Which hidden gems are mainland Chinese tourists chasing this Labour Day ‘golden week’?

SCMP highlights what many travellers are currently searching for as they ditch traditional ‘must-see’ spots for niche, experience-led itineraries

Hong Kong expects about 980,000 mainland Chinese visitors over the Labour Day “golden week” holiday from May 1 to 5, a 7 per cent increase from last year.

Instead of rushing through major attractions, many travellers are opting for slower, highly curated itineraries centred on exhibitions, neighbourhood walks and carefully timed photo spots – trends driven by popular social media platforms such as RedNote.

Here, the South China Morning Post highlights what mainland tourists are currently searching for.

What are mainland tourists searching for?

Search trends and social media posts suggest a move away from traditional “must-see” attractions such as Victoria Peak and theme parks, towards more niche, experience-led itineraries.

Popular routes now include “citywalk”-style plans through Central, combining heritage sites like Tai Kwun with cafes, galleries and nearby dining spots.

Detailed itineraries often map out entire days with stops for food, exhibitions and scenic views, rather than focusing on a single destination.

Even transport experiences have become attractions in themselves, with “sunset bus” routes and harbourfront walks recommended for their views.