Chinese tourists pose for a picture at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb 13, 2016. [Photo/IC]

"I know some of my friends spent the holiday traveling abroad rather than staying at home," said Zhang, who added that his parents showed surprising enthusiasm for his vacation plans.

"It is a win-win plan for us since we can be with family and my son can travel," said Zhang's 56-year-old father, who lives in Liaoning province.