January 1, 2026

China’s New Year holiday has delivered the first major travel and consumption peak of 2026, as strong passenger flows and rising tourism spending signal a steady release of demand and a resilient start to the year, according to data from transport authorities and travel platforms.

Analysts said the strong holiday performance highlights the underlying vitality and resilience of the Chinese economy, as domestic demand continues to recover amid sustained policy support.

The 2026 New Year holiday, the first three-day break of the year, runs from Thursday to Saturday, concentrating travel demand and fueling a nationwide tourism surge.

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