Surge in Travel Expenditures from China During Golden Week

Recent statistics show a remarkable increase in both outbound and inbound tourism spending in China during the 2025 Labor Day holiday, commonly referred to as Golden Week.

Outbound Travel: Exploring Overseas Experiences

Data indicates that via Alipay+, a digital payment solution developed by Ant International, Chinese travelers utilized 36 e-wallets for transactions across more than 70 countries without needing currency exchange. Key travel destinations included Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and South Korea, with increased transactions during exclusive campaigns aimed at attracting tourists.

Chinese travelers are noted for seeking unique and local experiences, with Switzerland reporting the highest per-user spending on Alipay+. The trend extends to domestic transport, where Alipay usage on public transport surged by 53% year-over-year in areas like Hong Kong and Macao.

Moreover, Alipay’s real-time tax refund service has grown significantly, improving user experience while attracting more international travelers.

Inbound Travel: Enticing International Visitors

Since September 2023, enhancements such as visa-free entry and favorable tax refund policies have contributed to a substantial increase in visitors from abroad during Golden Week. In particular, transactions from international e-wallets using Alipay’s services saw a year-on-year rise of over 100%.

The data underscores a dynamic shift in both outbound and inbound tourism practices among Chinese users, signaling future opportunities in travel-related services.