Visa-free travel abroad and free toll roads at home are expected to fuel a surge in travel by Chinese citizens during an extra-long holiday starting this week, in what analysts call a boon for the service economy.

The latest data from China Trading Desk outlines the habits of China’s travellers, from short booking windows to comparing retail prices online

China Trading Desk (CTD) has released its China Outbound Travel Sentiment Survey, Q3 2025, showing the market has moved from rebound to routine: short booking windows persist even as intent and spend stay firm.

CHINA. Digital marketing specialist China Trading Desk (CTD) has found China’s outbound travel market is entering a new phase of stability, according to the results of its Q3 Travel Sentiment Survey.

The survey indicates that 78% of travelers still book less than a month out, while 73% expect one to two overseas trips in the next 12 months.

China Trading Desk (CTD) today released its China Outbound Travel Sentiment Survey, Q3 2025, showing the market has moved from rebound to routine: short booking windows persist even as intent and spend stay firm. 78% of travellers still book less than a month out, while 73% expect one to two overseas trips in the next 12 months. Planning remains digital-first, with pre-departure research nudging up to 79%.

Young Chinese tourists have been flocking to Nepal, a country renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich Buddhist history, and reasonable prices. But recent political upheaval has led to a sharp decline in Chinese tourism, a market that had experienced rapid expansion. Nepal’s tourism industry has suffered greatly as a result of the unrest that began in early September and has made many prospective tourists wary.

Chinese tourism to Nepal is set to slump after days of deadly political unrest have left many travellers “scared” to visit, dealing a potentially lasting blow to a country that had been emerging as a trendy travel destination for young Chinese.

This summer, Hu Jia and her family opted to skip Thailand’s iconic beaches and ornate temples, a short flight from her home in Sichuan province. Instead, she booked a two-week trip to Vietnam amid growing Chinese concerns over Thailand’s safety.