October 7 marked the final day of the 2026 National Day holiday, and the surge in holiday travel drew extensive attention from international media.
Many foreign outlets reported that rising consumption during the holiday highlighted China's economic vitality and domestic demand potential, while diverse cultural tourism activities and upgraded travel experiences continued to attract more foreign visitors to experience China's charm firsthand.
Consumption Continues to Heat Up
Reuters reported that during the National Day holiday, various regions across China launched colorful themed events including performances, fireworks displays, cultural exhibitions and night markets, creating a festive atmosphere and driving consumption.
Malaysia's The Star noted that China's consumer market continued to heat up during the 2026 National Day holiday, citing experts who said holiday consumption data "reflects China's economic vitality and domestic demand potential."
Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported that many Chinese people traveled or visited relatives during the holiday, leaving pets unattended, and data from housekeeping platforms showed that orders for pet home-feeding services rose significantly, with a week-on-week increase exceeding 300%.
The report noted that China's pet consumption market grew steadily in 2025, with the urban pet (dog and cat) consumption market reaching 312.6 billion yuan, and the "pet economy" has not only spawned a number of emerging professions but also become a distinctive consumption form driving domestic demand.
According to Myanmar International TV's website, China's seven-day National Day holiday sparked a boom in tourism, cultural activities and domestic consumption, with major scenic spots such as the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan quickly reaching daily reservation caps.
Diverse and Engaging Cultural Tourism Activities
Reuters cited professional analysis saying that during the 2026 National Day holiday, Chinese tourists arranged longer trips and were willing to travel to more distant destinations.
New York-based digital media outlet JingDaily said that Chinese tourists' National Day travel is shifting from "checking in" to focusing more on experience, length of stay and travel quality.
Singapore's The Straits Times noted that Beijing Wildlife Park held a "caterpillar-catching contest," citing a visitor who said, "I think this activity is very meaningful. It sparked the children's interest, and we even had a chance to win prizes."
The Manila Times pointed out that slow-paced, immersive county-level tourism has become one of China's important cultural tourism trends in recent years, and during the National Day holiday, tourist attractions across China made full use of local resources, from light shows to interactive performances, to create new experiences for visitors.
European news channel Euronews focused on a spectacular light show featuring 5,000 drones in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, where tourists stopped to watch the performance, and many audience members recorded the exciting scenes with their mobile phones.
Foreign Visitors Experience China's Charm
Malaysia's The Star noted that while Chinese tourists travel around the world, more and more foreign visitors are also heading to China to experience its charm firsthand, reporting that interest in China continues to rise globally, from natural scenery and cultural heritage to lifestyles and, in recent years, Chinese brands and local design that have drawn worldwide attention.
The report cited Chinese data showing that in the first seven months of 2026, overseas personnel spent 263.6 billion yuan in China, up 27.8% year on year, and it was predicted that average daily inbound and outbound travelers during the 2026 National Day holiday would reach 2.15 million.
CNA reported recently that with continuously improving infrastructure and more convenient travel, China's countryside has gradually become a popular destination for foreign tourists, introducing the experience of an Indian tourist who visited a small town in Guilin, Guangxi, who described it as "relaxed and carefree" with very friendly local residents.
Cyprus media outlet "Travel Daily News" said that China has continuously optimized its entry policies and measures, improving facilitation in visa, payment, tax refund, guide services, accommodation and transportation, steadily enhancing foreign tourists' willingness to travel to China.
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