
Parents and children playing in the waters to escape the heat in Ding'an County, Hainan Province, China, June 1, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
Travel has long been a popular way for families to spend quality time together, and this year's International Children's Day holiday on June 1 is no different, as it has sparked a boom in family travel in China.
Bookings for short family getaways between May 29 and June 1 jumped by more than 65% from the previous week, according to Tongcheng Travel's 2026 Children's Day Family Travel Report published on tripvivid.com
Family travel is also evolving, and new trends are emerging. According to the report, parents are increasingly seeking trips that combine entertainment with education. Activities such as traditional craft workshops, museum programs and other interactive learning experiences are gaining popularity.
From May 29 to June 1, bookings for museums, theme parks, and zoos rose by 82%, 71% and 69%, respectively.
Many families are also seeking nature-based experiences, from farming activities to catching fish in streams, giving children the chance to learn through hands-on exploration.
Family travel is no longer just about parents taking their young children on vacation. Now, young adults are choosing to travel with their parents.
In 2026, bookings made by adult children for trips with their parents increased 55% year on year. Popular destinations often have a nostalgic appeal, including childhood amusement parks and longtime favorite zoos, allowing families to relive shared memories together.
The trend was also evident during the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, when more than 30% of family-room bookings in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen were made by young adults for their parents, highlighting that travel is becoming a meaningful way for generations to connect.