In pics: China's 8-day super holiday sparks a travel boom

As red national flags flutter in the autumn breeze, this year's National Day coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. People are celebrating an eight-day holiday that has set off a nationwide travel boom.

On October 1, the opening day of the holiday, an estimated 336 million cross-regional trips were made, which is 1.7 percent higher than last year. The momentum carried on, with more than 300 million travelers recorded on both the second and third days, showing year-on-year increases of 6.4 percent and 5.9 percent. The sheer scale of movement has turned highways, railways and airports into arteries pulsing with festive energy.

Across the country, different places have launched cultural programs and leisure activities tailored to family gatherings and immersive cultural experiences to echo the festive spirit. Cultural landmarks have drawn crowds eager to celebrate traditions and revisit sites that once witnessed the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Beyond China's borders, the extended holiday has fueled a surge in outbound trips. Japan, the Maldives, Singapore, Thailand and European countries have topped Chinese travelers' wish lists as these destinations provide both leisure and cultural experiences.

Behind the holiday buzz lies strong policy support. On September 17, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched the "Hundred Cities, Hundred Districts" campaign and a three-year action plan to stimulate consumption. Measures include cultural vouchers, spending discounts, and new incentives for inbound tourism. Local governments are set to issue more than 330 million yuan in subsidies from late September to late October, giving travelers an extra push to enjoy cultural and leisure activities.

From bustling landmarks at home to overseas getaways, this year, the eight-day "Golden Week Plus" holiday has demonstrated the vibrant cultural and tourism market in China, pushing China's holiday economy into full bloom.