[Photo/IC]

Japan is the top choice of Chinese travelers planning an overseas trip during the upcoming three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asian countries have been especially popular in recent years with Chinese tourists who want to spend short break holidays abroad, such as the May Day holiday and Tomb Sweeping Festival.

Due to the recent spread of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in South Korea, many tourists who originally had plans to travel to that country changed their destination to Japan.

Easier requirements for visas and the increasing value of the Chinese yuan against the Japanese yen also are reasons for Chinese tourists to choose Japan.

Besides Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and island destinations in Southeast Asia are likely to see a stream of Chinese visitors.

According to online travel agent Tongcheng, tourist bookings during this weekend’s Dragon Boat Festival are expected to be three times more than ordinary days.

According to the current bookings, the busiest days will fall on June 18, 19 and 20, when people leave on their trips and June 22, 23 and 24 when they return. Overall, the average price for a domestic flight is 700 yuan ($113) and an international flight, 1,800 yuan, a 15 percent and 30 percent year-on-year growth, respectively.

Travel agencies said prices are still very competitive, compared to the upcoming peak season for summer vacation.

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