- 14 Mar 2002
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Chinese media have reported that Japan ranked as the most popular overseas travel destination during China's eight-day National Day holiday, which started on 1 October, despite ongoing diplomatic strains between the two countries, with visitors citing Japan's sense of safety, cultural appeal, and photogenic experiences that lend themselves well to social media sharing.
In the days leading up to the holiday, Chinese visitors in Tokyo shared their reasons for choosing Japan. A 36-year-old systems engineer from Beijing, walking through the Tsukiji Outer Market, explained that he had been attracted by Japan's reputation for politeness and order. He mentioned that he had heard Japanese society placed importance on manners and etiquette and that he wanted to experience it himself. He added that he felt it was safe to travel there with his family.
Earlier in the summer, anti-Japanese sentiment had surged in China amid commemorations of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Yet this does not appear to have discouraged holidaymakers. "I don't care about political issues," the same traveller remarked, adding that his own views of Japan remain unchanged. Many tourists are exploring the country without guides or knowledge of the Japanese language, instead relying on apps such as Xiaohongshu (known internationally as RedNote) and TikTok to find recommendations and advice.
In the days leading up to the holiday, Chinese visitors in Tokyo shared their reasons for choosing Japan. A 36-year-old systems engineer from Beijing, walking through the Tsukiji Outer Market, explained that he had been attracted by Japan's reputation for politeness and order. He mentioned that he had heard Japanese society placed importance on manners and etiquette and that he wanted to experience it himself. He added that he felt it was safe to travel there with his family.
Earlier in the summer, anti-Japanese sentiment had surged in China amid commemorations of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Yet this does not appear to have discouraged holidaymakers. "I don't care about political issues," the same traveller remarked, adding that his own views of Japan remain unchanged. Many tourists are exploring the country without guides or knowledge of the Japanese language, instead relying on apps such as Xiaohongshu (known internationally as RedNote) and TikTok to find recommendations and advice.
