Chongqing - During the National Day holiday, rural tourism in Chongqing experienced a significant surge in popularity. From staying in charming countryside homestays to enjoying traditional craft markets and local festivals, tourists were drawn to the scenic villages. 

In recent years, rural tourism has emerged as a popular travel trend, especially during the National Day holiday. Many Chongqing villages witnessed a doubling in bookings for cultural and tourism activities. According to several tourism platforms, rural tourism across the country has seen an estimated 60% increase in bookings during this period.

Chongqing Youyang Taohuayuan (the Peach Blossom Spring) Scenic Area. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)

Rural homestays in high demand

“Tickets sold out within minutes,” shared Zhu Qian, a staff member at the popular Meixin Red Wine Town in Fuling District. Over 360,000 visitors flocked to the town within the first three days of the holiday, eager to experience its renowned cable car ride and local agricultural products.

Meixin Red Wine Town has transformed old houses and school buildings into unique homestays along the Yangtze River. These river-view accommodations have been fully booked throughout the holiday. “Our homestays offer a unique experience compared to traditional hotels, with beautiful riverside views at a high value,” stated a Meixin Red Wine Town representative. 

This trend is evident in many parts of Chongqing. Jibai Homestay in Beibei District was booked months in advance. Owner Zhou Song, who started his homestay in 2020 after the old mine was converted into a tourism site, said, “The demand is incredible, with guests needing to book several months ahead for holidays.”

Agricultural culture draws tourists

In addition to traditional homestays, visitors have been drawn to activities that showcase Chongqing’s agricultural heritage. In Qitang Town, Bishan District, tourists enjoyed folk performances set against the picturesque farmland. Villagers donned traditional attire and used farm tools as props, performing dances that reflected the local way of life. 

Educational tours themed around agricultural culture, especially for families, have also gained popularity. In Dongsheng Village, Beibei District, families participated in “one-day farmer” experiences, where children could learn about and harvest local crops. “These hands-on agricultural experiences have put our village on the map,” said Jiang Hongliu, Party Secretary of Dongsheng Village. In recent years, the village has collaborated with artists from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute to incorporate traditional farming elements into the village’s cultural projects, creating immersive experiences that resonate with visitors.

Innovative rural tourism offerings

Throughout the National Day holiday, new and unique rural experiences have attracted visitors to various parts of Chongqing. In Changsha Town, Kaizhou District, villagers held a “village basketball tournament” to celebrate the holiday, showcasing the community’s love for the sport. Meanwhile, Qianjiang District’s Zhuoshui Ancient Town hosted a “Harvest Market,” where visitors could sample local delicacies. In other areas, such as Xiushan and Zhongxian County, events included bonfire gatherings and live performances, adding a vibrant touch to the rural festivities.

Chongqing’s rural tourism boom highlights a nationwide trend as more travelers seek authentic, culturally rich experiences that reconnect them with nature and tradition. The region’s diverse cultural resources present abundant tourism opportunities, and by creating unique, locally inspired experiences, Chongqing aims to drive sustainable growth in rural tourism.

(The Chinese version of this report was contributed by Liu Chong and Su Chang, reporters from Chongqing Daily.)