Core Insights - The report highlights that travel has become an essential escape for modern individuals amid increasing societal anxiety and competition, with diverse value orientations and experiences emerging among travelers [5][6][27]. Group 1: Travel Trends - Domestic travel in China is projected to reach 5.615 billion trips in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 14.8% compared to 2023 [8]. - Social media engagement related to travel has surged, with a 180% increase in travel-related content volume in 2024 [8]. - The popularity of "staycation" and nearby city trips has risen, particularly among urban workers seeking to escape the monotony of daily life [15][18]. Group 2: Travel Preferences - "Reverse travel" is gaining traction, with travelers exploring lesser-known cities for unique cultural experiences and local cuisine [5][27]. - Seasonal travel is becoming more prominent, with specific destinations favored in different seasons, such as Nanjing and Kunming in spring, and Harbin and Changbai Mountain in winter [5][27]. - The trend of "extreme outbound travel" is emerging, where urban professionals maximize their weekends by traveling abroad without taking leave, with popular destinations including Hong Kong and Vietnam [22][24]. Group 3: International Travel - The easing of global visa policies and the recovery of international flight routes are contributing to a resurgence in outbound tourism, with travelers increasingly favoring visa-free destinations [27][30]. - In 2024, the outbound tourism market for Chinese citizens is approaching pre-pandemic levels, with Southeast Asia being the top choice for travelers [28][30]. - The volume of social media content related to visa-free travel has increased by 34% year-on-year, indicating a growing interest in exploring these destinations [30][31].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the domestic tourism market during the "May Day" holiday is experiencing a significant surge in demand, potentially reaching historical highs, driven by favorable weather and various factors such as extended holiday arrangements [2] - Popular tourist cities in the Chengdu-Chongqing and Yunnan-Guizhou regions have become key "air hubs" and starting points for self-driving tours, with the top ten self-driving cities including Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai [2] - The report highlights that the top ten train routes during the holiday are primarily "1-hour high-speed rail direct" connections, reflecting a trend where travelers are opting for less crowded, off-the-beaten-path destinations [2] Group 2 - There has been a three-digit percentage increase in the booking popularity of high-quality surrounding tours that include premium accommodations and entertainment packages during the "May Day" holiday [3] - The report notes that hotel booking popularity for four-star and five-star hotels has increased by 54% and 28% respectively, while lower-star hotels saw a 24% increase [3] - Popular outbound travel destinations during the holiday include Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, with Phnom Penh in Cambodia ranking as the second most popular inbound tourist source [3] Group 3 - Hotel prices in popular surrounding travel destinations such as Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul have decreased, enhancing the cost-effectiveness of short-haul outbound travel [3] - Major flight routes from Shanghai to Tokyo and Osaka, as well as from Beijing to Tokyo, have also seen price reductions, contributing to the attractiveness of short-distance international travel [3] - The heat in the short-haul outbound travel market is expected to continue into the first weekend after the holiday due to factors like post-holiday leave arrangements [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a shift in travel behavior among young people, moving away from crowded tourist hotspots to more tranquil and lesser-known destinations, emphasizing personal experiences over social media validation [1][2][3] Group 1: Changing Travel Trends - Young travelers are increasingly rejecting the "checklist" approach to tourism, which prioritizes popular attractions and social media appeal, in favor of more authentic and relaxed experiences [1][2] - The rise of "reverse travel" and "lying flat travel" reflects a desire for personal fulfillment and a focus on individual preferences rather than societal expectations [2] Group 2: Impact on Local Tourism - This trend is benefiting smaller towns and lesser-known locations, as young travelers seek out "beautiful places with fewer people," thereby promoting local tourism development [2] - The article suggests that local tourism authorities need to adapt by improving infrastructure and highlighting cultural uniqueness to attract these new travelers [2]