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The 2024 China Youth Consumption Trends Report by Beijing News revealed that over 70 percent of respondents travel at least once a year, with 46.36 percent making multiple journeys annually. More than 40 percent of the respondents spent over 5,000 yuan ($688) per year on travel.

Young people are increasingly willing to pay for high-quality travel experiences and place greater emphasis on the journey itself as well as its emotional and intellectual rewards, the report said.

For the younger generation, hotels are not just places to sleep, but central to lying-flat travel.

Yi Lin, a 32-year-old executive based in Beijing and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has been traveling for a decade and has visited more than 10 countries. In recent years, she has prioritized relaxation over sightseeing, and comfort over crowds.

For her, a vacation is not about rushing from one landmark to another, but instead immersing herself in the world of a beautifully designed hotel. "I realized that a hotel can be more than just a place to sleep — it can be the destination itself," said Yi.

She carefully selects hotels that offer striking architecture, cultural elements, and premium hospitality.

"A good hotel is like a museum. In Mexico, I stayed at a vibrant, artist-filled resort where local painters and dancers showcased their work. In Oman, my beachside retreat offered meditation and yoga by the sea. Each place told a different story," said Yi.