Weixin Pay users flock to Hong Kong, Japan for Spring Festival holiday

The use of promotions or “mini programs” doubled in Japan.

Weixin Pay users flocked to Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea during the Spring Festival holiday, according to data gathered by Weixin between 28 January to 2 February 2025.

The Chinese payments giant— owned by instant messaging app Weixin, known globally as WeChat— observed a surge of inbound tourism during the period.

The total number of Weixin Pay transactions made by international travellers in mainland China rose by 134% compared to the holiday period in 2024.

Countries with the fastest growth in Weixin Pay cross-border transactions included Luxembourg, Malaysia, Sweden, Mongolia, and Italy.

Weixin Pay said that its mini programs gained popularity amongst Chinese travellers overseas.

The number of Chinese Travellers using Weixin Pay mini programs in Japan doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, it said.

The UK, Spain, and Switzerland also experienced a nearly 40% year-on-year (YoY) increase in mini program usage by Chinese travellers.

In South Korea and Thailand, transactions made through Weixin mini programs by Chinese travellers increased by 45% and 30% YoY, respectively, the platform said.

Mini programs include promotions with stores such as Starbucks, TIL Chinalink— a cross-border transport service in the Greater Bay Area— and the Big C supermarket chain in Thailand.

Also Read

Airwallex to acquire Viet IPS provider CTIN Pay

RCBC transforms mobile phones to payment terminals for MSMEs

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit