As national college entrance exams conclude this weekend, China’s annual graduation travel boom is gaining momentum. Industry data reveals booking inquiries began surging in late May, with the first major wave of departures expected after June 10. What was once a simple celebratory trip has transformed into a cultural rite of passage, with high school and university graduates flooding social media to debate destinations ranging from Shanghai Disneyland to niche museums in Fujian province.
The travel preferences of Gen Z graduates reveal generational shifts. According to the 2025 Urban Youth Travel Report by Shanghai Youth Research Center and Tongcheng Travel, 60% of travelers aged 18-24 opt for high-speed rail, with 57% choosing routes under two hours. Theme parks dominate interest (42%), followed by concert venues (23%) and cultural sites (18%). “We’re seeing students meticulously plan trips around concert dates or niche cultural experiences,” notes Guangzhou parent Mr. Ding, whose son is coordinating his own post-exam itinerary with classmates.
This planning process itself becomes part of the coming-of-age narrative. Shenzhen university student Wu Jiaqi recounts her 2024 graduation trip mishaps: “When I waited until the last minute to book Nanjing Museum tickets, I learned the hard way about preparation.” Others like Peng Li embraced spontaneity during her solo concert pilgrimage to Nanjing, discovering that “sometimes the best memories come from abandoned itineraries.” Both emphasize the value of carrying exam admission tickets for numerous student discounts at attractions nationwide.
The industry is adapting to these changing behaviors. “Platforms like Xiaohongshu have become trip-planning hubs where students find ‘travel buddies’ for everything from music festivals to city walks,” observes Wu Dan of Guangdong Tourism Association. She notes university students increasingly venture to emerging destinations like Quanzhou or Kaili, while high schoolers prefer established coastal cities. Music festival host cities report 300% spikes in nearby hotel bookings during graduation season as youths design entire trips around event schedules.
Beneath the enthusiasm lies thoughtful consumption. While 40% opt for photogenic homestays and 30% choose budget hotels, experiences trump material purchases – graduates spend 58% more on cultural activities than souvenirs compared to older travelers. “They’re not just visiting places but collecting transformative moments,” Wu Dan remarks, advising families to balance safety with autonomy as graduates embark on these symbolic journeys into adulthood.
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