Chongqing Municipality in southwest China has been attracting international tourists with its distinctive natural scenery, cultural appeal, and especially its local cuisine during this year's National Day holiday.
During this National Day-Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, which runs from Oct. 1 to 8, the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport experienced a peak in passenger traffic, with expected flights exceeding 400 and border crossings surpassing 55,000 -- a 35 percent increase compared to the same period of last year.
Many international tourists chose to experience Chongqing's unique festive atmosphere during this traditional holiday.
"They don't seem like kind of everything you've ever seen in other cities before, just something really different," said a British tourist.
For visitors to Chongqing, sampling local-flavored cuisine is a top priority. The Dadukou District has been hosting a China Chongqing Hot Pot Festival, featuring a massive 1.2-kilometer riverside hot pot banquet that blends cityscapes with waterfront views. Shopping areas in Jiangbei have also launched special themed menus and intangible cultural heritage snacks.
"I love the food, love the transport, love the people. Everything was really nice," said a Romanian tourist dining at a must-go hot pot restaurant in a former wartime air-raid shelter. "We're basically fully booked at this point, so diners will likely need to queue if they come. We have 218 tables in total, with a seating capacity of 1,500 people at full capacity," said Wang Zilin, owner of the hotpot restaurant.
Chongqing's unique charms draw international visitors during holiday season
