Trending spots to celebrate the New Year holiday

Embracing the New Year with a sense of ceremony has become a top priority for young Chinese travelers during the upcoming three-day holiday from Jan 1 to 3. According to the Chinese tourism website Mafengwo, searches for spots to celebrate New Year's Eve have surged. Local trips to neighboring regions remain the top choice, especially short-distance journeys for under three days.

Theme parks, celebrated for their colorful atmosphere and vibrant activities, remain favorites among young visitors for the New Year holiday.

The world's first Zootopia-themed land opened at Shanghai Disney Resort, becoming a major draw. The park's boost in popularity is the result of Zootopia 2's recent success, which was one of China's highest-grossing films of 2025.

On Mafengwo, the top 10 most popular domestic destinations for the New Year are Shanghai Disney Resort; Weizhou Island, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region; Nan'ao Island, Guangdong province; Laojun Mountain, Henan province; Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong; the Harbin Ice and Snow World, Heilongjiang province; Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan province; Universal Beijing Resort; Shamian Island in Guangzhou, Guangdong; and Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Guangdong. Some theme parks are ready to welcome 2026 with themed fireworks shows and concerts.

A growing number of visa-exempt countries has expanded options for overseas New Year trips, such as Malaysia and Singapore.

To escape the chilly winter, young travelers are also heading to warm islands to embrace the breathtaking scenery.