QINGDAO -- New university and high school graduates are amongst the group leading the summer travel rush in China now that COVID-19 restrictions have been loosened for interprovincial travel.

Wang Ling and Guo Ziqing, two Qingdao University graduates, took a trip recently in the surrounding Mount Lao Jufeng Scenic Area in Qingdao.

"We haven't been to Mount Lao yet, so we want to visit it before we leave the university," said Guo.

"I just graduated from high school and chose to visit surrounding places in Qingdao with my classmates," added a high school graduate.

Starting this month, various scenic spots such as Mount Lao and Qingdao Underwater World in Qingdao are launching free or discounted tickets for travelers.

Online travel agency Ctrip reported a more than 300 percent jump in searches for "graduation trips" earlier this month.