Cultural Activities Spark Tourism Boom During China’s 2024 Spring Festival

China’s most important festival of the year—the Spring Festival—has brought a significant boost to tourism and consumption in 2024. Enthusiasm among Chinese people for visiting relatives and friends and enjoying the festivities has reached new heights, leading to increased demand across the country.

Tourism and traditional cultural activities have proven to be major attractions throughout the holiday season. Experiencing folk customs at traditional temple fairs, watching lights at lantern festivals, and purchasing New Year gifts at lively events have been crowd-pleasers, drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Major events such as the Qinhuai River Lantern Fair in Nanjing, the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair in Shanghai, and the Xi’an City Wall Light Show have reported a year-on-year increase of more than 50% in bookings during the first two days of the Spring Festival holiday, which runs from February 10 to February 17, according to Chinese travel search engine Qunar, as reported by China Youth Daily.

The annual lantern festival at Yuyuan Garden, one of China’s oldest lantern fairs and a cherished form of intangible cultural heritage, has been running since January 21. It has attracted over 700,000 tourists during the first three days of the holiday, according to official data reported by The Beijing News.

In Beijing, temple fairs and parks have been bustling with activity, receiving more than 2.6 million visits from February 10 to February 13, The Beijing News reported, citing official data. The city’s rich cultural offerings have contributed to its popularity as a top tourist destination during the Spring Festival.

Ahead of the holiday, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that over 600 million yuan (approximately $83 million) would be distributed in cultural and tourism consumption coupons. These coupons can be used for activities such as attending performances, visiting attractions, and enjoying food during the Spring Festival period, further stimulating consumption and participation in cultural events.

The surge in tourism and cultural activities during the Spring Festival reflects the vibrant spirit of the Chinese people and the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The theme of family reunions and traditional celebrations continues to play a significant role in boosting the economy and promoting cultural exchange.