According to a report by China National Radio's "Global Finance" program, with the gradual reopening of primary and secondary schools across the country, the 2026 summer vacation has come to a close. Reporters learned from major travel platforms that airfares on many popular domestic routes have now fallen to low levels. At the same time, hotel prices are declining, tourist attractions are experiencing fewer visitors, and with many parts of the country enjoying clear autumn weather and favorable travel conditions, the tourism market is entering a golden window for off-peak travel. So, how can tourists plan their trips to achieve the best value for money?

Ticket prices on popular routes have fallen sharply; the average price in the first week of September was 35% lower than during the summer season.

A search on major travel platforms revealed that airfares for many popular domestic routes have fallen to low levels. For example, a direct flight from Beijing to Kunming on September 2nd, including airport construction and fuel surcharges, has seen prices drop to as low as 800 yuan, a difference of over 1,000 yuan compared to the peak summer travel season.

With the 2026 summer travel season officially over, the domestic civil aviation market has entered the off-season in early September. Data from Qunar.com shows that the average price of domestic airfares in the first week of September was 35% lower than the summer peak, and even 50% lower than the price on the first day of the National Day holiday.

Lin Zhijie, a veteran in the civil aviation industry and a specially appointed expert of the China Air Transport Association, said that with the recent reopening of primary and secondary schools, the summer travel season for civil aviation has officially ended, and September has become the off-season. In particular, the increase in flight volume this year is quite significant. With more supply and a fixed demand, ticket prices will naturally decline. At the same time, airlines also face competition from short-haul routes and high-speed rail, so some routes offer more affordable prices.

Hotels and scenic spots simultaneously entered a period of low activity, but the overall visitor experience has been greatly improved.

With some time still to go before the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the tourism industry is entering a period of price slump. As airfares fall, hotel accommodations are also offering better value. Reporters contacted several hotels in traditionally popular summer tourist destinations such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Xinjiang, and Sichuan, and learned that room rates in early September are lower than during the peak summer season, with some hotels offering discounts as low as 50%. Some weekend stays also include complimentary afternoon tea, shuttle service to scenic spots, and other value-added services.

Staff at several scenic spots told reporters that visitor numbers have dropped significantly compared to the summer peak season, and queue times at some popular attractions have been shortened from one or two hours during the summer to just over ten minutes.

The first half of September is a golden period for off-peak travel, allowing travelers to combine extended holidays with discounted experiences.

With most parts of the country currently enjoying clear skies and comfortable weather, the annual peak travel season has arrived. Cheng Chaogong, chief researcher at Tongcheng Research Institute, stated that for tourists who value cost-effectiveness and a pleasant travel experience, the first and second weeks of September are ideal travel times, allowing them to avoid the high costs and long queues often encountered during peak season.

Cheng Chaogong believes that off-peak travel offers a better experience and better prices, with significant discounts on airfares and hotels. Tourists can combine holidays to avoid peak times, such as departing earlier or returning later, thus satisfying both their desire for vacation and access to discounted rates.

Experts offer practical ticket-buying guidelines to minimize travel costs.

So, what practical methods can ordinary tourists use to minimize transportation costs when traveling during off-peak seasons? Lin Zhijie suggests: "The most important thing is to choose the right time. Generally speaking, November, December, and April are the off-season for air travel, and ticket prices are relatively cheaper. In addition, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully when purchasing tickets. Besides paying attention to the base price, also consider the total price including fuel surcharges, and whether there is free baggage check-in. The ultimate goal is to achieve the best overall price so that you can have a pleasant and enjoyable trip." (Source: CNR.cn)