak return day of about 19 million passengers and added 1,880 extra trains, with stations extending services and authorities boosting expressway EV charging capacity.
  • Tax‑invoice data showed daily average sales revenues in consumption‑related sectors up 4.5% from a year earlier, with services spending rising 7.6%, indicating a lift in holiday activity.
  • Travel platforms and operators reported intense price competition, including average hostel bed rates down more than 20% in Shanghai and Chengdu and some properties cutting nightly prices by about 60%.