Record number of Chinese travel abroad for Spring Festival

Chinese tourists pack their shopping into a suitcase at a department store in Tokyo, Japan, Feb 11, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

"The popularity of Southeast Asian islands is directly related to their more relaxed visa policies," said Yan Xin, publicity manager at Ctrip.

Thailand provides multiple-entry visas for up to six months for all foreign travelers, Vietnam reduced its single-entry visa fee from $45 to $25 late last year, while Malaysia has a visa-free policy this year for Chinese travelers from March 1 to Dec 31.