As temperatures drop across northern China, more people are heading south for warmer weather, with a growing number of younger travelers choosing off-peak destinations this winter. While elderly travelers have long sought warmer climates during the colder months, an increasing number of young people are taking advantage of flexible remote working options to explore southern China during the off-season.
According to data from Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency, bookings for long-term hotel stays of more than one month in southern China have doubled compared to last year. The trend is particularly noticeable among travelers aged 25 to 30, who are increasingly opting for extended stays. The number of bookings for stays longer than a month has surged 2.5 times compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
With airfares and hotel prices relatively cheaper this winter, many travelers are opting for destinations in southern regions such as Hainan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Fujian, where they can enjoy milder temperatures and scenic environments. Smaller towns and counties are becoming particularly popular due to their lower costs and quieter atmospheres.
One such traveler is Zhu Xiaoqing, a Beijing office worker who has taken advantage of her company’s two-month flexible remote work policy. Zhu has booked a serviced apartment in Lingshui, a coastal town in Hainan, for a month-long stay this winter. She’s part of a growing group of young professionals who can work from anywhere and are using this flexibility to enhance their quality of life by escaping harsh northern winters.
Cai Muzi, a researcher at Qunar, explained that many people in the 25-30 age group, who are financially stable and without childcare responsibilities, find it highly rewarding to work from warmer destinations. “Being able to work remotely in a tropical place significantly enhances their happiness,” Cai said.
Despite the surge in younger travelers, elderly people still make up the majority of off-peak tourists. After the National Day holiday, which saw a temporary rise in prices, senior travelers quickly booked trips once costs dropped. According to Trip.com Group, bookings made by travelers aged 50 and above nearly tripled in the week following the holiday.
As flexible work arrangements continue to grow in popularity, the trend of winter travel to southern China is expected to expand, with both young professionals and retirees seeking warmth and relaxation during the colder months.