Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic cities, has firmly established itself as a leading destination for both domestic and international visitors, especially during the 2026 New Year holiday. The city saw an impressive surge in tourism, ranking among the top ten most popular destinations across the country. Travel platforms reported more than a 60% year-on-year increase in local tourism orders, highlighting the growing appeal of Chongqing as a must-visit location.
Ctrip’s New Year travel report revealed that domestic attraction bookings across China experienced a significant boost, increasing more than fourfold compared to the same period in the previous year. Meanwhile, inbound travel ticket purchases rose by an impressive 110%. Chongqing stood out in both categories, securing a place in the top-ten lists for both domestic and international travelers. The city’s most-visited spots included the Hongyadong Folk Scenic Area, Wulong Karst Tourism Area, Yangtze River Cableway, Chongqing Zoo, and the popular Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.
A key highlight of Chongqing’s holiday appeal was its spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations. The city’s enhanced festivities featured synchronized light displays, water-screen projections, floating parades, and mesmerizing drone formations. These events captured the attention of both local and international visitors, showcasing the city’s innovative approach to celebrating the New Year. This impressive lineup of holiday attractions helped draw a strong influx of visitors, both domestic and international, eager to experience the city’s festive spirit.
According to Qunar, Chongqing also ranked among the top ten cities for hotel bookings during the holiday season. Hotel reservations increased by 50% compared to the previous year, reflecting the city’s growing popularity among travelers. The surge in tourism and holiday spending had a significant impact on Chongqing’s economy. Consumption in the city during the three-day holiday period grew by 25.5% year-on-year, as reported by the municipal commerce authority. Service retail sales rose by 35%, commodity retail sales increased by 18.6%, and catering revenue climbed 33.2%, underscoring the positive economic effects of the holiday travel boom.
The holiday shopping scene played a vital role in this growth. Sales in the city’s 20 central commercial zones rose by 26.8%. Extended shopping hours, promotional campaigns, and new store openings, such as the southwestern debut of an official Pokémon Card Gym, created an exciting atmosphere and encouraged both locals and tourists to indulge in the seasonal offerings. The festive mood was further enhanced by the opening of new stores and attractions designed to draw in more visitors.
Chongqing’s local districts also worked to create unique experiences for tourists. Meixin Red Wine Town in Fuling District saw over 80,000 guests in the first two days of the holiday, thanks to its New Year culture and shopping festival. Other districts like Liangping, Beibei, and Nan’an introduced tailored events such as themed tours, cultural markets, and nighttime entertainment to attract even more visitors during the festive period.
The combination of Chongqing’s natural beauty, cultural offerings, and modern attractions has helped the city solidify its position as a versatile tourism destination. The New Year holiday marked a turning point for the city, as it attracted more international attention and demonstrated its growing role as a major player in the domestic and international travel markets. With a diverse array of experiences and the ability to cater to a wide range of visitors, Chongqing is poised for continued growth in 2026, making it an increasingly important destination in China’s tourism landscape.
As the city continues to offer exciting events, attractions, and cultural experiences, Chongqing is set to remain a popular and sought-after destination, attracting both domestic and international travelers throughout the year. The city’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the tourism market positions it as a prime example of how urban destinations can thrive in a competitive global tourism environment.
The post Chongqing Shines Bright in 2026 New Year Holiday, Ranking Among China’s Top Ten Most Popular Travel Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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