Bongrae Palseon Sea International Tourism Resort, ranked 2nd among Yantai recommended attractions by Trip.com. Trip.com
As demand increases for "night goblin travel destinations"?places that can be visited on a short schedule over the weekend?China is emerging as a major destination for office workers. Beyond established cities like Shanghai, new attention is being paid to cities such as Qingdao and Yantai on the Shandong Peninsula, which are close by and offer distinctive character and good value for money.
On June 25, travel platform Trip.com announced that, based on an analysis of round-trip flight bookings departing after 6 p.m. on Fridays and returning on Sundays from January to May this year, the number of bookings grew more than twofold (150%) compared to the same period last year. Trip.com explained that more than 80% of these bookings were made by groups of one or two people, indicating that demand from individual travelers or pairs far exceeded that from families.
By country, China ranked first in booking share, followed by Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The entry barriers for travel to China have been lowered, leading to a significant increase in interest in new regions rather than the traditionally popular cities. In fact, in terms of city bookings, Qingdao?previously not widely known?accounted for more than 30% of the total, taking the number one spot, while Yantai ranked fourth with 8.5%. Shanghai came in second, and Fukuoka ranked third.
The popularity of these cities is attributed to their geographic advantage?they are about a 1 hour and 30 minute flight from Korea?and their diverse tourism offerings. According to Trip.com's ranking of recommended attractions in Qingdao, the number one spot goes to the Qingdao Beer Museum, where visitors can experience the local brewery and sample fresh beer. This is followed by Laoshan, one of China’s five great mountains and a sacred site in Taoism; Qingdao Polar Ocean World, a large-scale marine exhibition complex with a polar theme; and Qingdao Underwater World, an aquarium located in the city center.
Yantai is also gaining attention as a travel destination that combines history and nature. The top recommended spot in Yantai is Penglaige, a symbol of Chinese Taoist culture and one of China’s four great towers. Other popular sites include Bongrae Palseon Sea International Tourism Resort, which features stories of the Eight Immortals and beautiful beaches; Changdao, known for its cruises and island tours; Yangma Island, famous for its beaches and natural scenery; and the Changyu Wine Culture Museum, the birthplace of China’s wine industry where visitors can explore its history and enjoy tastings.
Hong Jongmin, head of Trip.com Korea, stated, "China’s independent travel market is expected to continue growing due to a combination of factors, including the visa-free policy, improved convenience through technology, expanded flight options thanks to geographic proximity, and changes in consumer demand." He added, "Accordingly, we plan to diversify our product portfolio and continuously expand customized services tailored to the tastes and purposes of various travelers."
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