Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing welcomed 622,400, overnight tourists during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, marking a 35.8% year-on-year increase and an 11.7% growth compared to 2019, according to preliminary statistics by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development. Chongqing ranked fifth among the "Top Ten Popular Tourist Cities in China" according to the data from online service platforms Meituan and Dianping.
On June 22nd, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street was bustling with tourists. (Photo/Yin Shiyu)
The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and various districts and counties implemented over 80 preferential measures during this year's Dragon Boat Festival to stimulate consumption. UnionPay's data revealed a 12.2% increase in consumer spending in Chongqing compared to the previous year, with a 2.6% growth compared to 2019.
The holiday ended on June 24th, and the Chongqing Railway Station has sent more than 200,000 passengers. The transportation department has increased capacity by coupling trains and operating additional high-speed trains on peak routes and extending the nighttime operating hours of popular direction high-speed trains. These measures aim to increase transportation capacity and ensure passengers' safe and orderly return journey.
A-level tourist attractions received 2.04 million visitors
During the holiday, a total of 2.04 million visitors were received at 120 key tourist attractions in the city, showing a year-on-year increase of 51.6% and a 22.8% growth compared to 2019.
Urban tourism remains popular, with Hongyadong Cave receiving 282,900 visitors, Ciqikou Ancient Town receiving 226,800 visitors, and the Yangtze River Cableway receiving 39,800 visitors.
During the Dragon Boat Festival in Chongqing's High-tech Zone, people gathered at the Wuma Ancient Town, sitting together and enjoying the fun of making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). (Photo/Lei Jian)
With the arrival of graduation season, theme parks have become popular. Chongqing Zoo received 67,700 visitors, and Chongqing Happy Valley received 39,700 visitors.
5A scenic spots are still the preferred choice for high-quality and group tours. Wulong Karst Tourism Area received 121,600 visitors, Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area received 35,500 visitors, Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area received 34,200 visitors, Jiangjin Simian Mountain received 29,700 visitors, Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain received 18,400 visitors, and Dazu Rock Carvings received 17,000 visitors.
Suburban tours are highly sought after, with Tongliang Anju Ancient Town receiving 61,800 visitors, Kaizhou Hanfeng Lake receiving 53,900 visitors, and Bishan Xiuhu Lake Scenic Area receiving 43,000 visitors.
Retail sales increased by 18.7%
During the holiday period, central commercial districts and shopping malls in Chongqing have conducted a series of consumer promotion activities in sectors such as supermarkets, department stores, oil consumption, live streaming sales, and dining.
In the central urban area, key enterprises in major commercial districts have seen a year-on-year increase of 18.7% in retail sales.
Yuzhong and Jiangbei districts, taking advantage of the "6.18" promotion and the Dragon Boat Festival, collaborated with local commercial districts to offer substantial discounts, special prices, and various incentives to benefit consumers.
According to data from Qunar, hotel bookings in Chongqing during the holiday increased by 90% compared to 2019. The popular booking areas included Jiefangbei CBD and Hongya Cave, Guanyinqiao CBD, Nanping Commercial Center, Chongqing North Station, and Shapingba Station.
Exciting activities in districts and counties
All districts and counties in the city launched more than 80 measures, including issuing consumer coupons, free tickets, and offering discounts, to attract more visitors to tourist attractions and boost consumption.
Dragon boat racing is the highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival. This year, Changshou, Nanchuan, Tongnan, Rongchang, Jiangjin, and Zhongxian organized dragon boat races, attracting numerous tourists from inside and outside the city to watch and participate.
Many districts and counties also took this opportunity to launch summer rafting, picking festivals, rural tourism festivals, and food festivals.
Statistics showed that, during the period, rural homestays in Qijiang, Qianjiang, Bishan, and Changshou districts experienced year-on-year growth in revenue of 35.9%, 28.1%, 21.9%, and 20%, respectively.