As the "China Travel" phenomenon continues to sweep across global social media, Chengdu has solidified its status as a premier destination for international travelers.

According to the Insight Report on Chengdu’s Inbound Tourism and International Communication, released by Trip.com Group on May 7, Chengdu ranked fifth nationally and first in Central and Western China for inbound tourism fervor during the recent May Day holiday.

The report highlights a significant trend: Chengdu has officially entered the "first tier" of Chinese cities desired by global youth, maintaining a robust growth trajectory that began in early 2025.

A Magnet for the "Z Generation"

The demographic data reveals a striking "two-way attraction" between Chengdu and the global youth. Travelers aged 15 to 44 now account for 65% of Chengdu’s total inbound visitors.

Z Generation (Aged 18–24): This group saw a staggering 63% year-on-year increase, marking them as the fastest-growing segment.

Millennials (Aged 25–34): This demographic grew by 57.7%, driven by a preference for diverse lifestyles and modern urban amenities.

"Younger travelers are no longer satisfied with mere sightseeing," noted Peter Karl Kresl, Professor of Economics at Bucknell University. "They seek 'City Walks,' culinary exploration, and authentic cultural immersion. Chengdu's unique blend of 'vibe' (web-readiness) and 'street-level vitality' (Yanhuoqi) makes it a standout sample of the China Travel experience."

The Power of Cultural Symbols and "Mega-Events"

The report identifies three primary drivers behind Chengdu's surging popularity: Cultural Soft Power, Diverse Consumption Scenes, and Enhanced Accessibility.

1. The "Giant Panda" Effect and Oriental Aesthetics

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding remains the undisputed top attraction, accounting for 64.9% of all inbound visits. Beyond the pandas, international youth are increasingly drawn to "Oriental Aesthetics." Historical landmarks like Dujiangyan and Du Fu Thatched Cottage, alongside intangible cultural heritage performances such as Sichuan Opera (Face-Changing), have seen a surge in interest.

2. The "Night Economy" and High-Quality Stays

Chengdu’s nightlife is a major draw. Traditional districts like Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley dominate the night-time rankings, with average traveler ratings exceeding 4.6 out of 5. The Chunxi Road—Taikoo Li business district is the preferred hub for accommodation, with over 65% of tourists from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia opting for high-star hotels.

3. The Catalyst of Sports and Events

The "Event Economy" has provided a significant boost. The 2025 World Games and other international competitions drove inbound arrivals to 69,000, a 72.5% increase. This trend of "traveling for the sake of a tournament" has bolstered Chengdu’s reputation as a "World Destination City for Sports."

Global Connectivity and Seamless Experience

Chengdu’s rise is supported by its world-class infrastructure. By the end of 2025, the city operated 57 direct inbound flight routes with over 19,000 international flights annually.

The implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, combined with multilingual services and the optimization of mobile payment systems for foreigners, has created a "frictionless" travel experience. As a gateway to Western China, Chengdu also serves as a strategic hub linking travelers to Chongqing, Xi’an, and natural wonders like Jiuzhaigou.

Market Diversification and Future Outlook

In 2025, Chengdu’s inbound market showed explosive growth across various regions:

Southeast Asia: Thai visitors increased by 184%, while Indonesian and Malaysian arrivals grew by 112% and 83%, respectively.

Europe: The Spanish market led with a 133% increase in visitors and a 211% surge in spending, followed by strong growth from Italy.

The report also highlights a shift in gender demographics, with a rising percentage of young female travelers attracted to the city’s fashionable consumption scenes and its identity as a "Park City under the Snow Mountains."

"If the visa-free policy is a national invitation to the world, Chengdu is undoubtedly the most vibrant and atmospheric stop on the 'China Travel' map," the report concludes.