Recently, many provinces and cities across China have entered an early "deep freeze" mode. The sudden drop in temperatures has prompted a large number of "snowbirds" to begin their seasonal migration ahead of schedule. Data from TONGCHENGTRAVEL shows that bookings for southern winter retreats typically pick up in mid-November, but this year, searches and reservations for "snowbird" routes surged significantly from mid-to-late October. Between October 18 and November 10, flight bookings to warm destinations like Hainan, Yunnan, and Guangxi doubled compared to the same period last year.

Tired of traditional winter retreats, snowbirds are now seeking fresh and exciting experiences. On TONGCHENGTRAVEL’s platform, popular southern destinations this year include not only Sanya, Haikou, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Beihai, and Xiamen but also lesser-known cities such as Jianshui and Yuanjiang in Yunnan, as well as Bama and Chongzuo in Guangxi, which have seen rising search interest.

Interestingly, amid the trend of premium consumption, snowbirds are even venturing to the Southern Hemisphere. With Australia and New Zealand in their warm spring-summer season, outbound travel products to these destinations have gained rapid traction on TONGCHENGTRAVEL’s platform, with luxury travel emerging as a highlight.

**“New Snowbirds” Join the Migration Wave** Northeast China remains the dominant source of snowbird travelers, with flights from cities like Harbin, Shenyang, and Changchun to Hainan landing one after another. TONGCHENGTRAVEL data reveals that over the past three weeks, routes such as Harbin-Sanya, Shenyang-Sanya, and Changchun-Haikou topped the booking charts. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region followed closely, with Beijing-Sanya and Beijing-Haikou also seeing high demand.

While retirees from the 1950s and 1960s flock to warmer southern regions, a new wave of "new silver" travelers—those born in the 1970s who have crossed the 55-year-old threshold—are quietly joining the migration. On TONGCHENGTRAVEL’s platform, flight, hotel, and attraction bookings from this demographic (aged 50–60) show significant year-on-year growth. More tech-savvy and adventurous, they are eager to explore new destinations and experiences.

**Younger Snowbirds Prioritize Value** "I bet you’d never guess—the proposal I handed to my boss yesterday was written under blue skies in Wanning, wearing a T-shirt and sipping coconut water," joked Chengcheng (pseudonym) in a casual chat with colleagues. Tired of remote work at home, Chengcheng decided to relocate her office to a beachside spot in Wanning, blending work and vacation seamlessly.

Many young professionals like Chengcheng are becoming "new snowbirds." TONGCHENGTRAVEL data shows that younger travelers prioritize cost-effective transportation, with early-morning or late-night flights accounting for 25% more bookings compared to older travelers. They allocate more budget to accommodation, favoring newer, tech-savvy hotels or homestays.

**Premium Long-Stay Accommodations in Demand** Snowbirds typically stay in southern destinations for weeks or even months, making quality lodging a priority. Overall, accommodations are trending toward higher standards and star ratings.

Older travelers, often supported by pensions or their children’s financial stability, prefer upscale hotels or serviced apartments for their senior-friendly amenities and attentive service. TONGCHENGTRAVEL data indicates that long-stay hotel bookings (November–February) from this group exceed other demographics, with spending averaging 30% higher than younger travelers.

Meanwhile, younger snowbirds opt for cozy, aesthetically pleasing homestays where they can relax with pets or enjoy scenic views. Bookings from travelers aged 25–30 for homestays in Yunnan and Hainan have risen sharply, with average stays extending beyond a month. Spending on accommodations in this group has also increased compared to previous years.

**Boost for Southern Attractions** A key aspect of snowbird migration is tourism, driving foot traffic to local attractions. TONGCHENGTRAVEL’s subsidiary, the 5A-rated Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone in Hainan, enters its peak exploration season in November. This winter, Yanoda has curated special activities for snowbirds, including rainforest trekking, wildlife tours, and adventure-themed playgrounds.

For student snowbirds, Yanoda offers educational programs like rainforest therapy workshops and traditional medicine experiences. Older travelers can enjoy cultural activities such as ethnic photo shoots, handicraft workshops, and wellness dining experiences.