Homestays in the suburbs that offer experiences including farming, local history and nature hikes are especially popular options.

The peak for family visits and graduation tours was likely reached between June 11 and June 17, boosted by families with preschool-aged children and students aged between 18 and 22, according to Tuniu.com, a travel agency platform.

"Taking a walk with curators or instructors while visiting cultural sites such as museums is what intrigues student tourists as they seek to learn what is behind cultural exhibits and get inspired by broadening their horizons," said Chen Juan, a Tuniu guide.

Liu Shuang, mother of a 14-year-old in Beijing, has enrolled her son in a literature and writing workshop, which offers participating teenagers access to captivating stories by writers like Shen Congwen (1903-88), one of the most influential modern Chinese writers, which were written in his hometown — Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province.

The trip costs nearly 10,000 yuan for seven days.

"This is a great opportunity for my son to experience life in the beautiful countryside and explore his passion for writing and literature," said Liu. "The trip also helps him to step outside our home and comfort zone in Beijing, and replace digital devices with tranquil water-town life for a while."