The trend of slow travel is gaining momentum, especially among retirees and older travelers, who are increasingly opting for more relaxed, immersive experiences instead of the traditional fast-paced sightseeing. This shift is reshaping the landscape of tourism, with more people turning to scenic routes, extended vacations, and slow travel packages. Instead of rushing through iconic landmarks in a whirlwind tour, travelers are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with the destinations they visit.

During China’s recent eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the tourism industry experienced a surge, with 888 million domestic tourist trips recorded, a sharp increase from the previous year. The total spending for the holiday reached a substantial amount, signaling a robust recovery in the tourism sector and a notable shift towards flexible, off-peak travel options. As the travel frenzy of the holiday subsided, travel agencies and airlines quickly capitalized on the post-holiday period by offering affordable travel deals, encouraging travelers to embrace the beauty of slow travel.

As more travelers seek to escape the bustling crowds and high prices of peak seasons, off-peak travel has become a compelling option. Post-holiday trips have seen an uptick in popularity, as travelers enjoy lower prices, thinner crowds, and milder weather. Travelers aged 55 to 70 are leading the charge, seeking autumn foliage trains, leisurely cruises, and slow travel packages that emphasize a deeper connection with their surroundings. This growing preference for relaxed exploration reflects a significant change in how people approach vacations.

The 2025 Golden Week in China saw not only a boom in domestic tourism but also a surge in off-peak travel demand. With major cities receiving a significant influx of visitors, it’s clear that tourism is thriving across the country. However, as the holiday rush ended, travel deals took center stage. Airlines and travel agencies offered enticing promotions, making post-holiday travel more affordable and appealing to a broader audience, particularly those seeking a slower, more immersive experience.

Another noticeable shift in the travel landscape is the rise of smaller, niche group tours. Travelers are opting for personalized, intimate experiences that cater to their specific interests. Group sizes are shrinking, as travelers increasingly seek richer itineraries and more authentic experiences. This shift challenges the traditional model of mass tourism, with travelers embracing a more mindful approach to travel.

One sector benefiting significantly from the rise of slow travel is rail tourism. China’s rail travel saw record numbers during the Golden Week holiday, with travelers opting for scenic train routes that allow them to take in the landscapes at a leisurely pace. The growing popularity of autumn foliage trains and slower travel packages reflects the desire to experience destinations in a more relaxed and enriching manner. Similar trends are evident in other regions, where leisure cruises and eco-friendly travel options are becoming more popular.

As the demand for slower, more thoughtful travel continues to grow, the future of tourism may see a shift toward more sustainable and immersive travel experiences. Slow travel not only offers a chance for deeper connections with destinations but also provides an opportunity for more sustainable tourism that prioritizes the local environment and community. The rise of off-peak travel and personalized tours signals a shift in how people approach their vacations, with slow travel becoming a way to enrich experiences while minimizing negative impacts on popular destinations.

The 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday highlighted the growing trend toward slow travel as more people seek a slower, more immersive experience in their vacations. Whether it’s enjoying a scenic train journey, exploring local cultures, or opting for smaller group tours, the demand for relaxed, enriching travel is reshaping the tourism industry. This shift offers a promising outlook for the future of travel, where meaningful experiences and thoughtful exploration take precedence over rushed sightseeing.

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