The Spring Festival is a time for celebration, cultural activities, and increased tourism in China. As citizens and tourists flocked to Qianmen Street in Beijing on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, General Secretary Xi Jinping urged for the enhancement of economic vitality and the consolidation of the positive trend of economic recovery.
Throughout the country, unique cultural activities and events have been taking place, attracting people from all over to celebrate the festival. The cultural tourism market has heated up, with historical and cultural districts, traditional villages, and scenic spots becoming crowded with tourists. Activities such as lantern hanging, Spring Festival couplet posting, and traditional New Year goods festivals have brought a festive atmosphere and rich cultural experiences to locals and tourists.
In addition to cultural activities, the Spring Festival holiday has also brought about increased consumption in various sectors. Tourism bookings have seen a 60% increase compared to the previous year, and advance bookings for tourism consumption have soared approximately seven times over last year. This surge in tourism activity has been attributed to the vibrant cultural tourism market and the implementation of new cultural and tourism products and services.
To accommodate the increase in travelers during the holiday, various local departments have strengthened service guarantees to make traveling more convenient and comfortable for tourists. From warm and considerate service guarantees to smart travel options that make long-distance travel smoother, efforts have been made to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience for all.
Overall, the combination of cultural activities, increased consumption, and improved travel services has created a strong festival atmosphere and robust consumption vitality throughout China. The efforts of localities and departments in organizing popular activities have made the festival more festive and cheerful, reflecting the spirit of the Lunar New Year.
This article was published in the “People’s Daily” on February 14, 2024, and edited by Zhang Xuedong and Liu Ze.