This year’s National Day holiday witnessed a remarkable rise in rural tourism throughout the country. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism introduced 85 “Lively Rural Life” tourism routes, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the 24 solar terms, traditional festivals, and local culinary delights. This initiative beautifully blends the rich agricultural culture with a modern lifestyle. Additionally, the “Rural Creative Life Season” showcased a diverse range of events, including concerts and art exhibitions, inviting tourists to enjoy stunning landscapes, taste regional specialties, and take part in harvest celebrations.
In Inner Mongolia’s Xing’an League, the Xing’an Holy Lake Resort attracts more than 2,000 visitors daily with its breathtaking natural views and rich historical and cultural offerings. Guests can partake in scenic pastoral experiences, savor unique farmhouse dishes, and engage in outdoor activities like camping.
Over in Gangsu’s Ling Tai County, Kangjiagou Village is a hidden gem waiting to be explored during the hawthorn harvest season, with branches adorned with bright red fruit. Set against a mountainous backdrop with the Pu River flowing through it, this picturesque village became a popular getaway for families during the National Day holiday.
Online tourism platforms report a staggering 60% increase in rural tourism bookings compared to last year. Today’s countryside not only showcases stunning sights and delicious food but also offers artistic and creative experiences, making it an enticing destination for travelers seeking both visual and culinary pleasures rooted in a rich local culture.
Rural areas have emerged as vibrant hubs for young urban innovators and entrepreneurs. This year’s Rural Creative Life Season featured over 1,000 unique activities that merge tradition with modernity, fostering a shared experience of beautiful living for both locals and visitors.
Meanwhile, traditional cultural tourism continued to thrive, with cultural exhibitions and activities drawing large crowds. Tourists engaged in traditional crafts, experienced Han opera, donned Hanfu attire, and explored creative cultural products, all contributing to a lively educational experience that revitalizes ancient traditions.
In Yunnan’s Heshun Ancient Town, which boasts a deep cultural heritage spanning over 600 years, countless tourists ventured through its ancient streets during the holiday, participating in traditional crafts such as shadow puppetry, oil-paper umbrella-making, and ancient papermaking while soaking in the unique charm of traditional culture.
Museums also played a critical role as venues for cultural exhibition and preservation. Visitors not only learned the stories behind various relics but also connected with the historical essence of Chinese culture, enriching their holiday experience and adding depth to the “holiday economy.” In Nanjing, the local museum buzzed with activity even after dark, as it extended its hours to 9 PM to accommodate the influx of visitors during the holiday.
Throughout Jiangsu Province, 92 museums extended their hours for the holiday, offering a total of 450 events, including light shows, experiences of intangible cultural heritage, and traditional opera performances.
“New Chinese-style” tourism beautifully blends the allure of traditional culture with contemporary trends, creating rich cultural travel experiences. Visitors are not just passive spectators; they actively participate in immersive cultural activities, fully appreciating the charm of China’s exceptional traditional heritage.
