Top Destinations Chinese Travelers Choose for Golden Week 2025
Have you noticed how much Golden Week drives travel demand? Every year, millions of Chinese tourists take advantage of the week-long National Day holiday to travel, both inside China and abroad. For tourism businesses, it’s one of the best opportunities of the year to attract Chinese guests.
So, where do they go in 2025? Let’s look at the hottest destinations, the new trends, and some tips to help your business capture this wave by chinesetouristagency, a destination agency in China.
1. Japan (including Okinawa and major cities)
Japan continues to be the number one choice for Golden Week travelers. It’s close, easy to reach, and offers a mix of city excitement, culture, and beautiful islands like Okinawa. Shopping, food, and short flights make it especially appealing.
2. South Korea (Seoul and Jeju Island)
South Korea remains a favorite for quick holidays. Seoul attracts young travelers with K-culture, shopping, and nightlife. Jeju Island is loved by families and couples for its nature, beaches, and relaxed pace.
3. Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, and coastal islands)
Thailand is always a winner during Golden Week. Warm weather, famous beaches, and amazing food draw millions of visitors. Many Chinese families choose resort stays and island packages for this holiday.
4. Vietnam (Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang)
Vietnam has risen fast on the Golden Week list. Resorts in Phu Quoc and Nha Trang are affordable, scenic, and easy to reach. Younger travelers like the lively food scene and nightlife in Da Nang.
5. Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia)
Short-haul destinations across Southeast Asia are booming. Families often choose Singapore for its safety and convenience. Couples and young travelers prefer Bali or the Philippines for beaches and diving. Malaysia attracts visitors looking for culture and shopping.
6. Australia and New Zealand
For wealthier and long-haul travelers, Australia and New Zealand are Golden Week favorites. Nature, outdoor activities, and premium hotels appeal to families combining school breaks with the holiday week.
7. Europe, the UK, and the USA
Some Chinese travelers take Golden Week as part of a longer vacation. Europe, London, Paris, Rome, and New York remain iconic choices. These trips usually come from higher-spend tourists and require earlier planning.
8. Domestic Chinese Hotspots
Not everyone goes abroad. Inside China, Golden Week creates record demand. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu are top cultural cities. Nature escapes, mountain resorts, and smaller towns are also trending as people seek less crowded options.
What’s New in 2025?
- Islands and nature escapes are the hottest trend. Jeju, Okinawa, and Phu Quoc are in high demand.
- Second-tier destinations are growing. Travelers want new experiences beyond the capitals.
- Premium travelers go long-haul. High-spending tourists are using Golden Week for longer trips to Europe, Australia, and the US.
- Earlier bookings. Families and long-haul travelers are planning earlier, while short-haul trips still see last-minute deals.
Tips for Tourism Businesses
If you want to attract Chinese tourists during Golden Week, here’s what works:
- Be visible on Chinese platforms. Use Douyin videos for inspiration, Xiaohongshu travel notes for trust, and WeChat for direct communication and booking.
- Package short stays. Offer 3–5 day packages with transfers, activities, and meals included. Perfect for Golden Week schedules.
- Promote family-friendly services. Multi-generation travel is common. Highlight family rooms, child activities, and easy transport.
- Prepare for crowds. Communicate peak hours, queue systems, and local rules in Chinese to keep visitors comfortable.
- Offer flexibility. Simple cancellation and refund options make your offer more attractive.
Chinesetouristagency Final Word
Golden Week is one of the biggest travel moments of the year for Chinese tourists. Short-haul destinations like Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam dominate, while wealthier travelers choose Europe, Australia, or the US. Domestically, Chinese cities and scenic spots still attract record numbers.
For SMEs in tourism, this is the time to prepare. Get visible on Chinese social media, create short holiday packages, and make sure your service is Chinese-friendly.
At ChineseTouristAgency.com, we help businesses like yours attract Chinese tourists during peak seasons like Golden Week. Our team in China manages campaigns on Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and WeChat, focusing on lead generation and real bookings. If you want to capture more Chinese visitors this Golden Week, we can help you stand out.
Further readings
New requirements for keeping Chinese tourists
Marketing Strategies to Attract Chinese Tourists
