Chongqing’s “Holiday Economy” Booms During May Day Break

Chongqing -‍ During the May Day holiday, Chongqing's cultural and tourism market was booming. The 130 key scenic spots monitored by the city received a total of 8.15 million visitors, a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. Among them, 25,400 were inbound overnight tourists, a year-on-year increase of 42.8%, demonstrating the continued appeal of Chongqing's cultural and tourism brand.

Diverse Tourism Experiences and Vibrant Consumption Activities

During the holiday, Chongqing leveraged its "Majestic Landscapes,  Dynamic Chongqing" cultural and tourism brand, launching a series of cultural tourism routes and activities under the theme "Dynamic Chongqing, Fun for May Day." These offerings catered to diverse visitor interests, including sightseeing, red tourism, self-driving leisure trips, and eco-wellness experiences, with specially designed cultural and ecological routes further enriching the city’s tourism supply.

In addition, the city organized over 700 featured consumption promotion events. Major commercial districts showcased strong crowd-pulling effects through these activities, while districts and counties offered a variety of service-oriented promotions. Data shows that total citywide consumption during the holiday period increased by 7.0% year-on-year.

International Visitors on the Rise, City's Unique Charm Shines

Beyond domestic tourists, Chongqing has also become a popular destination for international visitors. Its unique "8D Magical City" three-dimensional landscapes and high-altitude experiences have proven particularly appealing. Attractions such as Raffles City, Liziba, and the Yangtze River Cableway have become popular check-in spots. One foreign visitor said, "I often see Chongqing on social media. Its stunning scenery and 8D magical charm really attracted me, which is why I chose to travel here."

Chongqing also offers immersive cultural experiences tailored for international visitors, including historic streets, exhibitions, and tea culture tours, allowing them to explore the roots of Bayu culture and experience the harmony between history and modernity. Gong Shihan, a staff member at Xiahaoli, reported, "During the first four days of the May Day holiday, Xiahaoli welcomed around 300,000 visitors, a 35% increase compared with last year, with international visitors accounting for about 70%."

Convenient policies such as 240-hour visa-free transit, multilingual signage at scenic spots, and professional multilingual services provide international tourists with a warm and welcoming experience.

This May Day holiday, with its open approach and attentive services, Chongqing allowed both domestic and international visitors to fully appreciate its beautiful mountains and rivers, magical cityscapes, and rich cultural charm.

(Dong Baoxu, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)