When combined, 旅行 (lǚxíng) literally means “to journey by going/walking.” It captures the essence of moving from one place to another, emphasizing the process and the experience of the journey itself.
Historically, extensive travel in China was a serious undertaking, often reserved for scholars, officials on imperial duty, or merchants. The famous proverb 读万卷书，不如行万里路 (dú wàn juàn shū, bùrú xíng wàn lǐ lù) — “Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles” — highlights the deep cultural value placed on experiential learning through travel. Travel was seen as a way to truly understand the world and oneself. In modern China, with the economic boom and the development of high-speed rail and air travel, 旅行 (lǚxíng) has become a central part of life for the growing middle class. It's a symbol of status, a way to relax, and an important activity for family bonding. Compared to the English word “travel,” 旅行 is very similar in its general sense. However, its cultural weight is slightly different. While in the West, a “trip” can be a casual weekend getaway, 旅行 in China often implies a more significant, planned journey. It's often discussed in the context of life goals, such as a “graduation trip” (毕业旅行, bìyè lǚxíng) or a “honeymoon trip” (蜜月旅行, mìyuè lǚxíng), marking important life transitions.
旅行 is an extremely common word used in everyday conversation, on social media, and in formal contexts.
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 旅行 (lǚxíng) and 旅游 (lǚyóu). They both translate to “travel” but have different focuses.
Key Rule of Thumb: All 旅游 (lǚyóu) is a type of 旅行 (lǚxíng), but not all 旅行 (lǚxíng) is 旅游 (lǚyóu). Incorrect Usage: