China's Youth Fuel Record International Travel Boom
China's young population is displaying a growing curiosity about the world, leading to a surge in international travel and boosting the country's cultural influence. This year, over 155 million Chinese tourists are expected to embark on international trips, surpassing pre-war levels for the first time.
The 'Golden Week' holiday, from October 1 to 8, is a peak period for both domestic and international travel. This year, around 8.4 million people are anticipated to travel abroad during this period, more than double the number from last year. Despite the growing interest, only 11% of the Chinese population holds a passport for international travel, with obtaining one often associated with bureaucracy and even bribery. The Chinese passport ranks 62nd globally, on par with Botswana and Kosovo, according to the Henley Index.
Chinese tourists spent a record $250.6 billion overseas on tourism in 2024, making China the top-spending nation. However, most office workers in China have only five vacation days a year, forcing them to travel during peak periods like the 'Golden Week' and the Spring Festival. Many workers are also required to hand over their passports to their employers and obtain permission to leave the country.
The increasing number of Chinese tourists is not only driving economic growth but also serving as a tool for China's soft power. With an uptick in Chinese-language services, payment systems, and tourist facilities in other countries, tourism is playing an integral role in shaping China's global influence. Despite challenges in passport acquisition, the trend of international travel among young Chinese shows no signs of slowing down.
