As the May Day holiday, which runs from May 1 to 5, continues to drive domestic tourism, many traditional Chinese scenic spots are breaking free from the limitations of conventional sightseeing by introducing innovative business models and immersive experience formats.
These new approaches, centered on cultural integration, technological empowerment, and service optimization, are drawing growing number of tourists.
In Handan City, north China's Hebei Province, the Xiangtangshan Caves scenic spot has launched an immersive, traditional Chinese-style cultural tourism experience during the holiday. Visitors can examine the lifelike stone carvings up close.
"After the visit, I truly feel that the grottoes are majestic and ingeniously crafted. This trip has been indeed well worth it," said Yin Mengyuan, a tourist from Beijing.
The Xiangtangshan grotto complex, including 16 caves and over 450 cliffside sculptures, is a group of Buddhist cave temples located in the Fengfeng Mining District in Handan. As of May 3, the scenic spot had already received over 60,000 tourist visits in the five-day holiday season.
In the northwestern province of Shaanxi, the spectacular rugged Mount Huashan, known for its breathtaking peaks, is receiving tourists from across the country eager to climb and admire the views. To enrich the climbing experience, the scenic spot has organized multiple performances of classic intangible cultural heritage at different times and locations, including Huayin Loaqiang Opera, a traditional Chinese opera dubbed as "rock'n roll on the yellow earth," and traditional shadow puppetry.
"It's quite a novel experience. The traditional intangible cultural heritage [performances] are very down-to-earth. Watching performances while climbing makes the journey especially meaningful," said Chai Guojun, a tourist.
Nearly 50,000 tourists flooded the Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Spot in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Sunday, the third day of the five-day holiday, eager to witness the majestic sight of China's most famous waterfall.
By day, they marveled at the grand waterfall, while by night, they enjoyed a splendid light show. The scenic spot's grand live-action performance inspired by the classic novel "Journey to the West" has also become a major draw, as the Doupotang Waterfall of the Huangguoshu Waterfall group was one of the filming locations for the 1986 TV series adapted from the novel.
"The scenery is beautiful during the day, and the lights at night also add to the beauty. I think it's definitely worth it. I have a unforgettable trip, and I'm really happy," said Tian Yu, a tourist from Chengdu in the neighboring province of Sichuan.
During the first three days of the holiday, the Huanguoshu Waterfall Scenic Spot recorded over 136,400 tourist visits.
In the ancient village of Chengkan, east China's Anhui Province, a traditional fish-shaped lantern performance with distinctive Huizhou characteristics has attracted more visitors. As evening lights comes on, the parade will begin. Dozens of shimmering fish lanterns would sway gracefully, waving through the ancient streets and alleys to create a vivid nighttime tableau of the old Huizhou.
"The combination of dragon lanterns and fish lanterns is truly stunning. Walking among the Anhui-style architecture feels like stepping into a painting. It's incredibly atmospheric," said Zhou Huimin, a tourist from south China's Guangdong Province.
In the Menglian Dai, Lahu and Va Autonomous County in southwest China's Yunnan Province, a traditional Sacred Fish Festival, an event to celebrate the natural bounty of fish harvest, draws large crowds of tourists. Around midday, tens of thousands of participants would wade into the river to catch fish. Some bring with them nets and bamboo cages, while others carry buckets and scoops, but many rely on nothing but their bare hands.
According to the rules of the event, all fish caught will belong to the individual. The most coveted prize, the "King of Sacred Fish" award, comes with a cash reward.
Traditional Chinese scenic spots reinvent themselves for May Day holiday with immersive cultural experience
