The recent Spring Festival holidays witnessed an impressive surge in tourism across China, bolstered by measures such as the expansion of visa-free entry policies and UNESCO's designation of the celebration as an intangible cultural heritage. This milestone festival saw visitors from nearly 20 different countries joining the festivities, with traditional cultural events like temple fairs, dragon and lion dances, and exhibitions of Hanfu clothing drawing large crowds, and a vibrant display of landmarks in red highlighted the global appeal of Chinese customs.
entries and exits recorded a healthy increase compared to previous years, with foreign visitor numbers rising significantly. Evidence from travel platforms confirmed that ticket and hotel bookings surged greatly, and data indicated that both short-haul and long-haul travel orders from neighboring Asian countries and distant markets have experienced substantial jumps year over year.
In addition to major urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Zhuhai, traditional festival destinations including Shijiazhuang, Fuzhou, and Xi'an witnessed notable increases in bookings. The emphasis on intangible cultural heritage projects, such as lantern and temple fairs along with traditional Chinese dramas, has further captivated international tourists, as reflected by the overwhelming ticket sales and the enthusiastic social media shares of first-time experiences at these events.
14 Comments
Raphael
“The surge in tourism during the Spring Festival proves our cultural legacy resonates universally.”
Michelangelo
“This report fills me with pride. Our cultural events are not just for locals – the world is embracing us!”
Raphael
“Fantastic news! Expanded visa-free policies and UNESCO recognition truly boost our heritage and tourism.”
Leonardo
“Proud to see traditional events like temple fairs and dragon dances attracting people from all over the world.”
Donatello
“Such rapid expansion might lead to festivals being over-commercialized, losing their traditional charm.”
Coccinella
“Using UNESCO labels for marketing feels more like a sales pitch rather than a genuine celebration of culture.”
Muchacho
“The democratic access to our culture – through visa-free entries and UNESCO support – is a significant step forward.”
Habibi
“The influx of visitors might lead to overcrowding and loss of the meaningful local experiences we cherish.”
Africa
“Our heritage is being recognized & celebrated! Kudos to the initiatives that make our festivals shine.”
Bella Ciao
“The numbers are impressive, but at what cost? It could lead to the trivialization of genuine cultural practices.”
Muchacha
“What a brilliant fusion of tradition and modern tourism. It’s exciting to see our cultural authenticity being shared worldwide.”
Mariposa
“Every dragon dance and Hanfu exhibition reminds us that our history is not only cherished but also evolving.”
Donatello
“Amazing how international visitors are experiencing our festivals firsthand – a real win for cultural exchange!”
Comandante
“More visitors mean more strain on local communities and infrastructure – are we ready for that?”