Chongqing - As the "longest-ever" 9-day Spring Festival holiday concluded on Feb 23, Chongqing has once again solidified its status as a premier global destination. According to data from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development and major platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy, Chongqing has broken into the Top 10 national destinations, ranking alongside Beijing and Shanghai in overall booking volume, family travel, and inbound tourism.
Chongqing is a premier global destination during this spring festival (Photo: Nanan District)
The city's tourism market got off to a remarkable start, with 130 monitored A-level scenic spots welcoming 12.6 million visitors, a 5.6% year-on-year increase. Notably, Chongqing's inbound tourism witnessed overnight international visitors jumping 52.1% to 28,500. The holiday also saw a digital revolution, as AI-assisted travel bookings for the city skyrocketed by over 800%.
From the stilted houses of Hongyadong (1.38 million visitors) to the ancient streets of Ciqikou (1.58 million), Chongqing's iconic landmarks were "sold out" throughout the break. For instance, Chongqing's Nanan District was a major highlight, with the new-year drone light show over Nanbin Road and the historic Danzishi Old Street (1.33 million visitors) drawing massive crowds.
Hongyadong Scenic Spot (Photo: Yuzhong District)
Beyond the city center, winter sports became a massive revenue driver. Wulong Karst Tourism Area welcomed 929,000 visitors, fueled by the popularity of Fairy Mountain's outdoor skiing and snow-tubing. Similarly, Fengdu County leveraged its high-altitude peaks to offer immersive "Snow Village" experiences and alpine sledding. These mountain destinations successfully capitalized on the seasonal demand, turning their snowy landscapes into high-traffic hubs for families and adventure seekers.
Fairy Mountain Outdoor Ski Resort (Photo: Wulong District)
Cultural immersion also became a centerpiece of the 2026 New Year holiday. Chongqing's museums hosted 96 themed exhibitions—many focusing on Horse Year heritage—attracting 2.59 million visits, a 37.7% increase. Public libraries and cultural centers also saw high engagement, serving over 1.6 million people through "Cultural Banquets."
The city breathed new life into tradition with over 450 non-tangible cultural heritage activities, such as the Tongliang Dragon Dance and Dazu Rock Carvings Light Show, attracting 1.6 million participants. With over 1,300 promotional events and 2 billion yuan (around 289 million USD) in market subsidies, Chongqing has not only broken records but also signaled a high-quality upgrade in its tourism ecosystem, ensuring the "Mountain City" remains a top choice for a steady stream of global travelers.