Beijing: As China gears up for an eight-day holiday in early October, the tourism market anticipates a significant uptick in activity. A new proposal to introduce spring and autumn vacations for primary and middle school students is gaining attention and could reshape family travel plans.
According to Namibia Press Agency, a recent national policy document on expanding service consumption advocates for "optimizing student vacation arrangements" to stimulate growth. The proposal encourages local governments to add short breaks in spring and autumn, without reducing annual teaching hours, thereby creating more opportunities for tourism and leisure spending.
The policy document follows a March action plan aimed at boosting consumption by allowing localities to pilot spring or autumn breaks for students. Several regions have already experimented with this concept by adding two- or three-day breaks that coincide with public holidays to create longer periods for family trips, leisure, and educational activities.
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, has implemented spring and autumn vacations since 2004. In central China's Hubei Province, the city of Enshi introduced spring breaks for compulsory education students in 2014 and later expanded to include autumn breaks for all schools in the prefecture. Similarly, Foshan in Guangdong Province announced that its students would enjoy a three-day autumn holiday in November 2025 and a two-day spring break linked to the May Day holiday in 2026.
Social science researcher Peng Peng from Guangdong suggests that if parents align their paid leave with these breaks, it could boost service consumption. Currently, most family travel in China is concentrated during summer and winter, placing a strain on transportation, hotels, and tourist sites. Aviation data provider Flight Manager reported record air passenger traffic of 150 million in July and August, while travel agency UTour noted that family trips accounted for over 60 percent of summer bookings.
Liu Deyan, an associate professor at Shanghai Normal University's College of Tourism, believes additional breaks could balance the market, as peak seasons are often overcrowded and off-seasons too quiet. Traveling during summer or winter results in higher costs and congested destinations, he noted.
Parental opinions vary on the initiative. Li Tingting from Tianjin looks forward to more flexible family travel options, while a mother from Zhoushan expressed concerns about potential childcare challenges for dual-income families. Education experts also acknowledge challenges, citing tight academic schedules and the coordination required from schools and parents.
The September policy document urges schools to adapt the breaks based on local conditions, considering factors like climate, economic development, and paid leave policies. Some trial cities have devised solutions, such as Hangzhou schools offering childcare services during spring break and Lichuan schools aligning the break with the Qingming Festival, organizing cultural and volunteer activities to engage students.
Supporters emphasize benefits beyond tourism. Peng believes the breaks make the school holiday schedule more balanced, easing academic pressure and promoting students' well-being. In Lichuan, students returned from spring break with artwork and cultural projects inspired by their experiences.
Long Liangfu, a professor at the Zhongshan Institute of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, stated, "We need better holiday arrangements to help children experience seasonal culture and nature. It is also an important part of their education."