Top Reasons the Maldives Is a Favourite Destination for Chinese Travellers
When you picture travelers enjoying the sun on white sandy beaches or snorkeling through coral gardens in the Maldives, chances are, a growing number of them are from China and that’s no coincidence.
In recent years, China has emerged as one of the Maldives’ most important tourism partners, and the connection is deeper than just vacation photos and spa days. It’s a story of strong diplomatic ties, evolving travel tastes, and a shared appreciation for beauty, luxury, and cultural exchange.
China & Maldives: The Numbers Say It All
• In 2019, over 284,000 Chinese travelers visited the Maldives — making China the #1 source market for the islands.
• Even after the pandemic pause, Chinese tourists are back in the top 5 by mid-2025 — and numbers are climbing fast.
• Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu make travel smooth and easy.
• The Maldives was one of the first countries allowed by China when outbound tourism reopened — that’s a big sign of trust.
“China’s return as a leading market highlights our long-standing friendship and the Maldives’ continued appeal to Chinese travelers,”
— Maldives Ministry of Tourism
Not Just Tourists but friends
The China–Maldives relationship runs deeper than Instagram reels and resort stays.
• Diplomatic ties go back to 1972, and the partnership has only grown stronger.
• The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, opened in 2018, now connects Malé to the airport a daily symbol of how close the two countries really are.
• Students from the Maldives study in China. Chinese doctors and engineers have worked in the Maldives. It’s not just about travel it’s about shared growth.
🇲🇻 Fun Fact: The bridge was the first ever overwater bridge in the Maldives!
Why the Maldives Feels Like Home (Even If It’s Far Away)
Main honeymoon destination
The Maldives is a top honeymoon destination for Chinese couples. Think private dinners, beach weddings, rose-petal baths, and sunrise yoga. Some resorts even offer photo packages with red silk dresses and drone shots — perfect for Xiaohongshu.
All About Family
Chinese families love to travel together and the Maldives is perfect for it.
Spacious villas, calm beaches for kids, spa treatments for grandma, and fishing trips for grandpa all in one place.
Social Media Gold
Let’s be real the Maldives is made for content.
Chinese influencers post Maldives moments that rack up millions of views:
• Floating breakfasts
• Hammocks over turquoise lagoons
• Sunrise pool selfies
The Maldives is all over my feed — it’s luxurious, quiet, and absolutely stunning in photos.”
i Wei, a traveler from Shanghai
What Chinese Travelers Look For
Chinese guests typically:
Book all-inclusive packages (flights, meals, excursions = no stress)
Prefer Mandarin-speaking staff or Chinese signage
Travel during Lunar New Year, Golden Week, and summer holidays
Value cleanliness, service, and safety (something the Maldives is known for)
And guess what? Resorts have taken note — many now offer:
• Chinese menus
• Hot water kettles and tea in rooms
• Even instant noodles in the minibar (yes, really)
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know
About the Maldives:
• It’s the lowest country on Earth — average ground level is just 1.5m above sea level!
• The Maldives has more ocean than land (duh) — but it also has some of the rarest wildlife, including tiger sharks and black corals.
Did you know?
“Maldives” in Mandarin is 马尔代夫 (Mǎ’ěrdàifū).
Chinese tourists often plan pre-wedding photo shoots here — complete with red dresses flowing in the wind.
• On Chinese platforms like Douyin (TikTok China), “Maldives honeymoon” videos trend almost every holiday season.
• Many resorts now offer drone photo services just for this market.
The Maldives isn’t just a beautiful destination. For Chinese travelers, it’s become a place to fall in love, to celebrate milestones, to relax with family, and to collect unforgettable moments.
This year alone,over 144,000 Chinese tourists have visited Maldives, making it their top destination.
