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During the latest Chinese New Year holiday, Macau transformed into one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism hotspots, welcoming an impressive 1.55 million visitors in just nine days. The festive period, running from February 15 to February 23, delivered a powerful boost to the city’s travel economy, with daily arrivals averaging nearly 172,699 travelers. The surge not only surpassed official projections but also set a new benchmark for post-pandemic recovery in the region. Key entry points such as the Border Gate checkpoint, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and the Hengqin checkpoint handled record passenger volumes, highlighting Macau’s growing appeal among regional travelers. Compared with last year’s 1.31 million arrivals, the 2026 performance underscores how Macau, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Hengqin have collectively become central gateways driving cross-border tourism momentum during one of Asia’s most important travel seasons.

A Festival Surge That Redefined Macau’s Tourism Momentum

According to figures released by the Public Security Police Force (PSP), a total of 1.55 million visitors entered Macau during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday. The numbers slightly exceeded earlier government expectations, which had anticipated between 1.4 million and 1.5 million arrivals, with daily inflows projected at 158,000 to 175,000 travelers.

Instead, the destination averaged nearly 172,699 visitors per day, placing performance at the higher end of the forecast range. Notably, three consecutive days recorded more than 200,000 arrivals, signaling sustained peak demand rather than a one-day spike. The highest single-day tally occurred on February 19, when 227,943 entries were registered — marking an all-time daily record for the holiday period.

For context, the same holiday window last year brought 1.31 million visitors, indicating a significant year-on-year increase. The upward trajectory demonstrates not only regional pent-up travel demand but also Macau’s renewed competitiveness within the Greater Bay Area tourism ecosystem.

Gateway Checkpoints That Powered The Influx

The surge was largely funneled through three major access corridors:

• Border Gate checkpoint
• Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
• Hengqin checkpoint

The Border Gate checkpoint remains Macau’s busiest land crossing, connecting directly with Zhuhai in mainland China. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge continues to strengthen multi-destination tourism between Hong Kong and Macau, allowing travelers to combine entertainment, shopping, and cultural itineraries across cities in a single trip. The Hengqin checkpoint, linked to the Hengqin Cooperation Zone, also played a growing role in facilitating smoother travel flows.

This diversified entry pattern highlights how infrastructure investment is translating into tangible tourism growth. Cross-border transport integration is increasingly shaping travel behavior within southern China.

Why Chinese New Year Remains Macau’s Strongest Tourism Magnet

Chinese New Year is traditionally one of Macau’s busiest travel seasons, but the 2026 figures suggest a renewed level of confidence among travelers. The holiday period combines:

• Cultural festivities and temple visits
• Seasonal entertainment programs and public events
• Retail promotions and luxury shopping
• Integrated resort attractions and culinary tourism

Macau’s blend of heritage and entertainment continues to attract visitors from mainland China and neighboring regions. The UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macau, festive decorations across Senado Square, and waterfront promenades typically draw both first-time visitors and repeat holidaymakers during this period.

Beyond leisure travel, the numbers also reflect Macau’s broader positioning within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, where short-haul cross-border trips are increasingly common.

Smart Travel Planning Tips For Visiting During Peak Seasons

For travelers considering future Chinese New Year trips to Macau, the 2026 surge offers important lessons:

Plan Border Crossings Strategically

With daily entries surpassing 200,000 on peak days, border checkpoints can experience extended wait times. Travelers are advised to:

• Travel during non-peak morning or late-evening windows
• Monitor official immigration updates
• Use multiple checkpoint options where available

Secure Accommodation Early

Macau’s hotel occupancy rates typically climb sharply during major holidays. Advance booking ensures better rate selection and availability, especially for waterfront and Cotai Strip properties.

Combine Destinations Via Bridge Connectivity

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge enables seamless multi-city travel. Visitors can design itineraries that include:

• Hong Kong’s shopping and skyline experiences
• Macau’s heritage districts and entertainment zones
• Zhuhai’s coastal leisure areas

This integrated travel model is increasingly popular among short-haul tourists.

A Stronger Recovery Signal For Macau’s Travel Economy

The 1.55 million arrival figure is more than a seasonal highlight; it signals continued resilience in Macau’s tourism recovery. The steady rise from 1.31 million last year to 1.55 million this year represents a clear upward trend in regional mobility.

Macau’s tourism authorities have been actively promoting diversified attractions beyond gaming, including gastronomy, cultural tourism, conventions, and family-friendly experiences. The performance during Chinese New Year reinforces that these strategies are yielding measurable results.

Furthermore, infrastructure projects across the Greater Bay Area — including enhanced bridge links, improved immigration systems, and coordinated tourism campaigns — are supporting smoother cross-border movement.

Looking Ahead: Can Macau Sustain The Momentum?

The record daily high of 227,943 entries on February 19 demonstrates that Macau can handle substantial visitor volumes when infrastructure and coordination align effectively. The challenge moving forward will be maintaining visitor satisfaction while managing capacity during future peak seasons.

If current growth patterns continue, Macau may see further increases during upcoming Golden Week holidays and summer travel periods. Continued collaboration between immigration authorities, tourism planners, and transport operators will remain critical.

The latest holiday results underline Macau’s position as one of Asia’s most resilient and adaptive travel destinations. As regional connectivity deepens and cross-border mobility strengthens, the city appears poised to remain a central node in southern China’s tourism landscape.