Educational Tours and Leisure Vacations Gain Popularity Among Chinese Families This Summer

With the summer holiday season in full swing, many families in China are dialling up both educational tours and fun getaways. The two-month school break has sent demand for both types of travel experiences soaring. Parents want to make the most of the time by mixing learning with good old-fashioned fun. Travel industry numbers show that reservations for educational trips are climbing fast. At the same time, leisure vacations and theme parks are pulling in big audiences.

Surge in Educational Tour Bookings

Travel platforms have reported a substantial uptick in educational tour bookings in early July, with data from Ly.com showing a year-on-year increase. The focus of these tours is mainly on offering children an immersive learning experience, with opportunities to explore cultural, historical, and scientific sites. These tours typically cater to students in primary and middle schools, aiming to inspire them through hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Parents have become increasingly keen on providing their children with experiences that go beyond conventional classroom education. Many educational tours are now centred around Chinese traditional culture, nature exploration, and visits to impressive megastructures, such as bridges and dams. The aim is to broaden children’s horizons and provide them with a deeper understanding of the world, without the pressure of formal classroom learning.

The Appeal of Leisure Travel and Amusement Parks

In addition to the educational tours, leisure travel has also become a dominant choice for families looking to unwind and enjoy the summer break. According to Tuniu, a leading online travel agency, destinations like Haikou in Hainan province, Xiamen in Fujian province, and Qingdao and Weihai in Shandong province have seen remarkable increases in tourism numbers. Haikou, for example, experienced a 127 per cent surge in tourist arrivals in July compared to the previous year.

Leisure vacation options also extend to amusement parks and resorts. Travel portals such as Qunar have highlighted a significant rise in bookings for hotels with water parks on-site or nearby. The demand for these types of accommodations has increased by 30 per cent since the beginning of the summer holiday season. This shift indicates that families are increasingly looking for destinations where both parents and children can relax and have fun together while minimising the stress often associated with travel.

Balancing Education and Fun: A Parent’s Dilemma

For many parents, the choice between sending their children on an educational tour or a purely leisure trip can be difficult. Some parents, like a Beijing resident, express their initial preference for educational tours, hoping to make the most of the two-month summer break. They view the summer months as an ideal time for their children to absorb new knowledge, whether it be visiting top universities or exploring historical landmarks.

However, as one mother explained, this mindset has shifted. She shared that her daughter expressed a desire to take a break from studies during the holiday, and the thought of gaining new knowledge during a vacation made her stressed. Realising that summer should be a time for fun and relaxation, many parents have begun to embrace the idea that leisure trips, too, play a vital role in their children’s overall well-being.

Changes in Travel Preferences for Families

This shift in parental attitudes is a reflection of the increasingly diverse preferences families have when it comes to vacationing. While educational tours remain popular, they are no longer the only option. Parents have started prioritising the travel experience itself, placing emphasis on relaxation, comfort, and convenience. This includes avoiding late-night or red-eye flights and opting for travel itineraries that allow families to travel at a more relaxed pace.

Tourism experts have observed that this diversification in travel preferences is being driven by a combination of factors, including evolving family dynamics and the changing needs of children. For some, educational tours to overseas destinations have seen a decline this summer, particularly to countries in Southeast Asia, due to safety concerns and visa-related challenges. Similarly, family trips to the United States have also been limited due to ongoing visa restrictions.

Growing Interest in International Leisure Travel

While domestic travel remains a primary focus, international trips for leisure have continued to attract interest. A notable example is a family from Chengdu, Sichuan province, who recently enjoyed a family vacation in Greece after having taken an educational tour to Hong Kong the previous summer. The experience provided both educational enrichment and an opportunity for family bonding, strengthening their relationships and improving language skills.

This international interest showcases the growing desire among Chinese families to expose their children to a wider range of cultures and environments. It also demonstrates how leisure travel is no longer confined to relaxation but can also serve as an opportunity for personal growth and family connection.

The Future of Educational and Leisure Tours

Rising interest in educational trips and leisure getaways in China signals a shift toward travel choices that feel more balanced and intentional for families. Agencies are constantly adjusting tours, workshops and itineraries to reflect these changing priorities, so it’s reasonable to expect both segments to keep expanding. Knowledge-focused trips will keep attracting parents who want their kids to gain new skills and insights, while leisure escapes to parks, lakes and resorts will remain essential for pure fun and restorative family time.

China’s family travellers appear to be settling on a more fluid blend of activity and downtime. They now expect their summers to equally feature hands-on museum camps and lazy afternoons on beaches. A growing selection of packages designed around this dual focus—where cultural museums are linked with child-friendly hotels—is already in circulation. There’s every reason to think this inclination toward combined itineraries will keep defining China’s holiday offerings for trips well into future summers.