On May 7, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism released 2026 May Day holiday data: 325 million domestic trips were made (up 3.6% YoY), with total tourism spending of RMB 185.492 billion (up 2.9% YoY), reflecting a steady recovery in consumption and domestic demand.

Highlights included three key trends. First, short-haul domestic travel boomed, with urban micro-vacations, rural homestays, and parent-child/study tours gaining popularity; scenic spots in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Chengdu-Chongqing region saw large crowds. Second, consumption structure improved, with strong growth in catering, accommodation, and immersive cultural experiences; niche offerings like local cuisine, outdoor camping, and live shows attracted young consumers. Third, cross-border consumption returned, with 710,000 mainland visitors traveling to Hong Kong during the holiday, boosting local catering and retail.

The recovery was supported by pro-consumption policies (e.g., travel vouchers, ticket discounts) and innovative supply (niche destinations, smart services). Ample high-speed rail and airline capacity ensured smooth travel.

As a key driver of growth, tourism consumption reflects China’s vast domestic demand potential. With further policy support and expanded scenarios, tourism spending is expected to keep rising, fueling economic recovery.