China’s Spring Festival travel rush (chunyun) set a new record in 2025, with 9.02 billion inter-regional trips, marking a 7.1% increase from last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS).

As the world’s largest seasonal human migration, this 40-day travel period saw 510 million railway trips, a 6.1% rise from 2024, reported a news.

With the return to normal railway operations post-festival, China’s senior-friendly tourism market—dubbed ‘silver tourism’—is gaining momentum, supported by government initiatives to expand aging-friendly travel services.

Senior Tour Trains Expand Nationwide

With 310 million Chinese citizens aged 60 and above, according to NBS, demand for senior-specific travel services is on the rise. Beijing-based Tushun International Travel Agency announced plans to launch senior-friendly tour trains in March 2025, with routes heading to Guangdong and East China.

  • March 15 & March 18 trains: Each carrying 400 senior passengers, featuring four-person sleeper compartments, onboard medical staff, and guided tour services.
  • Shanghai & Hangzhou: Launched senior-friendly trains in February, featuring accessible modifications, medical personnel, luggage assistance, and in-room dining.

Last year, travel agencies operated over 100 senior tour trains, and expansion is expected in 2025 due to rising demand.

Government Action Plan for ‘Silver Tourism’

Recognizing the economic potential of elderly travel, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other departments introduced a 12-point action plan on January 16, 2025, to promote senior-friendly tourism infrastructure.

Key targets by 2027 include:

  • Expanding senior-friendly train routes and services nationwide.
  • Enhancing aging-friendly facilities in tourism hubs.
  • Creating affordable and comfortable travel experiences for elderly tourists.

According to Zhou Rong, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University, China’s elderly population will drive increased tourism spending, leading to economic and social benefits.

China’s ‘Silver Economy’ to Hit 30 Trillion Yuan by 2035

China’s aging population is fueling a booming silver economy, valued at 7 trillion yuan ($965.3 billion) in 2024, accounting for 6% of GDP, according to China Media Group. By 2035, it is projected to reach 30 trillion yuan (10% of GDP).

A New Era for Senior Travel in China

With improved senior health services and growing life expectancy, China’s elderly population is embracing travel as a lifestyle, shifting silver tourism from a niche market to a mainstream industry. As more senior-friendly tour trains, services, and facilities emerge, China is set to become a global leader in elderly tourism development.

The post China sees a record 9.02 billion trips during Spring Festival as ‘Silver Tourism’ booms appeared first on Travel And Tour World.