Hearts and Hard Seats: Traveling During the Chinese New Year

This morning, I was talking with enoVate senoir designer Kelvin Jin about his plan for the coming Chinese New Year. He and his wife will be going on a ten day trip to Yunan; visiting cities like Lijiang, Kunming, and Tengchong. This will be Kevin’s first time traveling during the Spring Festival. In the past, he would have stayed home to celebrate with his family. But things are changing. He mentioned that for most Chinese youth living in cities, Spring Festival is no longer the traditional affair he remembers form his childhood. It’s becoming another long break from work – an occasion to travel, or just relax.

According to this recent Ctrip article, youth are packing up their bags, and taking off for adventure. Plus, this year’s Valentine’s Day will coincide with the Spring Festival. Romantic trips away from home will be a popular option. For couples going abroad, Hong Kong, Phuket, Bali, and Singapore are amongst the most popular destinations. Favorites for those traveling within China are Sanya, Xiamen, Lijiang, Beijing, and Guilin. We all hope that means more cuddling, and less shouting on those crowded trains!