Foreign tourists are keen on niche destinations in China: Air ticket bookings in Datong, Shanxi and Yiwu, Zhejiang have increased significantly year-on-year
With the gradual recovery of China's tourism market, the travel preferences of international tourists are undergoing significant changes. According to the latest data, the number of international air ticket bookings in non-traditional tourist hot cities such as Datong, Shanxi and Yiwu, Zhejiang, has increased significantly year-on-year, reflecting the strong interest of foreign tourists in China's history and culture and small commodity trade.
1. Data reveals new trends
According to statistics from major online travel platforms, the number of air ticket bookings for foreign tourists to the following cities in the past 10 days has increased significantly year-on-year:
| City | Year-on-year increase | Main source country |
|---|---|---|
| Shanxi Datong | 320% | France, Germany, Italy |
| Yiwu, Zhejiang | 280% | Russia, Middle Eastern countries, Southeast Asia |
| Dunhuang, Gansu | 195% | Japan, South Korea, the United States |
| Tengchong, Yunnan | 150% | United Kingdom, Australia, Canada |
2. Datong: History and culture attract European tourists
As a famous historical and cultural city in China, Shanxi Datong is attracting more and more European tourists with its rich cultural heritage. World cultural heritage sites such as Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple have become popular check-in spots for foreign tourists. Data from the local tourism bureau shows that the proportion of European tourists has reached 45% recently, far exceeding the same period in previous years.
A tourist from France said: "The well-preserved ancient Buddhist art in Datong is shocking, and the cultural experience here is more authentic than that in big cities."
3. Yiwu: Small commodity trade attracts global buyers
As a global small commodity distribution center, Yiwu, Zhejiang is ushering in the return of the largest international buyers after the epidemic. According to statistics from the Yiwu Market Development Committee, the number of international buyers has increased by nearly three times year-on-year in the past 10 days, among which Russian and Middle Eastern countries have the highest proportion.
A businessman from Dubai said: "Yiwu has a complete range of products and a clear price advantage. It is more convenient to come to China to purchase now than before the epidemic."
4. Multiple factors promote the popularity of niche destinations
Industry experts analyzed that there are multiple driving factors behind this phenomenon:
1. China's visa policy continues to be optimized, and the 144-hour transit visa-free policy covers more cities
2. International flights resumed and accelerated, and several new international routes to second- and third-tier cities were added
3. The overseas promotion effect of short video platforms is significant, and foreign tourists' awareness of Chinese culture has increased
4. Traditional tourist cities are crowded, and tourists begin to seek differentiated experiences
5. New characteristics of tourism consumption
| Consumer projects | Year-on-year growth | Average consumption amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural experience activities | 210% | 800-1200 yuan |
| Specialty B&B | 180% | 500-800 yuan per night |
| Handicrafts | 250% | 300-2000 yuan |
| Local food | 195% | 150-300 yuan per person |
6. Looking forward to the future
Tourism industry insiders predict that as China continues to introduce facilitation measures and enrich tourism products, this trend of "in-depth tour" and "themed tour" will continue to grow. It is expected that in the second half of the year, more distinctive Chinese cities will enter the horizon of international tourists and inject new vitality into China's tourism industry.
Tourism departments in various places also stated that they will further improve supporting facilities such as foreign language services and payment facilitation to provide foreign tourists with a better travel experience and continuously enhance the international attractiveness of Chinese tourist destinations.
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