Chongqing - Throughout the May Day holiday from April 29 to May 3, data show that 120 tourist attractions in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality received a total of 6.4126 million visitors, marking a 67.2% increase compared to the same period last year and a 17.9% growth from 2019.
Based on preliminary statistics, Chongqing experienced a surge in overnight tourists during the five-day holiday, reaching a total of 1.44 million. This represents a 69.5% year-on-year increase and a recovery to 108.3% of the 2019 level.
Chongqing's Riverbank Park was crowded with tourists during the May Day holiday. (Photo/Wu Zhenqi)
Data from the travel platform Qunar indicates that Chongqing ranks among China's top 10 most popular tourist cities. In addition, data from Meituan revealed that Chongqing's Jiefangbei business district was the top nightlife destination in the country during the holiday. According to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, key retail and catering enterprises experienced a 20.1% year-on-year increase in sales, a 9.4% rise compared to the same period in 2019.
Jiefangbei business district in Chongqing on April 29. (Photo/Huang Zuwei)
Urban tourism saw high demand, with Ciqikou Ancient Town attracting 737,900 visitors and Hongyadong Scenic Area drawing 519,100 visitors.
Hongyadong Scenic Area received 519,100 visitors during the May Day holiday. (Photo/Huang Zuwei)
5A scenic spots remained the top choice for inter-provincial and group tours. The Wulong Karst Tourism Area welcomed 352,100 visitors, Qianjiang Zhuoshui Scenic Area hosted 181,900 visitors, Fengjie Baidi City-Qutang Gorges Scenic Area attracted 107,400 visitors, Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain Scenic Area drew 84,700 visitors, and Jiangjin Simian Mountain Scenic Area received 73,100 visitors. 
The picture of Qiansimen Bridge at 10:00 p.m. on April 29. (Photo/Xiaodan)
Theme parks proved popular among young people and families, with Chongqing Zoo attracting 266,400 visitors and Chongqing Happy Valley welcoming 124,900 visitors. Historical and cultural sites also saw significant interest, with Gele Mountain Martyrs Cemetery hosting 137,500 visitors, Three Gorges Museum drawing 78,200 visitors, and Dazu Rock Carvings receiving 64,200 visitors.
During the holiday, Chongqing organized an array of cultural and tourism activities, such as the 8th Chongqing Cultural Tourism Consumption Season. This event featured 173 cultural and tourism consumption activities, drew 7.56 million participants, and distributed tourism consumption vouchers worth 27.85 million yuan (approximately $4.03 million).
Throughout the holiday, various art units and private performance groups in the city expanded their offerings of cultural and artistic products, showcasing performances like the dance drama "The Flowers of War," the fairytale ballet "Animal Carnival: A Children's Dreamland," the acrobatics show "Top of the World Show Version 2.0," and a variety of theatrical productions.
The large-scale acrobatic show Top of the World Show Version 2.0 was staged at the Chongqing International Circus City during the May Day holiday. (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)
Additionally, 43 public libraries and 41 cultural centers throughout the city offered free admission and extended services, delivering a wealth of online content. These venues attracted 1.1012 million visitors, with an additional 650,500 accessing their online services.
The city's various museums and memorials curated and launched 65 special exhibitions and 98 social education activities, captivating tourists and citizens alike who visited museums and experienced the allure of traditional culture. These institutions welcomed a total of 983,100 visitors.
The city also organized intangible cultural heritage folk events such as the Fengdu Temple Fair and the Wansheng Miao Mountain Festival, rural evening gatherings, and other cultural and tourism brand activities. Over 200 sessions of intangible cultural heritage inheritance and practice activities, including temple fairs, singing and dancing competitions, food tastings, and product exhibitions, were actively conducted. These events engaged a total of 500,000 participants, promoting both the excellent traditional culture and the unique culture of Bayu.
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