New Survey Highlights China Attractions That Are Most Interesting To Canadian Travelers

  • On June 27, 2019
  • By Sarah Bauder
  • In General
No Comments

We conducted a survey asking 1,500 Canadian respondents what aspect of China they were most interested in when visiting the country. We used Google Surveys and targeted males and females between the ages of 18 to 65+ from coast to coast. We asked the following question with several possible responses:

  • Visiting the Great Wall
  • Trying the foods
  • Petting Pandas
  • Exploring mountains, lakes, and scenery
  • Temples and architecture
  • Visiting big cities (Shanghai, Hong Kong, etc.)
  • Visiting the Terracotta Warriors

Older Travelers Are Most Interested In World-Renowned Attractions

When asked what aspect of China they were most interested in, 24.9% of respondents indicated “visiting the Great Wall”. Yet, some very interesting results occur when demographic filters are applied. The percentage skyrockets to an astounding 36.4%, specifically for males and females 65+.

Likewise, compelling additional insight is provided when demographic filters are applied to the survey results for respondents. The percentage of respondents who selected visiting the Great Wall rises at an exponential rate as the demographic ages. For example, 27.3% of those between 55 and 64 years old chose the Great Wall, and collectively, 30.6% of respondents 55 and older indicated this answer. Curiously, 14.1% of those 55 and older selected “visiting the Terracotta Warriors”, making it the second most popular response amongst older demographics.

This steady percentage increase with older travelers being most interested in visiting the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors could best be explained by the nature of the attractions themselves. The Great Wall is synonymous with China itself, and the Terracotta Warriors are a world-renowned attraction. With a rich history that spans centuries, coupled with its extraordinary cultural significance to not only China, but the world (both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors are regarded as a “bucket list”. The desire to behold the magnificence of human ingenuity would, therefore, be greater for older travelers.

Trying The Various Foods Holds The Most Interest for 25 to 34 year-olds

China is world-famous for its wide variety of delectable food. Looking at the second most popular response, this is proven to be true.

The second largest group of respondents at 17%, indicated that “trying the foods” was what they were most interested in when visiting China. This comes as no surprise, considering the vast array of foods available in Chinese cuisine. With a myriad of delicious options, clearly, travelers are keen to sample authentic Chinese foods when visiting China.

Interestingly, that percentage increases even further when demographic filters are applied for individuals between the ages of 25 to 34 year-olds, to 19.4%. This could perhaps be explained by the popularity of “foodie culture” within this demographic.

Petting Pandas Are An Interesting Option For Some

No animal better symbolizes China than the panda. Considering these wonderful bears are found nowhere else on Earth, it comes as little surprise that 13.8% of respondents chose this option.

However, compelling results occur when demographic filters are applied specifically to 18 to 24 year-olds. Curiously, 19.6% of young adults stated that petting pandas were what they were most interested in when visiting China. Factoring in the percentage increase, that makes this option the second most popular response with 18 to 24 year-olds. This could best be explained by the novelty component of this activity. In general, younger demographics are more inclined towards novelty, and the shareable nature of an activity on social media. Petting pandas is an “Instagram-worthy” aspect of China that is most appealing to the youngest demographic for that specific reason.

Exploring Mountains, Lakes And Scenery Is A Popular Option for 25 to 64 Year-Olds

A smaller, albeit still important group, 12.3%, indicated that “exploring mountains, lakes, and scenery” was the aspect of China, which they were most interested in.

China is an expansive nation with a vast array of majestic landscapes to be explored, coupled with stunning scenery at every turn.

Yet, interesting results occur when demographic filters are applied. For respondents between 25 and 64 year-olds, 12.5% chose this option. Therefore, that makes this response the third most popular choice amongst this age group.

Temples, Architecture, And Visiting Big Cities Are Interesting Options For Some

Of those who responded to the survey, 11.8% indicated “temples and architecture” was what they were most interested in when traveling to China. In addition, a slightly smaller percentage of respondents, 11.5%, said “visiting big cities” interested them most.

China is renowned for its world-class cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, just to name a couple. Each of these big cities is home to spectacular temples and stunning architecture in general.

Visiting The Terracotta Warriors Is A Popular Choice For Travelers 55 And Older

A final group of respondents, 8.7%, selected visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors the aspect about China that interested them most of all. Yet, as previously mentioned, that percentage nearly doubles to 14.1% for travelers 55 and older.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exquisitely preserved collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Dating from the 3rd century BCE, the terracotta warriors were discovered in 1974 on the outskirts of Xi’an. Considered to be one of the greatest archeological finds in the world and of profound importance, in 1987 the terracotta warriors were inscribed as a world cultural site by UNESCO.

Conclusion

Suffice to say, there are numerous aspects of China that are of tremendous interest. It is one of the largest countries on Earth and has an expansive history that stretches over thousands of years. From its world-renowned attractions and majestic landscapes and scenery to its big cities that meld the ancient with the modern – all these aspects make China of must-see destination for travelers.

Details About The Study And RMS Score

Sampling

Audience: Users on websites in the Google Surveys Publisher Network

Method: Representative

Age: All Ages

Gender: All Genders

Location: Canada

Language: English

Frequency: Once
Root mean square error (RMSE) is a weighted average of the difference between the predicted population sample (CPS) and the actual sample (Google). The lower the number, the smaller the overall sample bias.

 

Learn How To Book The Cheapest Flights To China

Download FREE eBook

Sarah Bauder

Sarah Bauder

Sarah has been extensive experience as a scribe, from travel writer to screenwriter, to a writer short stories. When she’s not doing one of those three things, she enjoys traveling, cooking, adventuring, reading, and anything involved being in (or under) water.
Sarah Bauder

Latest posts by Sarah Bauder (see all)