Russia, Australia, and Thailand Lead the Surge in Chinese Spring Festival Travel as Japan Sees Dramatic Decline Amid Rising Tensions

As Chinese travelers prepare for the 2026 Spring Festival, Russia, Australia, and Thailand have emerged as the leading destinations, reflecting a growing preference for these countries amid a sharp decline in travel to Japan. The Spring Festival, a time for family reunions and leisure travel, is seeing a surge in bookings for long-haul destinations, with Russia benefiting from doubled tour group bookings, Australia recovering strongly with a 100% increase in Chinese visitors, and Thailand maintaining its popularity due to its close proximity and diverse offerings. In stark contrast, Japan’s appeal has dwindled, as escalating political tensions between China and Japan have led to a significant drop in flight availability and visitor numbers, marking a shift in the travel landscape for Chinese tourists this holiday season.

Chinese Travelers Set to Embrace Overseas Travel Surge During Spring Festival, With Russia, Australia, and Thailand Leading the Way Amid Japan’s Decline

Chinese travelers are poised to take off for a remarkable surge in overseas trips during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, with Russia, Australia, and Thailand emerging as top destinations, according to travel agencies and media reports. In stark contrast, Japan’s popularity has plummeted, largely due to escalating tensions in bilateral relations between the two countries. As the Chinese New Year approaches, the travel industry anticipates a significant uptick in international tourism, especially after years of restrictions.

Key Travel Trends for 2026 Spring Festival

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, will kick off on February 17, 2026. This cherished holiday is traditionally a time for family reunions and celebrations. For many Chinese citizens, it also marks a prime opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally. This year, the holiday will span nine days, from February 15 to February 23, with travel expectations reaching new heights.

The rapid growth in outbound travel reflects the broader trend of post-pandemic recovery and an increasing appetite for international exploration. According to reports from major Chinese travel agencies, destinations like Russia, Australia, and Thailand are seeing significant surges in popularity, while Japan experiences a sharp decline. Let’s take a closer look at the key trends and countries involved.

1. Russia – A Surging Favorite for Chinese Tourists

Russia has become an unexpected hotspot for Chinese travelers this Spring Festival. According to Shanghai Spring International Travel Service, the travel division of budget airline Spring Airlines, bookings for group tours to Russia have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. This surge is being attributed to a combination of factors, including Russia’s proximity, appeal as a destination with rich cultural and historical offerings, and more affordable travel options for Chinese visitors. The interest is particularly high in major Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, known for their iconic landmarks and immersive experiences in art, history, and architecture.

• Russia’s Recovery as a Key Destination: Despite previous fluctuations in tourism between the two countries, Russian destinations are experiencing a renaissance as a result of increased flight availability and favorable exchange rates for Chinese tourists.

2. Australia – Strong Recovery in Long-Haul Travel

Australia’s appeal to Chinese tourists has been revived, with Trip.com, China’s largest online travel booking platform, reporting an impressive year-on-year increase of over 100 percent in bookings. Australians are benefiting from the resurgence of long-haul travel, with tourists flocking to destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. The demand for both business and leisure travel to Australia during the Spring Festival is surging, as Chinese visitors seek a diverse mix of experiences from outdoor adventures to urban exploration.

• Australia’s Tourism Growth: With the lifting of travel restrictions, Australian tourism is experiencing robust recovery, positioning itself as a sought-after long-haul destination for those looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and beautiful natural landscapes.

3. Thailand – A Constant Favorite for Chinese Tourists

Thailand continues to enjoy its status as one of the top international destinations for Chinese travelers, particularly during the Spring Festival. Its close proximity to China, affordable luxury options, and wide range of activities make it an enduring favorite. Tourists flock to Thailand for everything from beach getaways in Phuket and Pattaya to cultural experiences in Chiang Mai. The consistent popularity of Thailand, bolstered by its hospitality industry’s focus on Chinese-speaking staff and tailored services, ensures that it remains a firm favorite on the Spring Festival travel itinerary.

• Thailand’s Consistent Popularity: The ease of access, along with the country’s vibrant culture and diverse tourism offerings, continues to attract large numbers of Chinese travelers. Thailand remains the most accessible and reliable destination for many, maintaining its allure as a year-round getaway.

4. Japan – A Decline in Popularity Amid Rising Tensions

In stark contrast to the upward trends in Russia, Australia, and Thailand, Japan is witnessing a sharp decline in Chinese tourist arrivals. The shift is primarily attributed to the growing political tensions between China and Japan, which have deeply impacted travel decisions. According to Kyodo News, during the first week of China’s 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, flights between China and Japan saw a dramatic reduction of 1,292 flights, a staggering 49.2 percent drop from the previous year. This significant decline points to the growing reluctance of Chinese travelers to visit Japan amid the ongoing diplomatic strains.

• Japan’s Diminishing Appeal: Japan, once one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, is grappling with reduced bookings. As political tensions continue to simmer, Japanese tourism authorities are looking for ways to reestablish the appeal of their country among Chinese tourists in the future.

Russia, Australia, and Thailand are leading the way in Chinese Spring Festival travel, with surging bookings for long-haul destinations. In contrast, Japan sees a sharp decline in visitors due to rising political tensions.

The 2026 Spring Festival is shaping up to be a milestone in the resurgence of outbound Chinese tourism. With significant increases in travel bookings to countries like Russia, Australia, and Thailand, the Chinese travel market is once again showcasing its global reach and growing demand for international experiences. While Japan’s tourism sector grapples with political tensions, other destinations are capitalizing on the opportunity to attract Chinese travelers.

As the global tourism industry continues to recover, China’s Spring Festival holiday serves as a key bellwether for trends in international travel. The travel boom, especially to Russia, Australia, and Thailand, reflects the increasing appetite for diverse travel experiences and the expanding horizons of the Chinese tourist.

This year’s Spring Festival provides a glimpse into the future of outbound Chinese tourism, where political relations, economic factors, and global events all play a role in shaping travelers’ decisions. With these shifting preferences, countries like Russia, Australia, and Thailand are seizing the moment to solidify their positions as prime destinations for Chinese tourists in 2026 and beyond.