Trending Now: China's Social Media Highlights #2June-8June#

Weibo

Upgraded Folk Experiences & "Parent-Child+" Surge This year’s Dragon Boat Festival tourism saw three main highlights: an upgrade in traditional cultural experiences, an explosive rise in “parent-child+” spending (thanks to the overlap with Children's Day), and short-distance micro holidays leading the market. Family suites saw a noticeable booking spike compared to last year. Read more

119 Million Domestic Trips Over 3 Days A 5.7% year-on-year increase during the 3-day festival. Domestic tourism revenue reached 42.73 billion yuan, up 5.9%. The overlap with Children’s Day led to a notable jump in travel enthusiasm. Read more

Image Source: Weibo

Who’s Buying Balenciaga Haute Couture? Balenciaga’s haute couture buyers in China reflect an eclectic mix: classic elite celebrities, emerging artists, and high-net-worth collectors. Purchasing behaviour ties to social and identity markers, making travel shopping a cultural statement. Read more

Douyin

From Coach Tours to DIY Drives Elderly travellers are embracing the travel lifestyle — from group packages to self-drive holidays. They seek comfort, rich cultural sites (like museums and monuments), and quality service. The “silver generation” now travels off-season, preferring unhurried itineraries and well-equipped hotels. Read more

Xiaohongshu

Image Source: Baidu

Seismic Activity Spurs Travel Cancellations Multiple earthquakes in Hokkaido and viral “doomsday predictions” from a famous manga artist have dampened Japan-bound travel plans. Since February, foreign bookings have dropped significantly, especially after a prophecy claimed that Japan could face a devastating earthquake on 5 July. Read more

Baidu

The Rise of the “48-Hour International Dash” Young urbanites from Shanghai are taking ultra-short international trips — often squeezing in a full cultural experience within 48 hours without using annual leave. Japan is a top choice due to its proximity. According to our travel dashboard, an estimated 238,000 visits to Spain are expected over the next five months, representing a 27% year-on-year increase. Read more

Ibiza Limits Tourist Cars during peak months (June–September), daily permits for non-resident cars are capped at just over 20,000, with further reductions planned. The goal: reduce overtourism and protect the environment. RV visitors must pre-book campsites. Read more

Zhihu

Image Source: Baidu

Is Solo Travel Lonely? Some solo travellers on Zhihu admit to loneliness, but many value the self-awareness and spontaneity it fosters. Travelling alone builds independence and offers a deeply personal journey, especially when navigating unfamiliar cultures. Read more

Why Travel? Zhihu users believe travel broadens horizons, inspires empathy, and brings textbook knowledge to life. Top outbound destinations over the next six months: Bangkok, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dubai — mainly from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Read more