With spring in full bloom and the Qingming Festival long weekend (April 4–6) fast approaching, China is about to see the first significant travel surge of the season, according to the latest booking data from Tuniu.com, a leading online leisure travel company. Travellers across the country are embracing the tradition of venturing outdoors to enjoy fresh air, flowers and family time.

Among the most sought-after domestic destinations, Nanjing ranks alongside Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Sanya, and Zhuhai as a top pick. Notably, the Nanjing-Beijing high-speed rail route has emerged as a travellers' favourite. The rise of flexible travel options such as high-speed rail paired with boutique homestays, car rentals, or guided local tours has made it easier than ever for travellers to mix and match their itineraries.

Nanjing's skyline.

Flower viewing remains a highlight of the season, with iconic spots like Nanjing's Jiming Temple, Wuxi's Yuantouzhu, and Yangzhou's Slender West Lake drawing flocks of visitors. Cherry blossoms, in particular, have taken centre stage, securing their place as the stars of spring tourism. Each year, the ethereal pink blooms at Jiming Temple and Yuantouzhu captivate crowds eager to experience their fleeting beauty.

Yuantouzhu in spring.

Beyond flower appreciation, a new wave of seasonal activities is gaining traction. Tea-picking, foraging for wild veggies, and fruit and vegetable harvesting have become increasingly popular, with youth in cities joining the trend. Wild foraging, in particular, lures city dwellers to green spaces like Nanjing's Laoshan, Wuxi's Yangshan, and Suzhou's Xishan in search of edible treasures like leafy greens and bamboo shoots.

Meanwhile, theme parks infused with traditional Chinese culture are proving to be a hit. Attractions such as Changzhou's Yancheng Spring Autumn Park built on relics of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BCE 476 BCE) and Huai'an's Xiyou World of Adventure, inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West, bring history to life with immersive experiences featuring intricately designed cultural settings and interactive parades and performances. These "live-action role-play" adventures have skyrocketed in popularity, offering visitors an engaging blend of storytelling and entertainment.

Yancheng Spring Autumn Park

Xiyou World of Adventure

Source: China Association of Travel Services

Photo: Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism