Lunar New Year Boom Skips Japan for Other Spots

The Lunar New Year sparks a massive outbound tourism surge from China, with travelers flocking to Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, and Australia instead of Japan. An extended nine-day holiday drives record numbers, surpassing 225 million international trips projected for 2026 as pent-up demand explodes post-pandemic. Southeast Asia dominates with beach escapes in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, while Russia gains from visa ease and direct flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.