Skip to main content

The people's staycation: Tourist sites are heaving across China as Covid travel restrictions see up to 600 million celebrate national holiday with a domestic trip - as country records 10 new cases

Tourist sites across China are heaving this week as millions of revellers mark Golden Week, a national holiday held after the country's National Day celebrated every year on October 1.

Some 600million domestic tourists - about 40 per cent of the population - are expected to travel during the holiday amid restricted international travel due to the coronavirus, which infected 10 people in China yesterday.

National day commemorates the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949 when the Chinese Communist Party claimed victory in the Chinese Civil War.

China observes consecutive days of national holiday, known as Golden Week, around National Day which is celebrated on the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.

Visitors climb staircases at Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a tourist attraction in Nanjing city, east China's Jiangsu province, during China's golden week following National Day which marks when the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949

Visitors climb staircases at Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a tourist attraction in Nanjing city, east China's Jiangsu province, during China's golden week following National Day which marks when the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949

Besides Chinese New Year, Golden Week is the longest national holiday observed in the country.

The name is given to the week because it falls towards the beginning of Autumn, which in China is generally characterised by clear weather and good temperatures.

This encourages many people to travel across the country, drawing huge crowds to popular tourist destinations.

While many countries around the world are still in some forms of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, pictures from China show that thousands of tourists have still been able to travel domestically during the week.

Millions of Chinese tourists usually spend their weeklong National Day holidays traveling abroad.

This year, travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic mean that some 600 million tourists - about 40% of the population - will travel within China during the holiday that began Thursday, according to Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency.

Visitors line up to get into Kaifengfu, or Yamen of Ancient Kaifeng, a historic site in Kaifeng city, central China's Henan province. With international travel restrictions in place, some 600 million tourists are expected to travel within China

Visitors line up to get into Kaifengfu, or Yamen of Ancient Kaifeng, a historic site in Kaifeng city, central China's Henan province. With international travel restrictions in place, some 600 million tourists are expected to travel within China

The name 'Golden Week' is given week because it falls towards the beginning of Autumn, which in China is generally characterised by clear weather and good temperatures, which encourages many to travel

The name 'Golden Week' is given week because it falls towards the beginning of Autumn, which in China is generally characterised by clear weather and good temperatures, which encourages many to travel

That's still down 25% from last year, when tourists took 782 million domestic trips and generated tourism revenue of 650 billion yuan (£73.8 billion), according to government data. The dip comes as some in China remain wary of the coronavirus and opt not to join the holiday rush. The country's borders remain closed to international visitors.

The eight-day holiday this year, which coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, will be a litmus test of whether China's tourism industry can bounce back following the battering it took earlier in the year. 

Travel within the country, and sometimes even within cities, was restricted beginning with the Lunar New Year as China fought the spread of the coronavirus that emerged in the central city of Wuhan and has sickened more than 34 million people, killing over a million.

Last year, tourists took 782 million domestic trips and generated tourism revenue of 650 billion yuan (£73.8 billion) according to government data

Last year, tourists took 782 million domestic trips and generated tourism revenue of 650 billion yuan (£73.8 billion) according to government data

Pictured: Visitors climb walk down a path to Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in n Nanjing city, east China's Jiangsu province, October 2. Local governments are offering discounts to tourists during the week

Pictured: Visitors climb walk down a path to Dr.Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in n Nanjing city, east China's Jiangsu province, October 2. Local governments are offering discounts to tourists during the week

The weeklong holiday in October is typically the busiest time for domestic travel. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said that tourism revenue totaled 76.7 billion yuan (£8.7 billion) on Thursday, close to 70 percent of last year's. In Beijing, 223 major tourist attractions registered close to 1.1 million visits, the city's Bureau of Culture and Tourism said.

With the world's biggest-spending tourists spending their money travelling domestically, local governments are offering discounts and subsidies to tourists, including free or heavily discounted tickets to attractions.

Zhao Kerui, a designer with a flexible working schedule, often takes several trips abroad each year. Last year, he visited Malaysia and Japan. He had planned to visit Istanbul in Turkey or to Jeju island in South Korea this year, but eventually decided to instead visit cities like Chengdu, known for being the home of pandas, as well as scenic Guilin, famed for its karst limestone hills.

Tourists visit Datang Everbright City on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

Tourists visit Datang Everbright City on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

Fireworks light up the skyline during 2020 Liuyang Fireworks Conference on October 2. Tourists who would normally travel abroad have said they are not willing to undertake the lengthy quarantine times required on both ends of their travel

Fireworks light up the skyline during 2020 Liuyang Fireworks Conference on October 2. Tourists who would normally travel abroad have said they are not willing to undertake the lengthy quarantine times required on both ends of their travel

Besides Chinese New Year, Golden Week is the longest national holiday observed in the country, but the dip in tourism this year comes as some in China remain wary of the coronavirus and opt not to join the holiday rush

 Besides Chinese New Year, Golden Week is the longest national holiday observed in the country, but the dip in tourism this year comes as some in China remain wary of the coronavirus and opt not to join the holiday rush

'To take a trip abroad, you will be quarantined for half a month when you arrive, and when you return, it's another half a month of quarantine,' Zhao said. 'One month is gone with you doing nothing at all. '

Cao Ke, a science researcher based in Shanghai, usually would spend his National Day holiday relaxing at the beaches in Thailand's Phuket island. This year he's heading to the southern coastal province of Fujian in China, hoping to take some nice photos.

'I usually prefer traveling abroad, because there are too many people traveling domestically, and accommodation and meals become very expensive,' said Cao.

Pictured: An aerial view of tourists visiting the illuminated Youzhou Ancient City on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2. The country's borders remain closed to international visitors

Pictured: An aerial view of tourists visiting the illuminated Youzhou Ancient City on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2. The country's borders remain closed to international visitors

Staff members dressed as giant pandas parade at Wuhan Happy Valley on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

Staff members dressed as giant pandas parade at Wuhan Happy Valley on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

That's a sentiment shared by many Chinese who can afford to fly overseas for holidays but now are barred by flight cancelations and quarantine restrictions. Thailand, one of the most popular destinations among Chinese travellers, closed its airports to international commercial flights in April and has yet to fully reopen to tourism.

So instead, Chinese visitors will be crowding into popular attractions, such as the Disneyland resort in Shanghai and the research base for panda breeding in the southwestern city of Chengdu, Ctrip's report said.

China is one of the few countries in the world where millions are freely touring around the country, while most countries are discouraging unnecessary travel as they battle coronavirus outbreaks.

People visit the Temple of Heaven on October 2 during the national holiday in Beijing, China. China is celebrating its national day marking the 71st anniversary of the People's Republic of China

People visit the Temple of Heaven on October 2 during the national holiday in Beijing, China. China is celebrating its national day marking the 71st anniversary of the People's Republic of China

China has reported no new locally transmitted coronavirus infections since Aug. 16, and the country's culture and tourism ministry last month eased restrictions on tourist sites

China has reported no new locally transmitted coronavirus infections since Aug. 16, and the country's culture and tourism ministry last month eased restrictions on tourist sites

The ease in restrictions means tourist sites can operate at 75% capacity. Visitors also are encouraged to obey social-distancing rules during their travels. Pictured: Tibetan Buddhist Monks take photos as they visit the Temple of Heaven

The ease in restrictions means tourist sites can operate at 75% capacity. Visitors also are encouraged to obey social-distancing rules during their travels. Pictured: Tibetan Buddhist Monks take photos as they visit the Temple of Heaven

China has reported no new locally transmitted coronavirus infections since Aug. 16, and the country's culture and tourism ministry last month eased restrictions on tourist sites, allowing them to operate at 75% capacity. Visitors also are encouraged to obey social-distancing rules during their travels.

The number of tourists at top attractions across the country jumped nearly 159% in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, at the height of pandemic shutdowns.

The number of tourists visiting resorts and engaging in rural tourism in July and August was about 90% of last year's level, Shan Gangxin, an official with China's ministry of culture and tourism, told reporters in Beijing this week.

The number of tourists at top attractions across the country jumped nearly 159% in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, at the height of pandemic shutdowns

The number of tourists at top attractions across the country jumped nearly 159% in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, at the height of pandemic shutdowns

Pictured: Chinese tourists crowd to to take photos as they visit the Temple of Heaven on October 2, as a young boy sits on someone's shoulders to take a photo on a phone

Pictured: Chinese tourists crowd to to take photos as they visit the Temple of Heaven on October 2, as a young boy sits on someone's shoulders to take a photo on a phone

The number of tourists visiting resorts and engaging in rural tourism in July and August was about 90% of last year's level

The number of tourists visiting resorts and engaging in rural tourism in July and August was about 90% of last year's level

Hotel bookings are 50% higher compared to last year, and airline reservations are on a par with 2019, helped by discounts for hotels and flights, according to data from Fliggy, Alibaba's online travel arm.

Zeng Xiaoqi, a 24-year-old nurse from central China's Hunan province, planned a trip to Beijing for the holidays to celebrate her mother's 50th birthday.

'Before I left, I took the nucleic acid test in my hometown and called the tourist sites I wanted to go to ask if the site is open during the holiday week, and how tickets could be booked,' said Zeng. 'I didn't depart until all the preparation was done.'

Passengers wait for trains at Shenyang North Railway Station on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

Passengers wait for trains at Shenyang North Railway Station on the second day of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday on October 2

People tour in a shopping street in Wuhan on October 2, 2020 during the national holiday in Wuhan, Hubei province, where the coronavirus is believes to have originated

People tour in a shopping street in Wuhan on October 2, 2020 during the national holiday in Wuhan, Hubei province, where the coronavirus is believes to have originated

People wear face masks while standing on the deck of a ferry on the Yangtze River on October 2 during the national holiday in Wuhan, Hubei provinc

People wear face masks while standing on the deck of a ferry on the Yangtze River on October 2 during the national holiday in Wuhan, Hubei provinc

Railway authorities said they expect 108 million train journeys to be made between Monday, September 28 and October 8, or an average of almost 10 million per day

Railway authorities said they expect 108 million train journeys to be made between Monday, September 28 and October 8, or an average of almost 10 million per day

She said that she was not worried about traveling within China, as most areas are currently fairly low-risk when it comes to the coronavirus.

Nonetheless, as a precaution, Zeng said she was well-equipped with masks, hand sanitizer, and wet tissue for the flight and high speed train to Beijing.

Railway authorities said they expect 108 million train journeys to be made between Monday, Sept. 28 and Oct. 8, or an average of almost 10 million per day. Overall, train and airline passenger numbers are still forecast to be lower than in previous years amid concerns that restrictions could be re-imposed if new cases are detected.

Like many other Chinese, Zhao plans to stick to domestic trips for the next few months.

'To be honest, it's the same whether I travel abroad or around China,' he said. 'I do it to relax.' 

Popular posts from this blog

Study Abroad USA, College of Charleston, Popular Courses, Alumni

Thinking for Study Abroad USA. School of Charleston, the wonderful grounds is situated in the actual middle of a verifiable city - Charleston. Get snatched up by the wonderful and customary engineering, beautiful pathways, or look at the advanced steel and glass building which houses the School of Business. The grounds additionally gives students simple admittance to a few major tech organizations like Amazon's CreateSpace, Google, TwitPic, and so on. The school offers students nearby as well as off-grounds convenience going from completely outfitted home lobbies to memorable homes. It is prepared to offer different types of assistance and facilities like clubs, associations, sporting exercises, support administrations, etc. To put it plainly, the school grounds is rising with energy and there will never be a dull second for students at the College of Charleston. Concentrate on Abroad USA is improving and remunerating for your future. The energetic grounds likewise houses various

Best MBA Online Colleges in the USA

“Opportunities never open, instead we create them for us”. Beginning with this amazing saying, let’s unbox today’s knowledge. Love Business and marketing? Want to make a high-paid career in business administration? Well, if yes, then mate, we have got you something amazing to do!   We all imagine an effortless future with a cozy house and a laptop. Well, well! You can make this happen. Today, with this guide, we will be exploring some of the top-notch online MBA universities and institutes in the USA. Let’s get started! Why learn Online MBA from the USA? Access to More Options This online era has given a second chance to children who want to reflect on their careers while managing their hectic schedules. In this, the internet has played a very crucial in rejuvenating schools, institutes, and colleges to give the best education to students across the globe. Graduating with Less Debt Regular classes from high reputed institutes often charge heavy tuition fees. However onl

Sickening moment maskless 'Karen' COUGHS in the face of grocery store customer, then claims she doesn't have to wear a mask because she 'isn't sick'

A woman was captured on camera following a customer through a supermarket as she coughs on her after claiming she does not need a mask because she is not sick.  Video of the incident, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter alone, allegedly took place in a Su per Saver in Lincoln, Nebraska according to Twitter user @davenewworld_2. In it, an unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of the customer recording her. Scroll down for video An unidentified woman was captured dramatically coughing as she smiles saying 'Excuse me! I'm coming through' in the direction of a woman recording her A woman was captured on camera following a customer as she coughs on her in a supermarket without a mask on claiming she does not need one because she is not sick @chaiteabugz #karen #covid #karens #karensgonewild #karensalert #masks we were just wearing a mask at the store. ¿ o