Macau Experiences Influx of Visitors During Chinese New Year

Macau proved to be a major attraction during the Chinese New Year holiday, as the city welcomed just under 1.56 million visitors in the course of the nine-day celebration period that was observed by Chinese mainland authorities. The visitor count stemmed mainly from the Chinese mainland, which is the primary market for tourists in Macau, reflecting the region's enduring charm and allure for travelers from the mainland.

The preliminary figures regarding visitor arrivals were gathered from Macau’s Public Security Police. This agency is tasked with overseeing the city's immigration checkpoints, which play a crucial role in managing visitor influxes.

According to the data, the average number of travelers arriving in Macau from February 15 to February 23 reached approximately 172,783 people per day. These dates encompassed the holiday duration specified by China's State Council. The Chinese New Year, known this time as the Year of the Horse, officially began on February 17.

This period is typically marked by increased business activities in Macau’s tourism and gaming sectors, as visitors flood into the city to partake in festivities and leisure pursuits.

Journey Patterns and Entry Points

The data did not include a detailed breakdown regarding where holiday visitors hailed from, but it did specify the main entry points through which most visitors arrived in Macau. During this period, the Border Gate checkpoint was the most frequented route, registering 609,547 arrivals. This checkpoint connects Macau with Zhuhai, a neighboring city on the mainland.

Another significant gateway was the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which facilitated the entry of 328,881 visitors. Additionally, the Hengqin checkpoint recorded 294,479 arrivals. These entry points are vital to the understanding of travel patterns during significant holidays like the Chinese New Year, underscoring how pivotal connectivity is between Macau and its neighboring regions.

Mainland China Dominates Visitor Demographics

Supporting data provided by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) painted a broader picture of visitor demographics during the festive period. Analysis revealed that over 1.08 million visitors in the first eight days, from February 15 to February 22, originated from mainland China. These figures highlight the mainland's role as a predominant source of tourists during this festive time.

Moreover, MGTO data also showed that an additional 227,032 visitors during the same period were from Hong Kong. The data underscores the interconnectivity of these regions and illustrates the importance of these markets for Macau's tourism industry.

The surge in visitor numbers during the Chinese New Year highlights the resilience and enduring attractiveness of Macau as a preferred travel destination. It's a significant indicator of the city's continued appeal to tourists, further solidifying its place as a leading hub for celebration and leisure in the region.

Source: Macau had nearly 1.56mln visitors in the 9 days of mainland's Chinese New Year break, GGRAsia, February 24, 2026.

Posted by Wizard
Feb 24 2026