Chongqing - Chongqing ranked among the nation’s top ten most popular destinations for both domestic and international visitors during the 2026 New Year holiday, as travel platforms reported a more than 60% year-on-year increase in local tourism orders.

Chongqing's New Year's Eve drone light show was staged on the evening of December 31. (Photo/CQ News)

According to Ctrip's New Year travel report, domestic attraction bookings across China grew over fourfold compared to the same period last year, while inbound travel ticket purchases rose by 110%. Chongqing entered the top-ten lists in both categories, with its most-visited spots including the Hongyadong Folk Scenic Area, Wulong Karst Tourism Area, Yangtze River Cableway, Chongqing Zoo, and Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street.

Jiefangbei New Year's Eve. (Photo/CQ News)

The city's enhanced New Year's Eve spectacle - featuring coordinated light displays, water-screen projections, floating parades, and drone formations - helped draw strong domestic and international attention. Data from Qunar also placed Chongqing among the top 10 cities for hotel bookings during the holiday, with bookings up about 50% year-on-year.

A concert hosted at N37 Moonlight City. (Photo/CQ News)

Boosted by tourism and holiday spending, overall consumption in Chongqing during the three days grew by 25.5% compared to the previous year, as reported by the municipal commerce authority. Service retail sales rose 35.0%, commodity retail sales increased 18.6%, and catering revenue climbed 33.2%.

Meixin Red Wine Town launched the "Love the Town · Spring Consumption Season" event. (Photo/CQ News)

Major shopping and business districts played a key role, with sales in 20 central commercial zones up 26.8%. Extended trading hours, limited-time promotions, and new store openings - such as the southwestern debut of an official Pokémon Card Gym - added to the festive atmosphere.

Local attractions also launched tailored events to attract visitors. Meixin Red Wine Town in Fuling District, for example, welcomed over 80,000 guests in the first two days of the holiday through its New Year culture and shopping festival. Other districts, including Liangping, Beibei, and Nan'an, activated consumption through themed tours, cultural markets, and nighttime entertainment offerings.

Meixin Red Wine Town Bonfire Night. (Photo/CQ News)

The holiday performance underscores Chongqing's growing appeal as a versatile tourism and urban experience destination, positioning the city for a strong start in 2026's domestic and international travel markets.