Mafengwo Data Research Center releases summer travel forecast

    After May Day, having just experienced the spring travel boom, as the summer vacation draws near, the country is gradually entering the peak season for summer travel. The largest domestic travel website, Mafengwo, based on the latest changes in travel guide downloads, predicts that western regions such as Lhasa, Guide, and Tongren will gradually welcome a travel peak due to factors such as climate and natural scenery. At the same time, Mafengwo also predicts that cycling and hiking will be the two most popular types of travel this summer.

    Mafengwo compiled monitoring data on guide download volumes for various destinations in the week following the May Day holiday. The data shows that "far-flung" destinations such as Tibet and Qinghai’s Guide and Tongren have become more active, with the highest increases in guide downloads. Regarding this, travel guide experts at Mafengwo believe that the best travel period for these places is from June to October each year. Taking Tibet as an example, apart from Linzhi, which has warmer weather and flower-viewing routes in spring, other areas are relatively cold. Entering June, the plateau temperatures begin to rise, making it a good time to travel. Moreover, compared to the Shoton Festival in Lhasa in August and National Day in October, travel costs in June are significantly lower, so more and more people are choosing to visit Tibet during this period.

    In contrast to the popularity of the plateau, destinations that were highly attention-grabbing in spring—such as Wuyuan, Yuanyang, Xitang, Shaoxing, and Zhouzhuang—have completely dropped out of the spotlight due to the hot weather and the end of flowering seasons, ranking at the top of the decline list. This indicates that travel decisions are significantly influenced by seasonal factors. However, there are also destinations that maintain consistent attention throughout the year. For example, Taiwan and Phuket continue to show strong guide download volumes, ranking high both before and after May Day. Travel guide experts at Mafengwo stated that Taiwan and Phuket have always been year-round favorites in the tourism industry. The opening of independent travel to Taiwan has made it more convenient for mainland residents to visit the island. Coupled with its beautiful natural scenery, rich historical culture, and pleasant temperatures year-round, it has become the top domestic travel destination without question. As for Phuket, and Thailand as a whole, it has consistently held the top spot in outbound travel. First, it boasts a wealth of diverse tourism resources—whether it’s the enchanting tropical landscapes, the splendid charm of a Buddhist nation, or the islands and ancient towns where one can simply relax and daydream, Thailand has something to attract people from all over the world. Second, obtaining a visa to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries is relatively easy, taking the first step toward travel. Third, the influence of movies like “Lost in Thailand” has also played a role, drawing some people who may not have previously considered Thailand to explore this more authentic destination.