China News Service, October 7th October 7th is the last day of the National Day holiday in 2026. The holiday travel boom attracted widespread international media attention. Many foreign media reported that consumption increased during the National Day, highlighting China's economic vitality and domestic demand potential. The rich and colorful cultural tourism activities and the continuously upgraded travel experience have also attracted more and more foreign tourists to experience the charm of China in person.
On October 5, the National Day holiday, Beijing’s Beihai Park was packed with tourists. The picture shows tourists walking across the Yongan Bridge in the park. Photo by China News Service reporter Jia Tianyong
The consumer market continues to heat up
Reuters reported that during the National Day holiday, various regions across China launched a variety of themed activities such as performances, fireworks shows, cultural exhibitions, and night markets to create a festive atmosphere and drive consumption.
Malaysia's "Star" noticed that during the National Day holiday in 2026, China's consumer market continued to heat up. The report quoted experts as saying that holiday consumption data "reflects China's economic vitality and domestic demand potential."
Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao" stated that many Chinese people took advantage of the National Day holiday to travel or visit relatives and friends, leaving their pets unattended at home. Data from the housekeeping platform showed that the number of orders for home pet feeding services has increased significantly, with a week-on-week increase of more than 300%.
The report noted that China's pet consumer market will grow steadily in 2025, with the urban pet (dog and cat) consumer market reaching 312.6 billion yuan. The "other economy" has not only spawned a number of emerging industries, but has also become a characteristic consumption pattern that drives domestic demand.
According to the Myanmar International Television website, China’s seven-day National Day holiday has set off a boom in tourism, cultural activities and domestic consumption. Daily reservations for major scenic spots such as Beijing’s Badaling Great Wall and Sichuan’s Jiuzhaigou Valley quickly reached peaks.
Cultural tourism activities are interesting and diverse
Reuters quoted analysis from professionals as saying that during the National Day in 2026, Chinese tourists have arranged longer holiday itineraries and are willing to travel to further destinations.
JingDaily, an electronic media based in New York, said that Chinese tourists’ National Day travel is shifting from “a trip here” to focusing more on experience, stay time and travel quality.
Singapore's "Straits Times" noticed that Beijing Wildlife Park held a "caterpillar catching competition". The report quoted the tourist as saying, "I think this activity is very meaningful. It stimulates the children's interest, and we also have the opportunity to win prizes."
The Philippines' Manila Times pointed out that slow-paced, immersive county tourism has become one of China's important cultural tourism trends in recent years. During the National Day holiday, tourist attractions across China make full use of local resources, from light shows to interactive performances, to create new experiences for tourists.
The Euronews website noticed that 5,000 drones staged a shocking light show in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, and tourists stopped to watch the show. Many viewers also recorded the wonderful scenes on their mobile phones.
Foreign tourists feel the charm of China
Malaysia's "Star" has noticed that while Chinese tourists are traveling around the world, more and more foreign tourists are going to China to experience the charm of China first-hand.
According to reports, people’s interest in China continues to heat up around the world. From natural scenery, cultural heritage, lifestyle, to Chinese brands and local designs that have attracted much attention in recent years, they have attracted the attention of the world.
The report quoted Chinese data as saying that in the first seven months of 2026, overseas personnel spent 263.6 billion yuan in China, a year-on-year increase of 27.8%. It is predicted that the average number of inbound and outbound passengers during the National Day holiday in 2026 will reach 2.15 million.
Singapore's Channel News Asia (CNA) recently reported that as infrastructure continues to improve and travel becomes more convenient, China's countryside has gradually become a popular destination for foreign tourists. The report introduced the experience of an Indian tourist traveling to a small town in Guilin, Guangxi. She said it was "laid back and relaxed" and the local residents were very friendly.
Cypriot media "Travel Daily News" stated that China continues to optimize its entry policies and measures, improve the level of convenience in visas, payments, tax refunds, tour guides, accommodation, transportation, etc., and continues to increase the willingness of foreign tourists to travel to China.
