Millions take to China’s railways, roads, air in 1st big autumn holiday since end of zero-COVID

By ZEN SOO
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Many millions of Chinese tourists are expected to travel within their country, splurging on hotels, tours, attractions and meals in a boost to the economy during the 8-day autumn holiday period that began Friday. This year’s holiday began with the Mid-Autumn Festival on Friday and also includes the Oct. 1 National Day. The public holidays end on Oct. 6. Typically hundreds of millions of Chinese travel at home and overseas during such holidays and this is the first one since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted in December. Outbound tourism has lagged domestic travel, as flight capacities have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.