The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has taken off this year with unprecedented enthusiasm among the people of the Chinese mainland. From February 10 to February 17, the holiday season witnessed a remarkable increase in both tourism and consumer spending, driven by vibrant cultural activities and strong community engagement.
Traditional cultural events such as temple fairs, lantern festivals, and lively market scenes have been major attractions. Highlights include the Qinhuai River Lantern Fair in Nanjing, the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair in Shanghai, and the Xi'an City Wall Light Show, all of which reported over a 50% year-on-year increase in bookings during the first two days of the holiday, according to Chinese travel search engine Qunar as reported by China Youth Daily.
The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair, one of China's oldest and most cherished lantern festivals, drew over 700,000 visitors in just the first three days. This event, which showcases traditional folk customs and intangible cultural heritage, has been a cornerstone of the Spring Festival celebrations since January 21, attracting tourists from across the region, according to The Beijing News.
Beijing, a hotspot for Spring Festival tourism, saw temple fairs and parks welcoming more than 2.6 million visitors from February 10 to February 13, as reported by The Beijing News. The city's rich cultural offerings and festive atmosphere make it a top destination for both domestic and international travelers during this period.
In a boost to cultural and tourism activities, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has distributed over 600 million yuan ($83 million) in consumption coupons. These coupons are designed to encourage spending on performances, attractions, and local cuisine, further fueling the economic impact of the Spring Festival season.
The combination of cultural richness, enhanced tourist experiences, and financial incentives has made the 2024 Spring Festival a standout event, highlighting the enduring significance of this celebration in the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
Cultural activities boost tourism & consumption during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
