GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s streets, beaches and food stalls were abuzz this week as Chinese tourists flocked to the state for their National Day “Golden Week” holidays.
The week-long break from Oct 1 to 8 drew steady arrivals from major Chinese cities, spurred by visa-free entry and more frequent flights between both countries.
Many visitors came for Penang’s mix of heritage charm, scenic views and famous food.
Lawyer Anna Yang, 28, from Beijing, spent two days exploring George Town’s heritage enclave with a colleague.
“My camera captured so many unique sights – the people, the buildings, the little details of everyday life.
“This is my first time in Penang and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to communicate with locals. We really wish we had more time to explore,” she said at a museum in Lebuh Gereja on Friday.
Marketing executive Li Wei, 34, from Shanghai, travelled with her husband and five-year-old daughter after seeing Penang featured by social media travel influencers.
“We wanted somewhere warm, cultural and family-friendly.
“Penang has a unique atmosphere that feels different from other South-East Asian destinations, and the food here tastes familiar,” she said while strolling along Lebuh Armenian.
Engineer Zhang Hao, 42, from Guangzhou, said it was his first visit back since 2010.
“Penang has developed so much but still kept its heritage. I love how the old buildings are preserved,” he said at a food court while enjoying satay with his family. He added that the state was less crowded than other regional destinations.
Tour agent Lim Kian Hock, 51, who led a group of 25 tourists from Shenzhen, said bookings from China had risen sharply this year.
“We’ve seen about a 20% increase compared with last year. Many are returning visitors who share their experiences online and inspire first-timers.
“Most stay between four and seven days, and they love the mix of culture and food. Penang’s strong local character and harmony of cultures make it especially appealing,” he said.
Golden Week marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Oct 1, 1949, and is one of two long national breaks each year alongside the Lunar New Year holidays.
China’s government designates it as a seven-day public holiday to spur domestic spending and tourism, allowing hundreds of millions to travel, visit relatives and take extended leisure trips both within China and abroad.
Malaysia’s visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, introduced in December 2023, has boosted arrivals and made travel planning easier.
