Thailand, Russia, Australia, and a Host of Top Destinations Witness Explosive Growth in Chinese Tourist Arrivals as Lunar New Year Travel Soars to Unprecedented Heights Across Asia

Thailand, Russia, Australia, and a Host of Top Destinations Witness Explosive Growth in Chinese Tourist Arrivals as Lunar New Year Travel Soars to Unprecedented Heights Across Asia

Thailand, Russia, Australia, and a Host of Top Destinations Witness Explosive Growth in Chinese Tourist Arrivals as Lunar New Year Travel Soars to Unprecedented Heights Across Asia

As the Lunar New Year holiday kicks off in China, key destinations like Thailand, Russia, Australia, and others are experiencing an extraordinary surge in Chinese tourist arrivals. This unprecedented growth is driven by a combination of factors, including increased flight connectivity, favorable weather conditions, and targeted marketing efforts from tourism boards. Thailand has bounced back after previous setbacks, Russia has capitalized on simplified visa policies, and Australia continues to attract travelers seeking warmth during the cold months. This surge in travel highlights the growing importance of China’s outbound tourism market and reflects a booming demand for international travel across Asia.

China’s Lunar New Year Holiday Sparks a Tourism Surge Across Asia, With Thailand, Russia, Australia, and Others Benefiting from Increased Travel Flows

As China braces for a record-breaking 9.5 billion journeys during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, tourism destinations across Asia are eagerly awaiting an influx of travelers. The official holiday spans from February 15 to 23, 2026, but its impact is expected to last up to 40 days, with travel forecasts indicating an extraordinary movement of people.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission anticipates that more than 540 million trips will be made by train, 95 million by plane, and a staggering 8.8 billion by road, solidifying the Lunar New Year as the largest annual migration in the world. Despite the financial uncertainty affecting global economies, Chinese consumers are continuing to spend on travel and experiences, with both tropical and snowy destinations topping the lists.

Domestic Leisure Demand and Popular Destinations

The domestic tourism market in China is thriving, even amid economic concerns. Popular choices this year include the tropical island of Hainan and the snowy Changbai Mountain in the northeast. These destinations provide the perfect contrast to China’s cold weather during the Spring Festival. According to Zhou Weihong, deputy general manager of Shanghai-based Spring Tour, these locations remain strong contenders, meeting the diverse interests of travelers during the holiday period.

International Tourism Surge with Boosted Connectivity

On the international front, the Spring Festival continues to make waves, benefiting from increased connectivity and seat capacity. According to IBA, international seat capacity is up by nine percent compared to the previous year. This increased connectivity has had a profound effect on outbound travel from China, with countries across Asia particularly benefiting from the spike in tourist arrivals.

Thailand emerges as one of the top beneficiaries. After a slight dip in foreign arrivals last year due to Chinese tourists’ concerns over scams, Thailand has invested heavily in rebuilding its image. The country’s favorable weather during the cold winter months in China and its cultural appeal make it an attractive destination. This year, China’s outbound tourism to Thailand is seeing a significant reversal, with bookings surging as Chinese travelers are once again drawn to Thailand’s beaches, temples, and bustling cities. Thailand’s efforts, such as Lunar New Year celebrations across the country, have paid off, restoring its popularity among Chinese visitors.

Russia has also experienced a remarkable rebound. Since 2025, bookings to Russia have more than doubled, with Chinese passport holders benefiting from simplified visa arrangements. This easing of entry requirements has driven an increase in Chinese visitors, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg, two of the country’s most iconic cities.

Australia has become another sought-after destination. With bookings up by more than 100% year-on-year, the country is emerging as a favorite for Chinese travelers. Australia’s appeal lies in its warm weather, wide-ranging tourism options, and proximity to China, making it an accessible escape during the colder months.

Northern Europe has similarly seen a positive shift in Chinese arrivals. Countries such as Germany, France, and Sweden have become more prominent on the itineraries of Chinese tourists, as global tourism grows more interconnected, and travelers seek out cultural experiences and scenic landscapes in these diverse destinations.

Japan Faces Decline as Diplomatic Tensions Impact Travel

However, one country that is notably missing out on the Lunar New Year travel surge is Japan. Once a top destination for Chinese tourists, Japan has seen a sharp decline in arrivals, largely due to strained relations between the two countries. Japanese destinations, once favored for their unique cultural experiences and favorable exchange rates, are now suffering the consequences of deteriorating diplomatic ties.

Chinese authorities have issued travel safety alerts for Japan, resulting in a decrease in bookings to the country. According to Flight Master, flight routes between China and Japan are down by 49.2% compared to the same period in 2025. As a result, 58 flight routes have been suspended since the 2025 Spring Festival, further reflecting the cooling of relations between the two nations. Many Chinese travelers who once flocked to Japan for its rich culture and shopping opportunities are now seeking alternative destinations.

Inbound Travel to China Surges

On the inbound front, China itself is seeing an impressive increase in visitor numbers. Inbound flight bookings from around the world have surged by more than 400% year-on-year in the two weeks leading up to February 10, 2026. This growth is attributed to China’s new visa-free and transit visa policies, which have made it easier for international travelers to visit the country.

The surge in international visitors can also be attributed to China’s expanding tourism infrastructure and promotional campaigns. With a combination of eased visa policies and an increasingly attractive array of travel experiences, China has solidified itself as a premier destination for tourists from all over the world.

The surge in Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand, Russia, Australia, and other destinations is driven by increased connectivity, favorable weather, and effective marketing strategies, highlighting the growing influence of China’s outbound tourism market. This trend showcases the booming demand for international travel across Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The 2026 Lunar New Year holiday is poised to set new records in terms of both domestic and international travel. As China experiences the largest movement of people in the world, neighboring countries such as Thailand, Russia, Australia, and others are experiencing a significant boost in tourism, aided by increased connectivity, favorable weather, and cultural events. However, countries like Japan are facing challenges due to strained diplomatic relations with China, leading to a decline in visitor numbers.

This surge in travel, both within China and across Asia, signals a robust recovery for the global tourism industry. With more efficient travel policies, improved air connectivity, and increased consumer spending on travel experiences, 2026 is shaping up to be another groundbreaking year for the tourism sector.

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