Int'l visitors celebrate Spring Festival in China amid Internet trend

China

Int'l visitors celebrate Spring Festival in China amid Internet trend

2026-02-25 17:33 Last Updated At：02-26 01:07

Online trends and upgraded travel services have enticed a large number of international visitors to celebrate the Spring Festival in China this year, immersing themselves in the festivities that take place during the Chinese people's most important holiday.

Fueled by the international social media buzz surrounding the topic "Becoming Chinese," an increasing number of foreigners have chosen to visit the country in person. Online travel booking platforms reported that international tourists have booked domestic flight tickets to 107 cities across China.

This holiday season, destinations brimming with traditional customs and rich cultural experiences have attracted an increasing number of foreign visitors.

Activities like exploring ancient cities, savoring local delicacies, and viewing performances inspired by intangible cultural heritage provided these international guests with an immersive experience of Chinese traditions.

In Zhangjiajie City, central China's Hunan Province, many foreign tourists immersed themselves in a vibrant ethnic atmosphere.

"We come here and see [all of the] stuff for Chinese New Year. I think it's amazing. The contrast of the red, very interesting for us to see it and to be a part of it," said a tourist from Germany.

"This is our first time in China, and we are so impressed by such a beautiful performance. We are so happy to be here with you celebrating the Chinese New Year. This performance is magnificent, and thank you for hosting us," said a visitor from Argentina.

With the ongoing enhancement of the international flight network, the inbound tourism market is witnessing sustained growth. Unlike in previous years, foreign visitors are now delving deeper into the country. Many are starting their journeys in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou before venturing out to discover lesser-known gems.

U.S. stocks close lower amid rising yields

U.S. stocks ended lower on Tuesday as climbing U.S. Treasury yields continued to weigh on investor sentiment.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 322.24 points, or 0.65 percent, to 49,363.88. The The Standard and Poor's 500 sank 49.44 points, or 0.67 percent, to 7,353.61, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index shed 220.03 points, or 0.84 percent, to close at 25,870.71.

A primary source of downward pressure came from the fixed-income market. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note climbed back above 4.6 percent, while the 30-year Treasury yield nearly touched 5.2 percent, marking its highest level in nearly 19 years.

The high-yield environment acted as a drag on high-valuation growth sectors, which are particularly sensitive to elevated interest rates. Six of the 11 primary The Standard and Poor's 500 sectors closed in negative territory, with materials and communication services leading the declines by dropping 2.27 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively. In contrast, the healthcare sector gained 1.09 percent and the energy sector advanced 1.03 percent.

Market participants are also focusing on Wednesday's upcoming after-hours earnings release from Nvidia.