This photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows a view of Pan'an Lake National Wetland Park in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenqian)
BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Xuzhou City in east China's Jiangsu Province became a popular tourism destination during this year's May Day holiday, receiving about 2.47 million tourist arrivals in its 28 major attractions, marking a year-on-year increase of 18.66 percent, according to data from a smart cultural and tourism platform.
Tourism spending in the attractions reached 823 million yuan, up 16.85 percent year on year.
Among Jiangsu cities, Xuzhou ranked first in tourist growth and second in tourist consumption growth during the holiday, showed data from Meituan, a leading life services provider.
The popularity stems from Xuzhou's historical legacy, ecological revitalization, vibrant consumption, and considerate services.
Capitalizing on its Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) heritage, Xuzhou created immersive tourism experiences. The Xuzhou Museum (Xuzhou Han Dynasty Stone Carving Art Museum) attracted nationwide visitors during the May Day holiday. Its "underground museum clusters" comprising 12 Western Han and 5 Eastern Han royal mausoleums, coupled with the Pengcheng Qili cultural axis connecting 235 historical sites, have established distinctive cultural benchmarks.
The city has transformed from an industrial hub into a green land through environmental restoration. The Pan'an Lake wetland has transformed from a mining subsidence area into an ecological showcase, and the Aishan Mountain scenic area has blended natural landscapes with cultural creativity to offer tourists inspiring experiences.
Consumption momentum has surged through Xuzhou's thriving night economy, where barbecue stalls' charcoal fires illuminated ancient streets during the holiday. Food districts like Fuguo Street and Fengchu Street saw daily average passenger flow exceed 100,000.
Targeted incentive measures including tourism vouchers, combo ticket discounts, and interactive scripted tours boosted spending, encouraging tourists to have fun and spend on innovative projects such as retro parties in Huilongwo historical and cultural street, themed events at the Xuzhou Garden Expo park, and intangible cultural heritage fairs.
Faced with the increasing tourists influx, Xuzhou provided refined and caring services. To ensure the safe and comfortable travel of tourists, the city built a comprehensive safety protection system. Meanwhile, it opened 21 bus tourism lines connecting popular tourist attractions and food streets.
(Edited by Su Dan with Xinhua Silk Road, sudan@xinhua.org)
A single purchase
