As the record-breaking Spring Festival of 2026 concludes, China’s tourism market is transitioning into a high-value “golden window” for off-peak travel. To maintain momentum and attract visitors during the traditional shoulder season, a growing list of major scenic areas across the country has announced that they will scrap entrance fees throughout the month of March.
For expatriates and travelers looking to explore the country’s natural and cultural heritage without the holiday crowds, this period offers a unique combination of lower costs and improved accessibility.
Major Destinations Offering Free Admission
Several world-class destinations have led the way in this March initiative:
- Mount Lushan (Jiangxi): From March 1 to March 31, 2026, the entire Lushan Scenic Area will be free for all domestic and international tourists. This includes iconic sub-sites such as the White Deer Grotto Academy and the Three-Step Spring.
- Quzhou (Zhejiang): Thirteen core heritage sites, including the Jianglang Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Longyou Caves, have opened their gates to global visitors free of charge through the end of March.
- Ma’anshan (Anhui): Five major cultural and scenic areas, including the famous Caishiji and the Li Bai Cultural Park, are offering free entry. Additionally, free shuttle buses have been organized to link these sites for a seamless visitor experience.
Incentives for Essential Workers and the “Year of the Horse”
In a move that emphasizes social gratitude, several regions are offering specialized exemptions. In Shandong Province, over a dozen scenic areas—including the Yimeng Mountains—are providing free entry through March 4 for frontline workers who stayed on duty during the holiday. This includes medical staff, police, delivery personnel, and public transport drivers.
Furthermore, in celebration of the Year of the Horse, Jiangxi Province has launched a year-long promotion where any global visitor born in the Year of the Horse (Shengxiao) can enter state-owned 4A-grade and higher scenic spots for free during their birth month.
The Economic Shift: Beyond the Ticket Price
Industry experts suggest that this trend marks a strategic shift in China’s tourism philosophy. By removing the “entry barrier,” cities are transforming scenic spots into “traffic engines” that drive spending in the broader local economy, such as hotels, catering, and retail.
The financial incentive for travelers is significant. Data from travel platforms show that domestic airfares have dropped by nearly 50% compared to the holiday peak, with some popular routes seeing decreases of up to 90%. Hotel prices in popular hubs like Sanya and Shantou have also stabilized, dropping by 30% to 45% from their February highs.
Navigating the Off-Peak Season
While March is traditionally considered a quiet month, the popularity of “experience-driven” travel means that certain locations remain busy. Areas that have gone viral on social media for their unique cultural programs—such as Kaifeng’s Wansui Mountain—continue to see steady foot traffic. Travelers are advised to check the official WeChat mini-programs or websites of specific parks for reservation requirements, as many “free” tickets still require an advance digital booking to manage daily capacity.
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