As China currently celebrates Golden Week, travel agencies and online travel platforms throughout the country report that consumers looked into personalised and flexible options for this year’s holiday trips.

There was a notable increase in bookings for self-driven tours, private group stays, as well as independent travel packages for those flying solo or with just one companion.

According to Nanjing’s Tuniu Corporation, there was a marked increase in the popularity of domestic long-haul and outbound trips. However, the company also noted that traditional cultural expeditions and nature walks for exploring the country’s natural wonders in autumn remain top choices for travellers.

Tuniu vice-president Qi Chunguang explained: “There was a surge in bookings for National Day holiday tour packages in September. Some people took an extra two-day leave on 29 and 30 September. Thus combined, it became a 10-day break in total.”

Qi added that the travel boom will be going on until Friday, 4th October, and a gradual decline in the number of travellers may be seen between the 5th and the 7th of the month.