Rural tourism is gaining popularity across China during the National Day holiday, with travelers flocking to nearby villages to enjoy autumn scenery, cultural experiences and agricultural activities.
In Nanchang City, east China's Jiangxi Province, historic villages and pastoral landscapes are drawing visitors with a range of immersive cultural attractions.
At the Anyi Ancient Village Scenic Area, traditional architecture featuring gray-tiled roofs and brick walls is complemented by bright red holiday decorations. Visitors can take part in live performances and traditional wedding proceedings based on Tang Dynasty (618-907) customs, offering an immersive experience of traditional Chinese marriage rituals.
The scenic area has also introduced a "silver banknote" consumption system. Visitors can earn the specially designed notes by taking part in interactive activities and use them to redeem local snacks or offset spending at participating businesses. The initiative links sightseeing with dining, accommodation and other services, helping boost holiday consumption in the ancient village.
The scenic area is expected to receive more than 100,000 visitors during the week-long National Day holiday.
"The biggest feature of our festivities this year is that we have transformed the entire ancient village into a live theater. Visitors are no longer spectators, but become part of the story, allowing them to enjoy a wonderful holiday," said Xia Bin, general manager of Nanchang Anyi Ancient Village Tourism Operation.
Rural tourism is also gaining momentum in the outskirts of Zhuhai City, just north of Macao, where agricultural and cultural activities are bringing visitors to the countryside.
At a farm in Jinwan District, families are taking part in farming experiences and countryside games. Local libraries, museums and cultural centers have also extended public cultural services into the fields, offering mobile reading rooms, outdoor movies and classes in the countryside.
The attractions are drawing many visitors from Hong Kong and Macao, who are bringing their families to experience rural life and enjoy the pastoral scenery.
"The scenery is really beautiful, and it also has a strong feeling of rural life. I happened to bring my child here, and the rice and other things here give him a chance to see them in real life and learn more about them," said Leung Wai Man, a tourist from the Macao Special Administrative Region.
In Dangshan County, Suzhou City of east China's Anhui Province, pear orchards along the old course of the Yellow River are also welcoming visitors during the harvest season.
To make holiday trips more convenient, local authorities have set up visitor service centers and rest stations at orchards. Staff provide travel information, picking guidance, fruit packaging, refrigerated delivery and emergency assistance.
After picking pears, visitors can have the fruit packed and shipped directly to their homes, allowing them to enjoy both the harvest experience and the convenience of supporting services.
Rural tourism surges across China during National Day holiday
