BEIJING, Oct. 7 -- Oct. 7 marked the last day of the 2026 National Day holiday. The travel boom drew wide international media attention, with many outlets reporting that rising consumption during the holiday highlighted China's economic vitality and the potential of domestic demand.
Reuters reported that throughout the holiday, localities across China staged performances, fireworks shows, cultural exhibitions and night markets to create a festive atmosphere and drive spending.
Malaysia's The Star noted that China's consumer market continued to heat up during the 2026 holiday, quoting experts as saying the data "reflects China's economic vitality and the potential of domestic demand."
Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported that many Chinese traveled or visited relatives during the holiday, leaving pets unattended; data from housekeeping platforms showed orders for in-home pet feeding rose more than 300 percent week on week.
The report noted that China's urban pet (dog and cat) consumption market reached 312.6 billion yuan in 2025, with the "pet economy" spawning new professions and becoming a distinctive form of consumption that supports domestic demand.
Myanmar International TV reported that the seven-day holiday sparked a boom in travel, cultural activities and domestic consumption, with daily reservations at major sites such as the Badaling Great Wall and Jiuzhaigou quickly reaching capacity.
Reuters quoted industry professionals as saying Chinese tourists planned longer trips and were willing to travel to more distant destinations. New York-based digital media JingDaily said Chinese holiday travel is shifting from "been there, seen that" toward experience, longer stays and quality.
Singapore's The Straits Times reported on a caterpillar-catching contest at a Beijing wildlife park, quoting a visitor who said the activity was meaningful, sparked children's interest and offered a chance to win prizes.
The Manila Times noted that slow-paced, immersive county-level tourism has become an important trend in China, with destinations using local resources to create new experiences from light shows to interactive performances. Euronews reported on a 5,000-drone light show in Nanchang, Jiangxi, which drew crowds of visitors.
The Star noted that as Chinese travel abroad, more foreign tourists are visiting China. Interest in China keeps rising globally -- from natural scenery and cultural heritage to lifestyles and increasingly noted Chinese brands and local design. Official data show overseas visitors spent 263.6 billion yuan in China in the first seven months of 2026, up 27.8 percent year on year, with daily inbound and outbound trips during the holiday forecast at 2.15 million.
