Russian Bookings to China Jump 471%: Trip.com

Inbound travel to China accelerated sharply during the Spring Festival, with Russian visitor bookings surging 471 percent year over year, according to data from Trip.com. The platform reported continued growth momentum throughout the holiday period, with Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Russia ranking among the top source markets. Bookings by South Korean travelers also rose significantly, increasing 95 percent compared with the same period last year.

Additional industry data reinforces the strong rebound. Fliggy reported that over the past two weeks, Spring Festival flight bookings by international travelers climbed more than 400 percent year over year. Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Chengdu were the most popular first-entry cities, reflecting sustained demand for major aviation gateways and cultural hubs.

Qunar recorded similar trends. Flight bookings by foreign travelers to China during the Spring Festival have increased nearly 30 percent year over year. The most sought-after destinations include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xiamen, Harbin, Haikou, Chongqing, and Shenyang, highlighting broad geographic distribution across the country.

Notably, international travelers are expanding beyond China’s largest metropolitan centers. So-called “hidden gem” destinations are gaining traction. During the Spring Festival period, foreign arrivals to Lanzhou and Hohhot increased more than fourfold year over year. Guilin, Jinan, Yuncheng, and Yantai each saw visitor numbers more than double, signaling growing interest in second- and third-tier cities.

Trip.com analysts say that “spending the Spring Festival in China” is emerging as a new global travel trend. The appeal lies in the integration of cultural experiences with inbound tourism offerings. Spring Festival traditions — including lantern displays, temple fairs, family reunions, and regional cuisine — provide immersive and distinctive experiences that resonate with international visitors seeking authentic cultural travel.

The strong performance during the Spring Festival suggests that China’s inbound tourism recovery is entering a more sustainable growth phase. With improved visa policies, expanded air connectivity, and rising interest in cultural tourism, China is positioning itself as a competitive destination in the global travel market.

If current trends continue, inbound travel demand from key markets such as Russia and South Korea could provide ongoing momentum for China’s tourism sector throughout 2026.