Chinese Travel to BRI Countries Surges During Spring Festival

As the Spring Festival approaches, data from various travel platforms indicates a notable increase in travel by Chinese tourists to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This rise is attributed to several factors, including strengthened ties between peoples, expanded visa access, and improved transportation infrastructure.

Countries such as Turkey, Sri Lanka, Russia, New Zealand, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates are seeing significant interest, ranking among the top ten long-haul travel destinations for the upcoming nine-day holiday. This year's festivities, beginning on Sunday, are the longest in recent memory, prompting many tourists to explore these international locations.

Turkey ranks first in popularity, experiencing an astounding 320 percent increase in search interest compared to last year, largely due to revamped visa procedures and enhanced travel accessibility. The classic 10-day, 7-night tours in Turkey have also enjoyed exceptional sales during this period.

Starting from January 2, new visa regulations allow Chinese travelers to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa within a 180-day span. Turkey, a strong ally of the BRI, has been proactive in partnering with China since signing an agreement in 2015 aimed at connecting the country to Europe and beyond via an extensive transport network.

Hotel bookings in Turkey during the Spring Festival have surged by 150 percent year-over-year, making it the second-most favored outbound destination. In particular, reservations in Istanbul have doubled, and those in Antalya have nearly achieved the same growth, both cities ranking among the elite in the global hospitality market.

Similarly, Uzbekistan, another BRI partner state offering visa-free entry for Chinese visitors, has experienced a fourfold increase in hotel bookings. This impressive growth also extends to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where hotel reservations on various platforms have surged by 150 percent year-on-year.

Southeast Asian countries, known for their vibrant festive atmosphere and cooperative agreements with China under the BRI, remain popular choices for outbound travel. Data reveals that these nations comprise half of the top ten international flight destinations, with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bali among the most sought-after.

The BRI is crucial in enhancing travel connectivity and cultural exchange between China and its partner countries. This initiative has not only expanded transportation links but has also fostered better understanding among peoples, as stated by Wang Jiazheng, chief representative of the Guangdong Economic and Trade Representative Office in New Zealand.

New Zealand is poised for increased Chinese tourist arrivals during the Spring Festival, as local hospitality services report a nearly 50 percent rise in bookings over the previous year. Popular cities are witnessing peak booking rates exceeding 90 percent during the holiday season.

As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to develop, an increasing number of partner countries are embracing the Chinese Spring Festival, reflecting a growing appreciation for Chinese cultural heritage globally. Notably, Dubai will host a series of culturally rich celebrations, including traditional performances and a spectacular light show at the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Dubai has recorded substantial growth in international visitors, with 15.7 million arrivals in the first ten months of 2025, a five percent increase from the prior year, showcasing the significance of the Chinese tourist market. Beyond the UAE, countries like Peru and Cuba are also celebrating the Spring Festival, highlighting the BRI's role in enhancing global cultural connectivity.

In summary, the growing number of tourists from BRI nations visiting China and vice versa underscores over a decade of collaborative efforts leading to reinforced cultural exchange and advantageous economic partnerships. As interest in travel to China enters a new era of recognition and enthusiasm, the momentum of the BRI continues to expand both travel opportunities and cultural understanding.