China's tourism sector is witnessing a dynamic surge this May Day holiday, driven by vibrant local events and distinctive rural-urban experiences that are igniting a nationwide consumption boom. The West Lake scenic area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, welcomed an influx of visitors, recording nearly 1.46 million tourists in the first two days of the five-day May Day holiday season, which began Thursday. The area has burst to life with colorful flower beds, enhancing the springtime charm as visitors enjoyed boating on the lake.
In Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region, people gathered on the lawns of Norbulingka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, setting up carpets to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Zhonglou Street in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, which means bell tower street in English, has a centuries-long history dating back to as early as the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. It has now become a hotspot, attracting over 100,000 visits daily for shopping and dining.
Meanwhile, Xiangtangshan Grottoes in Handan, Hebei Province, saw more than 10,000 visits daily, and in Chongqing Municipality, throngs of tourists explored the nature's marvelous handiwork in the Yunyang Geopark.
During this May Day holiday, various regions across China have rolled out innovative activities, injecting fresh vitality into the cultural and tourism economies of cities nationwide.
In Beijing's Pinggu District, a unique combination of low-altitude exploration and natural ecology proved to be a major draw for tourists. Activities such as paragliding and fixed-wing aircraft experiences were a hit, allowing visitors to soar to heights of 1,600 meters and enjoy breathtaking views of the Yanshan mountain range, spanning the scenic landscapes of Beijing's Pinggu, Tianjin's Jizhou District, and Hebei's Xinglong County.
Additionally, campsites in the area reported a daily visitor increase of over 30 percent compared to regular days.
A wide array of distinctive local events have also been organized to captivate tourists.
In Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, lively street performances such as folk parades and stilt-walking delighted visitors, offering a unique cultural experience. In Linqing City, Shandong Province, people gathered along the banks of the Grand Canal to enjoy Peking Opera performances and savor local delicacies.
Meanwhile, in Wuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, tourists flocked to muddy ponds to try their hand at catching ducks and fishing, embracing a rustic and hands-on adventure. In Yongchun County, Fujian Province, a rich variety of intangible cultural heritage activities drew crowds of eager visitors.
Nighttime tourism activities have provided travelers with an expanded range of options during the holiday.
In Heyuan City, Guangdong Province, the inaugural Fish Lantern Night Tour event captivated visitors with vibrant fishermen's songs and traditional fish lantern dances. In Anshun City, Guizhou Province, the night tour of Huangguoshu Waterfall extended visitors' stays, while the meticulously restored Anshun ancient city offered an ideal spot for visitors to enjoy the evening ambiance of the night economy theme district.
In Kaifeng City, Henan Province, tourists embarked on boat tours for a waterborne night experience, where advanced sound, light, and electrical technologies recreated the poetic charm of Song Dynasty (960-1127) poetry along the riverbanks, complemented by unique cultural performances that drew large crowds.
China sees tourism boom during May Day festivities
