A new travel trend is emerging, drawing Southeast Asian tourists to the vibrant city of Chongqing, China, thanks to viral social media content showcasing its distinctive architecture and scenic landscapes. Footage of monorails traversing residential buildings, structures precariously perched on hilly terrain, and pedestrian bridges at lofty heights have captivated audiences, leading to a surge in interest. According to Fliggy, a prominent Chinese travel platform, flight bookings from Southeast Asia to Chongqing increased more than sixfold during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which fell on May 31, compared to 2022.
In 2025, demand for Chongqing is projected to soar nearly twelvefold, far eclipsing interest in other cities, as revealed by Sarah Wan, general manager of Klook for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. By contrast, demand for traditional favorites like Beijing and Shanghai only doubled, while Chengdu saw a tripling in bookings. Chongqing’s dual appeal lies in its natural wonders, such as the Three Gorges and Dazu Rock Carvings, alongside a captivating urban landscape that has earned it the moniker “cyberpunk city.”
As millennial and Gen Z travelers increasingly rely on social media for vacation planning-79% do so, according to Klook’s Travel Pulse research-cities like Chongqing are gaining popularity. Ong Chong Yu, a 24-year-old undergraduate from the National University of Singapore, visited Chongqing after it gained traction on TikTok for its “8D magic,” defined by the city’s unique hilly topography. Describing his experience, he noted, “It takes a climb up and down the mountain to get from one road to another; the first floor of one building might be the 15th floor of another.”
Enhanced amenities and diverse activities have also bolstered Chongqing’s appeal, offering something for everyone. Edmund Ong, senior regional director at Trip.com, pointed out that older tourists are drawn to the city’s natural beauty, while younger visitors flock to its social media-friendly sights. Despite the increase in visitors, Ong highlighted the city’s efficient crowd management, noting that it made navigating Chongqing an orderly experience.
This emphasis on tourism convenience has been a priority for local authorities. Gao Ling, director-general of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, emphasized the city’s investment in transport infrastructure to improve accessibility. New one-stop service centers at major transit hubs, including Jiangbei International Airport and Chongqing North Railway Station, are designed to assist visitors with services like luggage storage and information desks.
Young travelers from nearby Southeast Asian nations may find Chongqing particularly enticing due to the region’s proximity to China. Booking trends from Trip.com show that countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand-where visa-free travel to China is available-are leading the surge in bookings. Fliggy reported a more than fivefold increase in hotel bookings from Thai travelers, reflecting the region’s growing interest.
This excitement around Chongqing is part of a broader trend in mainland China where travel demand is skyrocketing. Klook’s research indicates that mainland China ranks as the top “must-go destination” for millennial and Gen Z travelers, following Japan. Cultural experiences, such as themed photoshoots and dynamic dining experiences, contribute to this trend, making China a competitive player in the hospitality sector.
For any traveler looking for an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and modern amenities, Chongqing and other mainland cities are rapidly becoming essential stops on the travel map. The combination of social media influence and improved tourism infrastructure positions Chongqing as a frontrunner in the new wave of travel destinations.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/27/more-southeast-asian-flock-to-chinas-chongqing-thanks-to-social-media.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-27 05:27:00
