Top 10 domestic destinations

Hurun co-published The Chinese Luxury Traveler White Paper report on Jun 4 with ILTM Asia, and the paper has been running for two consecutive years. The 23-page report estimated the size of the Chinese luxury travel market and explored how affluent Chinese prefer to travel.

The paper includes face-to-face interviews and questionaires with over 150 individuals worth over 10 millioin yuan each, conducted during April and May 2012. Most of these millionaires are from Beijing and Shanghai. 80 percent of them are male and the average age is 37.

Sanya, Hong Kong and Yunnan still rank as the top three destinations in China, while Xinjiang entered the top 10, from 13th place last year. In addition, 64 percent of richest people own a vocation house, of which 27 percent are in Sanya and 11 percent are in Hong Kong.

In this story, we give a specific introduction to these cities, their preference rating as provided by millionaires, their previous rankings as well as some travel tips.

1 Sanya

Dubbed "the Hawaii of China", Sanya is the southernmost city in the country. This tropical paradise is noted for its sunshine, blue sea, fine beaches, warm climate, lush forests, rich wild life, hot springs, caves and ethnic cultures. Sanya has become even more popular after the famous Chinese romantic comedic film If You Are the One 2 was shot here. The duty-free shopping opportunities also add to the glamour of the city.

The top options to spend vacations are the Yalong Bay, Sanya Bay, Dadonghai Bay, Xiangshuiwan Bay, and Haitang Bay. The 7.5-kilometer-long Yalong Bay, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-blue waters and unparallel beauty, is honored as the "First Bay in the World". It's also the hottest coastal attraction in China. For water sports activity enthusiasts, the Wuzhizhou Island will satisfy their desire of challenging the ever-changing sea. Other must-see spots include the Tianya Haijiao(the edges of the heaven and the corners of the sea), Daxiao Dongtian(Fairy Caves), Nanshan Temple, Luobi Cave, and the Deer Turning Head Park.

Percentage in 2012: 57 percent
Rank in 2011: 1
Travel Tips:
  -- Best time to visit: September to April
  -- Local snacks: Sour bean soup, Hainan rice noodles, black bean rice, coconut rice, and Sam Bo Luong(a herbal type dessert)
 

2 Hong Kong

Located on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong is also known as the Oriental Pearl or Shopping Paradise. It consists of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 262 outlying islands. Being a famous center for international finance and trade, this vibrant metropolitan city aesthetically combines different cultures with Chinese traditions.

The top attraction of Hong Kong is Victoria Harbor, a world-famous natural harbor situated between the Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. The Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island's highest peak, offers a magnificent view of the harbor and the mega skyscrapers along its shores, especially in the night when all buildings are lit up. The other not-to-be-missed attractions include the Wong Tai Sin Temple, Repulse Bay, Ladies' Street (Ladies' Market), the Ocean Park and Disneyland.

Percentage in 2012: 52 percent
Rank in 2011: 2
Travel Tips:
  -- Best time to visit: October to March
  -- Local snacks: Spicy fish ball, egg tart, steamed rice rolls, steamed pudding cake, chicken cookie
 

3 Yunnan

Yunnan is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and its name literally means the "south of the colorful clouds". Yunnan is a renowned destination at home and abroad, attracting numerous tourists with its agreeable climate, complicated karst features and landscapes, diversified plant life, historical sites and rich ethnic cultures.

Its capital city, Kunming, is undoubtedly worth-seeing due to its mild temperature all year round, and the famous scenic spots such as the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake and Western Hills. The 800-year Lijiang Old Town, with its unique traditional buildings, cobbled streets, fantastic natural scenery, and amazing ethnic culture and customs, has become a destination not to be missed. Shangri-La, a Tibetan town in the northwest of Yunnan Province, is a hidden paradise of spectacular landscapes and ethnic culture. Other top attractions include the holy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dali Ancient City, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lugu Lake, and Erhai Lake and Mt. Cangshan,

Percentage in 2012: 24 percent
Rank in 2011: 3
Travel Tips:
  -- Best time to visit: Kunming: All seasons; Lijiang: April to May, and September to October; Shangri-La: May to July, and September to October
  -- Local snacks: Yunnan Romantic Rice Noodles, Braised Termite Mushroom, Xuanwei Ham, steamed rice with pineapple