Pet-friendly travel demand on upswing

Dog owners bring their pets to a park in Anji county, Zhejiang province, on May 5, to participate in a dog beauty pageant. Anji county has been making various tourist attractions pet-friendly in recent years. PAN XUEKANG/FOR CHINA DAILY

When Zhang Yi packed her bags for a recent holiday trip to the grasslands of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, she made sure one companion was not left behind: her beloved Shiba Inu.

The Chongqing-based pet owner has traveled with her dog to more than 20 cities across China, usually by car. On this trip, the pair camped on the vast Hulunbuir grassland, where her dog ran freely around the prairie.

"I treat my dog as family," the 31-year-old said. "I'm busy with work most of the year, so traveling together is a way for us to spend more time together and for my dog to experience new environments."

Zhang is part of a growing wave of Chinese travelers who refuse to leave their "furry children" behind. Once considered a niche hobby among dedicated pet owners, traveling with animals is increasingly shaping China's tourism market, from hotels and campsites to transportation and destination services.