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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%.