In China paid holiday time is still a relative novelty, having only been introduced 15 years ago. The 2 weeks of leave are so precious that they are called the ’Golden Weeks’ and 400 million people take advantage of them every year. As a whole new market opens up this phenomenon is going to change the global tourist industry. We meet a variety of holidaymakers both in China and abroad as well as a tourism industry magnate.
Some have taken to the beach, Qing Dao is the most popular seaside town in China but the beachgoers are wearing some unusual attire. Others are going crazy for the caravan but with so few camping sites in the country just pitching up can be adventure. There is also the non politically correct theme park in which dwarf employees put on costumes and dance for the audience.
But not all the holidaymakers are having a good time, we also meet some whose holiday to Europe went terribly wrong.
How has China progressed from a starving country at the beginning of the 21st century to having one of the highest obesity rates in the world?
More info
What China has baptised 'The New Silk Road' allows a pair of trainers to be transported by train from China to France in less than two weeks. But they also act as a vehicle for a wave of Chinese expansionism across the world.
More info
In China, the one-child policy has led to a surplus of male singles, and a new market has spread up around dating.
More info