From niche locations to immersion: Four nations witness shift in Chinese outbound travel

Currently, over 1,000 locations in Budapest accept WeChat Pay, and direct flights have been launched from seven major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. 

This shift is evident in the evolution of travel forms. "We have noticed a slight trend: tourists are moving from large tour groups to smaller ones. They are starting to spend a bit more time locally, but I still hope they can stay longer," noted Lukas Pokorny, director of CzechTourism China & South East Asia. In terms of travel timing, Chinese tourists are shifting from "peak-season gatherings" to "off-peak in-depth travel". Kelemen noted that this choice, made not for discounted prices but to avoid crowds for better experiences, allows the four nations to showcase their scenery across all seasons. 

Destination preferences have also shifted, with niche hidden gems replacing popular spots. Paula Gumienna, director of the Polish Tourism Organisation Beijing office, shared, "I have been observing Poland's tourism trends on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), and I was amazed by the very niche places people visit. For example, the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow – many Chinese tourists participate in Miner's Day to explore the mine like real miners, which is a fantastic experience."