The 2026 Spring Festival holiday in China marks a historic milestone with the longest nine-day break ever recorded, driving a massive surge in outbound travel. The extended holiday period attracts millions of Chinese tourists who create record international bookings on travel platforms. Thailand has become the most popular travel destination because of changing travel habits which have now surpassed Japan for the first time in several years. The change occurs as Chinese tourists develop new travel preferences which create a visible shift in their traveling patterns.

Surge in Outbound Flights and Bookings

According to data provided by platforms such as Qunar.com and Tongcheng Travel, the Spring Festival holiday is expected to witness a remarkable increase in both outbound flights and hotel bookings. Thailand, a perennial favourite, has seen an unexpected leap to the top spot, surpassing Japan for the first time. As of mid-January, platforms reported that Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore topped the list of popular destinations for the holiday season.

The global travel surge comes at a time when China’s aviation industry is preparing for a record-breaking number of air travel passengers, with a projected 95 million trips expected during the travel rush. The Civil Aviation Administration of China forecasts a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent, pushing the daily average passenger volume to 2.38 million.

Japan’s Decline as the Top Outbound Destination

Historically, Japan has been one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival. However, this year, Japan saw a significant drop in travel interest. Reports indicate a year-on-year decline of 43.7 percent in flight bookings to Japan during this period. Several factors, including a diplomatic spat following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November 2025, led to a notable decline in Chinese visitors. By December 2025, the number of Chinese visitors to Japan had dropped by 45.3 percent, contributing to a decrease in overall tax-free sales and affecting Japan’s retail market.

Tourism data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) corroborates the drop in Chinese arrivals, citing a marked decline after the controversial remarks. As a result, Japan’s position as the go-to destination for Chinese tourists has weakened, opening the door for other destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, to rise in prominence.

Southeast Asia Dominates Travel Trends

Thailand’s surge to the top of the outbound travel rankings can be attributed to its appeal among Chinese tourists, particularly during the long Spring Festival holiday. Other destinations in Southeast Asia have also seen significant growth in demand. Flight data from Flight Master confirms that the region, including countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, has become increasingly popular, with destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali leading the charge.

In particular, flight routes to Southeast Asia have expanded, with airlines such as China Eastern Airlines ramping up their capacity. New routes connecting major Chinese cities to popular winter destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond have been launched, further fuelling the outbound travel boom. These routes include new connections to Phuket, Bali, and Phu Quoc, as well as the resumption of flights to previously suspended destinations like Bangkok and Chengdu.

Airline and Flight Statistics: New Routes and Increased Capacity

China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s leading carriers, has significantly increased its international flight offerings for the Spring Festival period. Over 50 new international routes have been launched, complementing an overall increase of more than 2,800 flights during the travel season. These new services are expected to cater to the growing demand for travel to popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, including flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Kuala Lumpur.

In line with this, other Chinese airlines have also expanded their international routes, aiming to meet the heightened demand for outbound travel during the holiday period. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has noted that airlines are also making efforts to provide additional capacity to cope with the expected surge in air traffic.

The Future of Outbound Travel and Tourism Growth

The shift in Chinese outbound travel patterns highlights a broader trend in global tourism, with Southeast Asia continuing to gain ground as a preferred travel region. While Japan’s decline in popularity is temporary, it underscores the dynamic nature of international travel, where political and diplomatic factors can significantly impact tourism flows.

Tourism industry experts anticipate that the increasing demand for Southeast Asian destinations will continue well into the future. The accessibility of these destinations, combined with lower travel costs and cultural similarities, makes them an attractive option for Chinese tourists. Furthermore, the expansion of direct flight routes and the continued growth of low-cost carriers will likely contribute to the ongoing popularity of this region.

The Spring Festival Outbound Travel Boom

The 2026 Spring Festival holidays in China reach a new record length of nine days which has created a surge in outbound travel with Thailand emerging as the most popular travel destination. The new era of Chinese tourism begins because both geopolitical events and changing travel patterns have brought about this transformation. The 2026 Spring Festival holidays will establish a record for international travel because airlines increase their flight networks and Southeast Asia remains a major travel destination. The worldwide travel trends that currently exist will bring upcoming changes to the tourism industry which will provide advantages to Southeast Asia during the next few years.