"Smooth tourism-market operation over the past few weeks will help build momentum for the travel boom during the long National Day holiday," Peng says.

The repressed desire to travel has been simmering for months.

"Bookings for the holiday reached 65 percent by early September," says Wang Zuoquan, an official with Beijing's Wtown resort.

The resort has seen daily visitor numbers exceed 10,000 since August, and hotel-room bookings have often exceeded the same period of last year, Wang says.

"Family travelers have significantly increased. Individual spending is rising. And guests are staying longer," Wang says.

Wtown has kept up sanitation, and offers online payments and audio guides.

Wang expects guest numbers to peak during the October holiday.

"They can enjoy the stunning autumn views of colorful leaves and enjoy hot springs," Wang says.